Bicentennial Quarter with No Mark Fetches $5 Million – Check for This Rare $0.25 Coin 1976 Version, Still Circulating in 2025

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, one of America’s most well-known coins, is making headlines again in 2025. But this time, it’s not just collectors reminiscing about the past. A rare error variety with no mint mark has reportedly changed hands for up to $5 million, placing it among the most expensive circulating coins in recent memory.

This remarkable coin, usually worth 25 cents, has stunned experts and hobbyists alike due to its unexpected value. So, what makes this quarter so extraordinary? Could one of these be hiding in your spare change? In this article, we’ll look at what distinguishes this coin from others, how to identify it, and why professionals believe more may still be waiting to be discovered in everyday circulation.

The Bicentennial Quarter – A Brief Background

In 1975 and 1976, the U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter to honor 200 years of American independence. These coins didn’t follow the traditional single-year format—instead, they were stamped with the dual date “1776–1976.” The reverse design features a Colonial-era drummer alongside a torch of victory, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies.

Unlike other Washington quarters, this edition was created specifically to celebrate the bicentennial and stands out for its artistic and historical significance. The unique design and symbolic imagery make it one of the most recognized commemorative coins produced by the United States Mint. While many were circulated, some escaped with critical minting errors, drawing interest for their rarity and value.

Key Facts About the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter

Feature	Description
Years Issued	1975–1976
Dual Date	1776–1976
Reverse Design	Colonial drummer, torch, 13 stars
Obverse Design	George Washington
Mint Marks	P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)

Among the millions produced, a handful were minted without any mint mark—an unusual mistake that transformed them into rare collector treasures.

What Makes the No-Mint-Mark Bicentennial Quarter Worth $5 Million?

Typically, U.S. quarters feature a mint mark identifying where they were struck. However, a rare set of 1976 Bicentennial Quarters is believed to lack this mark entirely. This minting error not only makes them unusual but has elevated them to legendary status among collectors. These quarters are among the most coveted error coins of the modern era.

Factor	Why It Matters
No Mint Mark	Significant minting oversight
Rarity	Fewer than 10 known to exist
Historical Significance	Issued for the U.S. Bicentennial
Condition (Mint State)	Highest value when uncirculated or proof-like
Collector Demand	One of the most recognized commemorative quarters

In 2023, one of these rare coins, graded MS-68, reportedly fetched $5 million in a private sale, reigniting excitement among coin enthusiasts and everyday people alike.

How to Spot the $5 Million Bicentennial Quarter

You don’t need professional tools to search—just a good eye and some patience can do the trick.

Feature	What to Look For
Date	Must read “1776–1976”
Mint Mark	Absence of P, D, or S near Washington’s ponytail
Reverse Design	Drummer Boy with 13 stars
Metal Composition	Copper-nickel clad or silver (S proofs)
Condition	Should be clean, unworn, and free from scratches

If your quarter meets these conditions—especially if it lacks a mint mark—it could be a hidden gem potentially worth thousands or even millions, depending on grade and authentication.

Other Valuable Bicentennial Quarters to Know

While the no-mint-mark version tops the list, there are several other variations of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter that can also bring impressive returns if found in top condition or featuring unique errors.

Variant Type	Description	Estimated Value 2025
1976-S Silver Proof Quarter	40% silver, mirror-like finish	$500 – $2,000+
Double Die Obverse	Visible doubling in “LIBERTY” or date	$250 – $1,200
Off-Center Strike	Obvious design misalignment	$100 – $2,000+
Clipped Planchet	Partial missing edge	$150 – $1,000
Full Drum Lines (High Grade)	Clear detail on drummer	$300 – $800

These types of errors and special editions are actively sought after in the collector market.

Are These Rare Bicentennial Quarters Still in Circulation?

Believe it or not, yes. Although many have already been collected or stored away, a huge quantity of Bicentennial quarters were minted. It’s entirely possible that some rare variations, including the no-mint-mark type, are still out there waiting to be discovered.

Common Places to Look:

Cash from daily transactions
Loose change jars and piggy banks
Inherited collections or estate boxes
Bank coin rolls and bulk coin bags

Recent reports confirm that lucky finders have stumbled across valuable versions of the 1976 quarter during routine purchases or while coin roll hunting.

What to Do If You Find a No-Mint-Mark Bicentennial Quarter

Here’s how to handle a potentially valuable coin if you think you’ve found one:

1. Avoid cleaning it—doing so could reduce its worth.
2. Store it safely using a coin flip or capsule.
3. Always handle with gloves to avoid fingerprint damage.
4. Weigh the coin to check its authenticity: ~5.67g for standard or 5.75g for silver.
5. Submit it for professional grading to PCGS or NGC.

A graded and authenticated coin can then be listed for auction or sale, opening the door to premium offers from serious collectors.

Summary – Could You Be Holding a $5 Million Quarter?

Coin Type	Rarity Level	Estimated Value
No-Mint-Mark Bicentennial Quarter	Extremely Rare	Up to $5 million
1976-S Silver Proof	Rare	$500 – $2,000+
Bicentennial Double Die	Scarce	$250 – $1,200
Off-Center Strike	Scarce	$100 – $2,000
Clipped Planchet	Rare	$150 – $1,000

This isn’t just a quarter—it might be a valuable piece of American history. Whether it’s tucked away in your drawer or mixed in with pocket change, checking your coins could lead to a remarkable discovery.

Official News: 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with No Mint Mark Sparks $5 Million Buzz!

Among regular coins, a rare 1976 Bicentennial “Drummer Boy” quarter without a mint mark and with extreme minting flaws has taken the numismatic world by storm. Reports suggest some specimens have sold for nearly $5 million privately. While most no‑mint‑mark versions are ordinary, a few showcase distinct production errors or were possibly experimental strikes—making them highly desirable.

FIELD	DETAILS
Coin Type	1976 “Drummer Boy” Bicentennial Quarter (dual date)
Mint Mark	None (Philadelphia)
Regular Mintage	~810 million struck, widely circulated
Notable Error Type	Rare misstruck or pattern test pieces
Known High-Value Specimens	Pattern coins rumored to reach $5 million
Normal Circulated Value	$0.25 (standard quarter)
Top Uncirculated Grades	MS68 Denver version ≈ $6,463; MS69 Silver Proof ≈ $19,200
Authentication Required	Yes – only valid through PCGS or NGC
How to Spot One	No mint mark, design misalignments, off-plating or odd strike
Where to Sell If Rare	Auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections

Your Mission:

Dig into your stash of quarters and check each carefully. Pay attention to unusual designs or missing mint marks. If one stands out, preserve it, document it with photos, and get it graded—you could have a jackpot coin in your hands.

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