This rare 1776-1976 D US Bicentennial Quarter features the iconic portrait of George Washington on the obverse side and the revolutionary drummer boy on the reverse side. The coin is a must-have for any collector of US coins, especially those interested in the Bicentennial celebration. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this historic coin to your collection.
The provided image displays the obverse of a 1776-1976 quarter, a special issue coin minted to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. This coin features the standard portrait of George Washington on the obverse, but with the dual date “1776-1976” below it, signifying the 200th anniversary of the nation’s independence. This specific Bicentennial design was struck on quarters, half dollars, and dollars, and was the only design used for these denominations in 1975 and 1976. This means that no quarters were minted with the single date “1975” or “1976.” The reverse side of the Bicentennial quarter, though not visible in the photo, features a colonial drummer facing left, encircled by 13 stars.
The coin’s value is influenced by its condition and mint mark. The caption mentions a “D Mint Mark,” which indicates the coin was minted in Denver. While the Bicentennial quarters were produced in large quantities by the Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”) mints, the “D” mint mark is not particularly rare for this issue. The high mintage numbers for the Bicentennial quarters mean that most circulated examples are not worth more than their face value of 25 cents. However, some collectors might pay a slight premium for well-preserved, uncirculated examples.
The true value for Bicentennial coins lies in their condition and any unique characteristics. Coins in “Brilliant Uncirculated” (BU) condition, or those with a high-grade designation (e.g., MS-65 or higher), can be worth more. The San Francisco mint produced both copper-nickel clad “S” mint mark quarters for circulation and silver-clad “S” mint mark quarters for collectors. The silver-clad coins, due to their metal content, are inherently more valuable. Additionally, error coins, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or those with a “D” mint mark that has been improperly struck or is missing, would be considered rare and could fetch a significant price.
For collectors, a Bicentennial quarter with a “D” mint mark is a common but essential piece for a complete date set. Its primary value is historical and numismatic, celebrating a significant milestone in American history. As of late 2024, a typical circulated 1776-1976 D quarter is worth face value, while uncirculated examples might be worth a few dollars depending on their specific grade and eye appeal. For those interested in the potential for higher value, searching for error coins or coins with an exceptionally high grade would be the key.
