George Washington Bicentennial Quarter Value Guide

The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter is a unique dual-dated coin issued by the United States Mint to celebrate the nation's 200th anniversary. It is highly collectible due to its one-year-only reverse design featuring a colonial drummer and a victory torch, replacing the traditional eagle.

What affects the value of George Washington Bicentennial Quarter?

• Metal composition significantly impacts price, with 40% silver clad versions carrying higher premiums than standard copper-nickel clad coins.
• The presence of an 'S' mint mark indicates a collector-strike proof or silver specimen, which is generally more valuable than 'P' or 'D' circulation strikes.
• Condition and grade are vital, as uncirculated coins with high luster and no wear command higher prices from numismatists.
• While most circulated examples are worth their face value of $0.25, rare mint errors or high-grade certified silver proofs can exceed $10.

How to Identify George Washington Bicentennial Quarter?

• Check the obverse for the dual date '1776-1976' located below Washington's bust.
• Look for the colonial drummer and a torch surrounded by thirteen stars on the reverse side.
• Identify 40% silver clad collector versions by checking the edge for a solid silver stripe rather than a copper core.
• Verify the 'S' mint mark on silver clad or proof versions produced at the San Francisco Mint.

History of George Washington Bicentennial Quarter

The United States Mint issued special quarter dollars for the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976. While the obverse retained the familiar George Washington portrait, the reverse featured a colonial drummer and a victory torch. These coins were minted in 1975 and 1976 but all bear the dual date '1776-1976.' They were produced in large quantities for circulation, but also in 40% silver clad versions for collectors.