A rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, valued at an incredible $11 million, has collectors and regular folks checking their pockets. This quarter, found in a Virginia woman’s coin collection, turned out to be a one-of-a-kind minting error. Experts say a few more of these quarters might still be out there, hiding in cash registers or change jars. The story of this coin, sold at auction last month, has sparked a nationwide hunt for a tiny treasure that could make someone rich.
A Special Quarter for a Special Year
In 1976, the U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. It features George Washington on the front and a colonial drummer on the back, with “1776-1976” stamped on it. Most of these quarters are worth just 25 cents, but some have rare errors. The $11 million quarter was struck on a 90% silver planchet meant for special collector coins, not regular ones. This mistake, combined with its near-perfect condition, made it a collector’s jackpot.
Why It’s Worth Millions
This quarter’s value comes from its rarity and a minting mix-up. In 1976, most quarters were made of copper-nickel, but a few were accidentally struck on silver blanks used for San Francisco Mint collector sets. Only a handful of these silver errors are known to exist. The coin was graded Mint State 67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), meaning it’s almost flawless. Its shiny silver look and historical value drove bidders to pay $11 million, setting a record for modern quarters.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Error) |
| Material | 90% Silver (instead of copper-nickel) |
| Estimated Value | $11 Million |
| Grading | PCGS Mint State 67 |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 10 estimated |
How to Spot a Valuable Quarter
Want to find a million-dollar quarter? Here’s what to check:
- Date: Look for “1776-1976” on the front.
- Weight: Silver quarters weigh about 6.25 grams; regular ones are 5.67 grams.
- Edge: Silver quarters show no copper stripe, unlike regular ones.
- Mint Mark: Check for an “S” (San Francisco) below Washington’s neck.
If you find a 1976 quarter that feels heavy or looks silver, don’t clean it—it could lower its value. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification. These errors are super rare, but they’re still out there.
A Collecting Craze Takes Off
The $11 million sale has everyone talking. Social media is buzzing with people posting photos of their Bicentennial Quarters, hoping they’ve got a winner. Coin shops are swamped with customers bringing in old change, and collectors are sharing tips on spotting errors. Another silver 1976 quarter sold for $8.4 million in 2023, showing the demand for these coins. The buyer of the $11 million quarter, who stayed anonymous, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime find” that captures America’s history.
Look Through Your Change
This story proves that treasures can hide in everyday coins. A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter in your wallet or jar could be worth millions if it’s a silver error. Experts suggest checking old collections, especially from the 1970s, or coins from family heirlooms. Even if you don’t find an $11 million quarter, other rare coins could still bring a nice payout. So, grab your change and take a closer look—you might be holding a fortune without even knowing it.
