Bicentennial “Drummer Boy”
A rare $15–$18 Bicentennial quarter (1776–1976), also known as the Drummer Boy Quarter, was recently discovered by a collector’s follower and confirmed by professional grading services. Even better — this coin was found in everyday circulation. That means you might already have one too.
Below is a simple, step‑by‑step guide to help you identify whether your Bicentennial quarter could be worth real money. 💰
🪙 What Is the Drummer Boy Quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter was issued in 1975–1976 to celebrate 200 years of American independence. Instead of the traditional eagle, the reverse features a colonial drummer boy, which is why collectors use the nickname “Drummer Boy quarter.”
Most of these coins are common and worth face value… but a small group with rare errors are worth much more.
✅ Step‑by‑Step: How to Check If Your Quarter Is Valuable
Follow these steps carefully:
1️⃣ Check the Mint Mark (Very Important)
Look just to the right of Washington’s ponytail on the front of the coin.
You want to see:
D = Denver Mint ✅
Only Denver‑minted examples are known for this specific valuable doubled‑die variety.
2️⃣ Examine the Word “LIBERTY” Closely 🔍
This is where the real value comes from.
You are looking for a Doubled Die error:
- Letters appear thick or doubled
- Extra lines inside the letters
- Most visible on:
- R (clear separation)
- T (extra lines)
- Often visible across all letters
If your letters look perfectly thin and normal, it is likely a standard coin.
3️⃣ Check the Condition (Mint State Matters)
The recently discovered coin was graded:
🏆 MS64 (Mint State 64)
Higher grades = higher value.
Coins with scratches, heavy wear, or damage will be worth less even if they have doubling.
4️⃣ Get It Certified 🧾
If your coin shows doubling, send it to one of these services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Certification confirms authenticity and dramatically increases resale value.
💵 How Much Is This Quarter Worth?
For the confirmed example:
- Type: 1976‑D Bicentennial Quarter – Doubled Die
- Grade: MS64
- Market value: $15 – $18
While not life‑changing, that is still 3× the face value for a coin most people ignore.
⚠️ Important Collector Tips
- ❌ Do NOT clean the coin
- 🧤 Handle by edges only
- 📦 Store in a coin flip or capsule
- 📊 Certification increases buyer trust
🧠 Final Thoughts
Millions of Bicentennial quarters exist… but only a small number have this doubled‑die error from the Denver Mint.
That means:
One of these could already be sitting in your change jar.
Take 2 minutes and check. It could be an easy $15–$18 waiting in your pocket. 🪙
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