Are Bicentennial Quarters More Valuable as America Approaches 250th Anniversary?
Written by
Jake Safane
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Cory Dudak
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With the nation preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, it might seem like coins such as bicentennial quarters could become valuable collectibles. The reality, however, is that they are relatively common, and most aren’t worth more than their face value of 25 cents.
From time to time, the U.S. Mint produces specially designed coins to commemorate occasions or honor historical figures. One of the best examples of this is the Bicentennial Coin Program, which produced quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins to celebrate the 200th anniversary of America’s independence in 1976.
Typically, “bicentennial quarters that you find in your change are all spendable,” with no value to collectors, said Ted Ancher, director of numismatics at APMEX. Because the U.S. Mint produced over 1.6 billion of these quarters about 50 years ago, they’re “not likely to go up in value, despite next year’s anniversary,” he said.
For context, the highly collectible 1932-D and 1932-S runs of Washington quarters have a combined mintage of less than 1 million, added Ancher. Plus, these were minted in 90% silver, while the 1976 bicentennial quarters in circulation have no silver content.
Certain Bicentennial Quarters Could Be More Valuable
While most bicentennial quarters are only worth 25 cents, there are certain ones that could be worth more. Even still, you’re probably not going to get a life-changing amount of money from selling these coins.
For example, the U.S. Mint did produce some proof and uncirculated bicentennial coins that have 40% silver content. These coins could have some value if they’re considered high grade, “certified by a third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC,” explained Ancher.
Still, most of the value comes from the silver content, not the fact that it commemorates the 200th anniversary of the country’s founding.
“These also have high mintages, but will go up and down in value due to their silver content,” said Ancher.
To see if you happen to have one of these, you can do a quick eye test.
“You can easily tell if you have a silver quarter based on the reeds on the edge of the coin,” he added. “If the reeds on the edge of the coin are whitish, it likely has silver, while quarters that have a reddish/brownish appearance on the edge of the coin are just clad and worth face value.”
There are also some bicentennial quarters with errors on them that can increase the value, said Ancher, “but these are extremely hard to find, even at coin shows and/or coin shops.”
Focus on Coins You Want To Collect
For those trying to make a few bucks flipping bicentennial quarters, keep in mind that you’re not alone in this pursuit, which makes it even harder to make money this way.
“Many people collected and/or hoarded these coins, and continue to do so as they see them in their change today,” said Ancher. “But unfortunately, these would not be a good investment since the mintages are so high.”
Even the proof and uncirculated versions probably aren’t worth putting much effort into in terms of profitability.
“People do collect and hoard the silver quarters for their silver content, but these will likely not appreciate any more than their silver value in our lifetime,” said Ancher.
Still, if you enjoy coin collecting, it could be worth finding bicentennial quarters or others that pique your interest. While you might not make money from it, it’s something that also doesn’t necessarily have to cost you anything, such as if you save certain versions you find in your wallet.
“Coin collecting is a great hobby to get into since you can always spend your coins if you ever come upon hard times,” said Ancher.
Still, special edition quarters like bicentennial, Statehood Quarters, America the Beautiful Quarters, and the current American Women Quarters series are likely only worth their face value now and for all of our lifetimes, said Ancher, due to the high mintage and lack of silver. But if you enjoy collecting these commemorative quarters, it can still be worth doing, even if you don’t find a rare, valuable one.
“I always suggest collecting coins that you like, since it is your collection, regardless of their composition,” said Ancher.
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