Rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Missing Mint Mark Sells for $35,000 – Could You Have One in Your Pocket?

A Coin That Caught Collectors’ Eyes

In 1976, the United States celebrated 200 years since the Declaration of Independence with a special Bicentennial Quarter. These coins, with a dual date of 1776-1976 and a drummer boy on the back, were minted by the billions. Most are worth just 25 cents, but a rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark recently sold at auction for $35,000. This surprising sale has people across the country checking their spare change, wondering if they might have a hidden treasure.

What Makes This Quarter So Valuable?

Most Bicentennial Quarters have a mint mark, like a “D” for Denver or an “S” for San Francisco, under George Washington’s neck. The rare coin that sold for $35,000 was struck in San Francisco but is missing the “S” mint mark, a mistake that makes it one of a kind. Experts believe only a handful of these error coins exist. Other valuable versions include quarters with double-die errors, where the design looks blurry, or those struck off-center. The coin’s near-perfect condition also boosted its value, as collectors pay more for coins with no wear or scratches.

The Auction That Started a Frenzy

The $35,000 sale happened at a 2024 coin auction, where collectors were stunned by the coin’s rarity and condition. News of the sale spread fast online, fueling stories about other valuable quarters. While some posts exaggerate, claiming these coins could be worth millions, experts say $35,000 is a realistic high for a missing mint mark quarter. The excitement has led to a surge in people sorting through old coin jars, pocket change, and family collections, hoping to find a similar gem. With over 1.6 billion Bicentennial Quarters made, finding one without a mint mark is like finding a needle in a haystack.

How to Check Your Quarters

If you want to see if you have a valuable quarter, here are some steps to follow:

Step	What to Do
Check for Mint Mark	Look under Washington’s neck for no mint mark or an “S”.
Inspect Design	Look for blurry text or images for a double-die error.
Weigh the Coin	Silver quarters weigh about 5.75 grams; regular ones are 5.67 grams.

If you find a coin that looks unusual, take it to a coin dealer or grading service to confirm its value. Keep it safe to avoid scratches, as condition matters a lot.

Could It Be in Circulation?

These rare quarters might still be out there, mixed in with everyday change. They look almost identical to regular quarters, so someone could spend one without knowing its worth. Check bank rolls, vending machine change, or old piggy banks. As the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, interest in Bicentennial coins is growing, making now a great time to hunt for these treasures.

Is the Hunt Worth It?

Searching for a rare Bicentennial Quarter is a long shot, but the recent $35,000 sale shows it’s possible to find something valuable. Even if you don’t find a missing mint mark coin, other errors like double-die or off-center strikes can sell for hundreds or thousands. The thrill of the hunt is exciting, and you might uncover a piece of history. So, next time you get some change, take a second look. A fortune could be hiding in your pocket.