1776-1976 D Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die Reverse DDR Error RARE
The provided image shows a 1776-1976 D Bicentennial Quarter, and the user’s caption suggests it is a rare error coin with a “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR). To provide a comprehensive description of this coin, I will need to verify the specific type of error and its rarity.
The 1776-1976 D Bicentennial Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error
The image provided features a 1776-1976 D Bicentennial Quarter, a coin struck to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. While billions of these quarters were minted, making them a common find, the specific coin in the image is purported to be a rare “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR) error. This unique characteristic elevates it from a mere piece of currency to a sought-after collectible, appealing to numismatists and error coin enthusiasts alike.
Historical and Design Context
In 1975 and 1976, the U.S. Mint issued special Bicentennial coinage for the quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. Unlike standard quarters, which feature an eagle on the reverse, the Bicentennial quarter showcases a colonial drummer holding a victory torch. Thirteen stars encircle the drummer, symbolizing the original colonies. The dual date, “1776-1976,” is a prominent feature on both the obverse (the side with George Washington’s portrait) and the reverse, a design element unique to this commemorative series.
Understanding the Doubled Die Error
A doubled die error occurs during the minting process when a die (the tool used to strike the coin) is impressed with an image from a hub more than once, and with a slight shift in position between impressions. This results in a distinctive “doubled” or “ghost” image of the design elements on the finished coin. The doubling is not a result of a coin being struck twice, but rather the die itself being flawed before it ever strikes a coin.
For a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) like the one described, the doubling is present on the coin’s tails side. In the case of the Bicentennial quarter, this doubling is most often found on the letters of “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR,” as well as on design features like the drummer’s uniform and the stars. The doubling on these features, as indicated by the red arrows in the provided image, is the key diagnostic for this particular variety.
Rarity and Value
The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, error varieties like the Doubled Die Reverse can be quite valuable. The “D” mint mark on this coin indicates it was struck at the Denver Mint. While the Denver Mint produced a massive number of quarters, specific error varieties are much scarcer.
The value of a DDR Bicentennial quarter is highly dependent on the degree of doubling and the coin’s overall condition. For a circulated example with a discernible error, the value can range from tens to a few hundred dollars. Coins in a pristine, uncirculated condition with a strong, clear doubling can command a significantly higher price, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The specific variety and the coin’s grade, as determined by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, are the most critical factors in determining its market worth.
Identifying the Error
To confirm a Doubled Die Reverse error, a collector must carefully examine the coin under magnification. The image provided highlights the key areas to inspect: the letters in the inscriptions and the details of the drummer’s figure. The doubling on a true doubled die will be a distinct, shelf-like spread, rather than a flattened or smudged appearance, which is indicative of a less valuable “machine doubling” or “die deterioration doubling.”
In conclusion, the 1776-1976 D Bicentennial Quarter is a beautiful commemorative coin. When it carries a rare and well-defined Doubled Die Reverse error, it transforms from a common find into a highly collectible and valuable piece of American numismatic history.
