1776-1976-S Bicentennial 40% Silver Proof Washington Quarter
Coin/Bullion · The United States Mint, San Francisco Facility (S Mint Mark)
Pattern: Bicentennial Commemorative Quarter Dollars (1975-1976 Production)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The United States Mint, San Francisco Facility (S Mint Mark)
Material
40% Silver Clad (.800 silver outer layers bonded to 20.9% silver/copper core), Net weight 0.0739 troy oz pure silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Weight: 5.9 grams; Thickness: 1.75 mm
Description
An iconic piece of American numismatic history, this Washington Quarter was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. Unlike standard copper-nickel versions, this is the 40% silver proof strike intended for collectors. It features a brilliant mirror-like background and a sharply detail-frosted portrait of George Washington.
Key Features
Dual date '1776-1976'; 'S' mint mark; silver edge (no copper line visible); proof surface quality
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad (.800 silver outer layers bonded to 20.9% silver/copper core), Net weight 0.0739 troy oz pure silver
Finish & Decoration
Proof finish featuring mirrored fields and frosted relief; Obverse: Washington bust; Reverse: Colonial Drummer by Jack L. Ahr
Hallmarks & Stamps
"S" Mint Mark (San Francisco); Dual-dated "1776-1976"; Inscriptions: "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"
Construction Details
Machine-struck using polished proof dies and planchets; clad construction with silver bonded to a copper-silver core
Functional Features
Reeded edge; legal tender status in the United States; designed for numismatic collection rather than general circulation
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage)
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure striking using specially prepared dies; consistent reeding; clear and crisp lettering indicative of San Francisco Mint's proof standards
Authentication Indicators
S mint mark placement, double-date typography, and distinctive silver-colored edge (lacking the orange copper core line of standard quarters)
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; San Francisco Mint, California
Era & Period
Modern Era / US Bicentennial Celebration (late 20th century)
Age Estimate
Issued 1975-1976; approximately 48-49 years old
Cultural Significance
Represents the patriotic surge of the mid-1970s; serves as a transition point in American minting history where silver made a brief return for commemorative purposes
Condition Notes
Evidence of handling (scuffing and hairlines) suggests this has been removed from its original protective plastic lens; Grade: Circulated Proof / Impaired Proof
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $10.00 USD (heavily dependent on the silver spot price and numismatic grade; impaired proofs trade at a lower premium)
Care & Maintenance
Never use silver polish or abrasive cloths on coins as it destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-grade coin capsule to prevent tarnish
Similar Pieces
1776-1976 Copper-Nickel Clad Quarter (no silver content), 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Uncirculated Quarter (matte/monumental finish rather than mirror), 1999-Present Silver Statehood Proofs (90% silver)
Interesting Facts
The Bicentennial quarters were the first circulating commemorative coins since the 1932 Washington Quarter was introduced; the Drummer Boy design on the reverse was selected from over 800 entries in a nationwide contest