Bicentennials

Bicentennials have no real value over any other coin of the era but a lot of people like them because of the sentiment of the time and that there really hadn't been anything different in circulating coins for many years.

The quarter had been unchanged in design for 43 years in 1975 when the Bicentennial Quarter came out, the dime for almost 40, the nickel for 45 and the cent's obverse for more than 60. Nobody used the half dollar or dollar coin then so the quarter was (and still is) the workhorse coin in the USA. The success of this 2-year coin event provided encouragement for the Canadian Confederation Series quarters in the early 90's and the similar 50 States US coins series started in 1999.

All that said, I usually toss any bicentennials I find into my "Saved Junk Coins" jar and when I get enough I roll them and put them away. They are the only clad quarters I pull.

I agree with tgauchsin, ngjig, and basebal21. I used to put em all away until I found out how many were issued and how many people hoarded them. I still collect them but only the slabbed High Quality examples and of course any rolls of silver bicentennials I can find reasonable. I do believe one day all bicentennials in AU or better will be worth something but not in our lifetime or our children's.

Just a few weeks ago I received about 3 of them in my change from a Walmart. I didn't realize it until I got home and looked through my change. First thing struck me was that I received more than one in a single transaction.. Second was the condition; nearly perfect uncirculated. Coincidence? Hmm......Nah !! Someone unloaded these.. I liked and saved these as a kid. There's lots of nostalgia and sentiment connected with these, and for a moment I got lost in thought wondering how many more were in that register. And if I should go back and try and salvage them....... Nah !! I suspect that with the low collector value and the bad economy, people must be putting the ones they hoarded back into circulation..

If you like them, collect the proof and mint bicentennials, especially the silver ones. They're not only worth more but they look awesome. I have seen some toned silver Ike's that are to die for..