Some rare Bicentennial quarters with specific mint errors have sold for up to $1,000,000.
And many error types are still hiding in jars, drawers, and old coin albums today. 
If you have a Bicentennial quarter at home, DON’T SPEND IT until you check for these rare mistakes.
Top 1776–1976 Quarter Errors Worth Up to $1 Million
Strike-Through Error (The $1M Star)
What it is:
A foreign object — grease, cloth fibers, metal shavings, even dust — got trapped between the die and the blank coin during striking.
This leaves strange marks, dents, missing details, or unusual textures.
What to look for:
- Areas that look “melted” or flat
- Raised lumps or missing details
- Weird shapes on the drummer boy or Washington’s face
Value:
- Minor strike-throughs: $100–$900
- Large dramatic full-surface strike-throughs in MS67+ condition: up to $1,000,000
Collectors once paid $900 for a tiny strike-through — imagine the price of a flawless MS68 example with a major error.
Doubled Die Error (Collectors’ Holy Grail)
What it is:
A misaligned die created a doubled image on parts of the design.
Where to check:
- “LIBERTY”
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Drummer boy’s hands, drumsticks, drum, and face
Value:
- Sharp doubled dies in uncirculated condition: $50,000 – $1,000,000+
- Best-case scenario: MS68 or MS69 examples can reach the million-dollar tier.
Grease-Filled Die Error (Ghost Drummer Boy)
What it is:
When the reverse die becomes clogged with grease, the drummer boy appears faint, blurry, or missing.
What to look for:
- Weak drummer boy details
- Smooth or “ghost-like” reverse
- Missing drumsticks or face
Value:
- Up to $250,000+, especially when paired with another minor error such as off-center strikes or die cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1776–1976 quarter worth anything?
Most are worth $0.25 to $3.
But rare:
- doubled dies
- strike-throughs
- high-grade mint-state examples
…can sell anywhere from $1,000 to $1,000,000+
How many Bicentennial quarters were minted?
Over 1.6 billion, including:
- Denver (D) – largest total
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- San Francisco (S) – regular proofs & silver proofs
Because mintage was huge, only errors and pristine MS67–MS69 coins bring big value.
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