– The 1976 US bicentennial celebration, when the country celebrated its 200th birthday, was filled with trinkets, collectibles, souvenirs, and other items to buy.
The U.S. Mint also issued bicentennial quarters, which are now highly valuable as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
– The Chronicle Collectibles website says the Mint made commemorative bicentennial coins in 1975 and 1976. The reverse design was the first in over 50 years on U.S. quarters.
– The Chronicle Collectibles website reported that a 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Quarter with a high grade went for $19,200 at auction a few years ago. That's not the only expensive bicentennial quarter. Many others have.
– According to the U.S. Mint, most of these coins were "clad," or sandwiched nickel, copper, and zinc.
According to Chronicle Collectibles, some bicentennial quarters were 40% silver, which is notable because silver coins are rarer and more valuable.
Coins in perfect condition sell for the most.The bicentennial quarters were struck in Philadelphia (809,784,016 coins),
– Denver (860,118,839), and San Francisco (11,000,000 uncirculated 40% silver coins, 7,059,099 proof clad coins, and 4 million proof 40% silver coins).