The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at $11 Million, Still in Circulation
Most people don’t give a second thought to the coins they get as change. They might toss them into a drawer or a jar without even looking. But there’s one coin you may want to pay extra attention to—a rare Bicentennial Quarter that could be worth as much as $11 million. Believe it or not, this special coin might still be out there in everyday use.
A Quick Look at the Bicentennial Quarter
In 1976, the United States celebrated its 200th year of independence. To mark this major milestone, the U.S. Mint released a special edition quarter known as the Bicentennial Quarter. Unlike the regular quarters, this one had a unique design.
On the front, it still featured the profile of George Washington, but the back was different. Instead of the usual eagle, it had a drummer boy and a torch with stars, representing the original 13 colonies. It also showed a dual date—1776-1976—to honor America’s founding.
Millions of these coins were produced, and many people still have them. But only a few rare versions are worth a fortune—one of them reportedly as high as $11 million.
Why Is One Bicentennial Quarter Worth $11 Million?
Not all Bicentennial Quarters are valuable. Most are still only worth 25 cents. But the one that’s said to be worth $11 million is a rare mistake or test coin, known to collectors as a “mint error” or prototype.
Here’s what could make that particular quarter so valuable:
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Made with the wrong metal: Some may have been struck with a pure silver or gold planchet instead of the usual copper-nickel.
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Unique design details: Slight differences in the drummer boy design or minting flaws can add big value.
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Limited or one-of-a-kind: If it was never meant to be released to the public, that makes it extremely rare.
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Perfect condition: Coins that are graded as “mint state” or uncirculated are worth much more.
Overview Table
| Coin Name | Bicentennial Quarter |
|---|---|
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Special Feature | Dual Date (1776-1976) |
| Back Design | Drummer Boy and Torch |
| Material (Standard) | Copper-Nickel |
| Material (Rare One) | Believed to be Silver or Gold |
| Value of Rare Version | Estimated at $11 Million |
| Still in Circulation | Yes, Possibly |
How to Know If You Have the $11 Million Coin
If you come across a Bicentennial Quarter, take a closer look. Here’s what you can do to check:
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Look at the coin’s edge – A regular quarter shows copper in the middle. A silver coin has a solid silver edge.
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Weigh it – A regular quarter weighs about 5.67 grams. A coin made from silver or another metal might weigh more or less.
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Examine the design – Look closely at the drummer boy. Are there unusual lines, extra markings, or something that seems off?
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Get expert help – If you think your coin is special, have it looked at by a professional coin appraiser.
You don’t need expensive equipment—just a little attention to detail and some curiosity.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a coin sitting in your drawer or wallet could be worth $11 million is pretty wild. But it’s not impossible. Rare coins have been found in the most unexpected places—at garage sales, inside old purses, or even handed out as regular change at stores.
So next time you get a Bicentennial Quarter, don’t ignore it. Take a few moments to check it out. Who knows? You could be holding a piece of American history that’s worth a fortune.