Alfredo Dagli Orti / Shutterstock.com
Commitment to our readers
The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services.
20 years
help you get rich
trusted by
millions of readers
As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, it may seem that coins like the Bicentennial Quarter could become valuable collectibles. However, the reality is that they are relatively common, and most are not 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. is the best example of Bicentennial Coin ProgramWhich produced quarter, half dollar and dollar coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of America’s independence in 1976.
Generally, “the Bicentennial quarters you find in your change are all spendable,” with no value to collectors, said Ted Anker, director of numismatics. apmex. Because the U.S. Mint produced more than 1.6 billion of these quarters nearly 50 years ago, “their value is unlikely to increase, despite next year’s anniversary,” he said.
For context, the combined mintage of the highly collectible 1932-D and 1932-S runs of Washington quarters is less than 1 million, Anker said. Additionally, these were minted in 90% silver, whereas the 1976 Bicentennial quarters in circulation contained no silver at all.
Some Bicentennial Quarters May Be More Valuable
While most Bicentennial quarters are only worth 25 cents, there are some that may be worth more. Still, you’re probably not going to get a life-changing amount of money from selling these coins.
For example, the US Mint produced some proof and uncirculated bicentennial coins that have a silver content of 40%. These coins may have some value if they are considered high-grade, “certified by a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC,” Anker explained.
Still, most of the value comes from the silver content, not the fact that it celebrates the 200th anniversary of the country’s founding.
“There are high mints too, but price will go up and down Because of their silver content,” Anker said.
To see if you have any of these, you can take a quick eye test.
He added, “You can easily tell whether you have a silver quarter or not based on the reed on the edge of the coin.” “If the runes on the edge of the coin are white, it likely contains silver, while quarters with a red/brown appearance on the edge of the coin are simply worn and are worth face value.”
There are also some bicentennial quarters that have errors that can increase the value, Anker said, “but these are extremely difficult to find, even at coin shows and/or coin shops.”
Focus on the coins you want to collect
For those trying to make a few bucks on bicentennial quarters, keep in mind that you are not alone in this endeavor, which makes it even more difficult to make money this way.
“Many people have collected and/or hoarded these coins, and continue to do so because they still see them in their change today,” Anker said. “But unfortunately, it would not be a good investment because the mintages are too high.”
Even the proof and uncirculated versions probably aren’t worth much effort from a profitability standpoint.
“People collect and hoard silver quarters for their silver content, but in our lifetime its value will never exceed the value of their silver,” Anker said.
Still, if you enjoy collecting coins, it may be worth finding bicentennial quarters or others that pique your interest. Although you may not make money from it, it is something that does not necessarily cost you anything, such as if you save a few versions of what you find in your wallet.
“Coin collecting is a great hobby because if you ever face tough times, you can always spend your coins,” the anchor said.
Still, due to the high mintage and shortage of silver, special edition quarters like the Bicentennial, Statehood Quarter, America the Beautiful quarter and the current U.S. Ladies Quarter series are worth only their face value now and for all our lifetimes, Anker said. But if you enjoy collecting these commemorative quarters, it may still be worth doing, even if you don’t find any rare, valuable quarters.
“I always suggest collecting coins that you love, because that’s your collection, regardless of their composition,” Anker said.