You may have seen the headlines claiming someone found a quarter worth $19,200. It sounds unbelievable—but it’s true. A rare Washington Quarter from 1976 actually sold for that much at a professional auction. While it’s not likely you’ll stumble across one in your change, it’s not impossible either. With a little knowledge and some curiosity, your next coin find could surprise you.
Overview
The coin in question is a 1976-S Bicentennial Washington Quarter, made with 40% silver and minted in San Francisco. Unlike regular quarters, these weren’t released into circulation. They were part of special collector sets, which is why some of them remain in excellent condition today.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1976-S Bicentennial Washington Quarter |
| Sale Price | $19,200 (source: PCGS auction) |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco Mint) |
| Composition | 40% silver (not copper-nickel clad) |
| Grade | PCGS MS-69 (near-perfect condition) |
| Mintage | Approx. 11 million |
While many of these quarters are only worth $5 to $25, pristine examples like the MS-69 graded coin can command thousands.
What Makes It Valuable
Several factors contributed to the $19,200 price tag:
- Mint Mark: The “S” shows it was minted in San Francisco, as part of a special collector set.
- Composition: Unlike regular quarters, this one was made from 40% silver.
- Grade: It received a near-perfect MS-69 grade from PCGS, which is very rare.
- Condition: It was kept in untouched mint packaging, never entering general circulation.
- Historic Significance: These coins marked the 200th anniversary of the United States, featuring a unique drummer boy design on the reverse.
Put all of these together, and it’s easy to see why the coin fetched such a high price.
Coin Grading Basics
Coins are graded using the Sheldon scale, which runs from 1 to 70:
| Grade Range | Description |
|---|---|
| MS-60 to MS-70 | Mint State (uncirculated) |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | About Uncirculated |
| XF-40 to XF-45 | Extremely Fine |
| VF-20 to VF-35 | Very Fine |
| F-12 to F-15 | Fine |
| G-4 to G-6 | Good (worn but identifiable) |
A quarter graded MS-60 might be worth $10, while the MS-69 version went for nearly $20,000. The higher the grade, the more collectors are willing to pay.
How to Spot One
Here’s what to look for if you think you may have a rare Bicentennial quarter:
1. Check the Date
Look for dual dates “1776–1976” on the obverse side of the coin.
2. Look for the Mint Mark
Located under Washington’s neck:
- No mark or “P” = Philadelphia (common)
- “D” = Denver (also common)
- “S” = San Francisco (check for silver)
3. Inspect the Edge
Silver quarters have a solid gray edge. If you see a copper stripe, it’s a copper-nickel clad coin and not silver.
4. Look at the Condition
Uncirculated coins will have sharp edges, a mirror-like finish, and no signs of wear.
5. Search for Errors
Some Bicentennial quarters feature minting errors like double dies or off-center strikes. These can also increase a coin’s value significantly.
What To Do If You Think You Have One
If you find a 1976-S quarter that looks promising, follow these steps:
Handle Carefully
Use gloves or hold it by the edges. Don’t clean the coin—it reduces its value.
Do Some Research
Compare it to images from:
- PCGS Coin Facts
- NGC Coin Explorer
- US Mint’s official site
Submit for Grading
Send it to a reputable service:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Expect to pay $20–$75 depending on the grading level and processing speed.
Selling Options
Once graded, you can:
- Auction through Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
- List it on eBay with certification details
- Take it to a local coin dealer for appraisal
Checking a coin worth $19,200 isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. Knowing what to look for and how to check your coins is the first step in uncovering potential value. Even if you don’t find a jackpot coin, looking into numismatics can be a fun and rewarding hobby. So go ahead—check your pocket change. You might just discover history in your hands.
FAQs
What year is the $19,200 quarter?
It’s a 1976-S Bicentennial Washington Quarter made of 40% silver.
Where is the mint mark located?
Under Washington’s neck, near the bottom edge of the coin.
How can I tell if it’s silver?
Check the edge—silver coins have a solid gray edge without a copper stripe.
What does MS-69 mean?
It’s a near-perfect grade given by coin grading services like PCGS.
How do I get a coin graded?
Submit it to PCGS or NGC with a fee and wait for certification.
