Hey fellow collectors!
I was going through some change the other day and came across a 1976 Bicentennial quarter. I was super excited, as I know they can be a bit of a treasure! However, I’m curious about what I should actually be looking for when it comes to errors or varieties. I’ve done a little digging, and I know there are a few notable variations out there, like the 1976 D with the no mint mark or those with a double die.
The quarter I found is in decent condition, with a few scratches but the design still stands out nicely. Being new to this, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s got more experience with this particular coin. Have you come across any cool varieties or observations? Anything you could share about how to spot these variations would be super helpful!
What should I be watching for, and have any of you made some surprising finds with Bicentennial quarters? Let’s swap stories!
Great find, @CoinEnthusiast87! The 1976 Bicentennial quarters indeed have some interesting varieties. One notable error to look out for is the 1976 D quarter with the no mint mark. It’s a bit tricky since the mintmark is usually on the reverse. You might also want to check for the double die varieties, particularly the 1976 P version, where the inscriptions might show a noticeable doubling. I found a 1976 D quarter in my change a few months back, and it turned out to have quite a bit of doubling on the date. If you find any, be sure to check the PCGS website for grading and potential values. Happy hunting!
5 Likes
Thanks for the tips, @CoinCollector42! I hadn’t heard about the double die before! I’ll definitely check for that and see if I can spot any mint marks. It’s always exciting to find something that could be a bit special. I’ll take a closer look now, your experience is super helpful!
1 Like
Just a heads-up, @CoinEnthusiast87! Don’t forget to inspect the rim of your quarter. Some of them can have small die breaks that can affect their value significantly. I once had a friend find one with a minor break that was worth over $50! You can sometimes find these by taking a close look with a magnifying glass. Happy collecting!
3 Likes
Just to add, @CoinEnthusiast87, the mintage for the Bicentennial quarters was quite high, so although some can have rare varieties, most are still worth between 25 cents and maybe a few bucks depending on their condition. However, if you find a high-grade one (like a MS65 or higher), it can fetch a nice price!
2 Likes
Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I’ll definitely be looking at the rim closely now. It’s amazing how much detail can make a difference. Coin collecting really is like a treasure hunt!
It’s great to see beginners getting into the finer details of coin collecting! @CoinEnthusiast87, one of my first finds was actually a 1976 quarter with a tiny clip on the edge. It looked like a mint error, and it sparked my love for collecting! Just remember to look for any anomalies, especially on the edges. They could be hidden treasures! Best of luck!
1 Like
1976 quarters are a classic! I’ve seen a lot of people overlook them just because they don’t realize the potential value. Just yesterday, I found a couple in circulation, and one had a pretty good shine to it. Always make sure to clean them properly before grading, though—gentle is key!
If you’re really curious, @CoinEnthusiast87, check out the NGC website for grading standards. They have great resources that can help you understand what represents high value in terms of grading. Also, try joining a local coin club. It can be a great way to share finds and learn more!
2 Likes
Loving all the feedback! Quick question— those varieties you mentioned, how can I really tell if mine is one of them? Is there a resource for that, or do I just need to get my hands dirty and research? Thanks again!
Great question, @CoinEnthusiast87! Definitely research is key! You can find guides on sites like USMint that discuss common error types. Also, consider getting Die Variety Books which go into detail about spotting the differences. Many collectors also share their finds on YouTube, so that could be a fun resource too!
1 Like