2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter Value Guide
Complete 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter value guide covering all 5 designs — Mayflower, Revolutionary War, Declaration, Constitution, Gettysburg — by mint mark P/D/S, grade MS65–MS68, silver proof melt values at $117/oz spot, and the Gold Standing Liberty Quarter. Prices as of January 2026.
Most 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarters are worth $0.25 (face value) in circulation. In certified mint-state grades, values range from $1.50–$150+ depending on design and condition. Silver Proof versions carry a melt floor of approximately $23.28 per coin at January 2026 silver spot prices (~$117/oz), with certified examples selling for $55–$100. The Gold Standing Liberty Quarter is in a class of its own at $1,900–$2,400.
- Circulated (all 5 designs):$0.25 face value
- Uncirculated MS65 (Mayflower, Revolutionary War, Constitution):$1.50–$4.00
- MS67 (Mayflower & Revolutionary War):$25–$45
- MS66 (Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg):$10–$25
- MS68 Declaration of Independence:$150+ (extreme condition rarity)
- Silver Proof per coin (S mint, certified):$55–$100 depending on design
- Silver melt floor (per coin @ $117/oz): ~$23.28
- Gold Standing Liberty Quarter (W mint):$1,900–$2,400
The Declaration of Independence design commands the highest grades premium due to its large smooth Liberty Bell surface. The Silver Proof values are directly tied to the extraordinary January 2026 silver market. See full value chart by design →
The 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter Program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding and represents the most transformative redesign of the Washington Quarter since John Flanagan's portrait debuted in 1932. Authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330), five distinct obverse-and-reverse design pairs were released throughout 2026, each telling a chapter of American civic history. All 2026 quarters are unified by the dual date inscription "1776 ~ 2026" on the obverse. For long-term series context and values across all Washington Quarter years, visit our Washington Quarter Value Guide.
All five 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter designs — Mayflower Compact, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Gettysburg Address — each with a unique obverse portrait and reverse theme.
2026 Quarter Composition & Melt Value
Edge comparison: a clad 2026 quarter (left, copper core visible) versus a .999 silver proof version (right, uniformly silver edge). The edge test is the quickest way to distinguish the two.
Circulating Clad (Philadelphia & Denver)
The P- and D-mint circulation-strike 2026 quarters are composed of standard copper-nickel clad, the same construction used for Washington Quarters since 1965. Their metallic melt value is negligible and is not a meaningful factor in numismatic valuation. The coin's value in these versions is determined entirely by grade and design demand.
Silver Proof Quarter — .999 Fine Silver (San Francisco)
The Silver Proof versions struck at the San Francisco Mint contain 0.199 troy ounces of .999 fine silver per coin, sourced from the U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set. At the January 2026 spot price of approximately $117/oz, the raw metallic value of a single silver proof quarter is approximately $23.28 — a figure that establishes a hard price floor regardless of the coin's numismatic condition. A complete five-coin silver proof quarter set contains 0.995 troy ounces, with a spot value of approximately $116.41. The full Silver Proof Set (which also includes a Roosevelt Dime and Kennedy Half Dollar) contains approximately 1.50 troy ounces, with an estimated spot value of $175.50.
⚠️ Extraordinary Silver Market — January 2026
Silver spot prices reached approximately $117 per troy ounce in January 2026, driven by industrial demand from the solar sector and tightening export regulations. This has transformed Silver Proof quarters into high-value bullion assets — their melt value now exceeds typical numismatic premiums for raw (ungraded) examples. Values in this guide reflect this extraordinary environment; silver spot prices change daily. Monitor the current silver spot price before buying or selling.
Gold Standing Liberty Quarter — .9999 Fine Gold (West Point)
The "Best of the Mint" Standing Liberty Gold Quarter is struck in .9999 fine gold (24 karat) with a weight of one-quarter troy ounce (0.25 oz). Gold prices stabilized around $5,510 per ounce in January 2026, establishing a significant intrinsic value floor for this coin. Its estimated retail value is $1,900–$2,400, reflecting both the gold content and collector premium for this revival of Hermon MacNeil's iconic 1916 Standing Liberty design. See the Notable Variants section for full details on this coin's unique privy mark identification.
2026 Quarter Value Chart by Design, Mint Mark & Grade
ℹ️ Newly Issued Coins — Developing Market
As 2026 releases, grading population data for all five Semiquincentennial designs is still developing. Several designs (Declaration, Constitution, Gettysburg) are scheduled for release later in 2026. Values may shift as more coins are submitted to PCGS/NGC and as the silver spot market evolves.
Mayflower Compact Quarter Value
Release Date: February 5, 2026. The first release in the series — featuring two Pilgrims embracing on the obverse and the Mayflower ship under full sail on the reverse — is expected to see the highest hoarding rates of all five designs, which may suppress long-term grade-point appreciation due to high survival rates.
2026 Mayflower Compact Quarter: obverse showing the two Pilgrim figures with "1776 ~ 2026" dual date, and reverse showing the Mayflower at full sail with "MAYFLOWER COMPACT" inscription. Note the rigging detail on the ship's sails — a key grading point.
| Mint | Finish | Circulated | MS65 | MS67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P / D | Business Strike | $0.25 | $1.50–$3.00 | $25.00–$40.00 | "Full Rigging" lines on ship key for top-grade designation |
| P / D | Bank Roll (40-coin, Unopened) | — | — | — | $50.00–$65.00 per roll (secondary market) |
| S | Silver Proof | N/A | — | — | PR69 DCAM: $55.00–$70.00 | 0.199 oz .999 silver; floor ~$23.28 |
Collector Insight: The "rough seas" texture on the Mayflower reverse is a critical grading zone. Look for "Full Rigging" examples where the lines of the ship's sails are crisp and fully unbroken. Weakly struck reverses lose definition in the rigging and the waves, making them unsuitable for MS67+ submissions.
Revolutionary War Quarter Value
Release Date: March 27, 2026. This coin reintroduces George Washington — but not as the familiar Flanagan profile. The "Wartime Washington" obverse depicts the Commander-in-Chief as a resolute, wartime leader. The reverse shows a Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge.
2026 Revolutionary War Quarter: the "Wartime Washington" obverse (left) conveys the grit of the Commander-in-Chief; the Valley Forge reverse (right) shows a Continental soldier in snow. The soldier's coat and equipment straps are the primary grading focus.
| Mint | Finish | Circulated | MS65 | MS67 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P / D | Business Strike | $0.25 | $2.00–$4.00 | $30.00–$45.00 | High demand from military history collectors; complex surfaces aid grading |
| S | Silver Proof | N/A | — | — | PR69 DCAM: $55.00–$75.00 | 0.199 oz .999 silver; floor ~$23.28 |
Collector Insight: The soldier's coat, snow, and equipment straps on the Valley Forge reverse involve subtle relief changes. A "Full Strike" specimen will show distinct separation between the equipment straps and the folds of the coat. Weak strikes make the figure appear flat and are difficult to distinguish from planchet flaws in the snow field.
Declaration of Independence Quarter Value
Estimated Release Date: Summer 2026 (Est. June/July). The Declaration quarter features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse — his first appearance on a circulating fractional coin outside the nickel — paired with the Liberty Bell on the reverse, crack prominently displayed as a symbol of the "fragility of a young nation."
2026 Declaration of Independence Quarter: Thomas Jefferson obverse (left) and Liberty Bell reverse (right). The large, smooth surface of the Bell is a bag-mark magnet — MS67 and MS68 examples will be significantly rarer than other 2026 designs.
| Mint | Finish | Circulated | MS66 | MS68 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P / D | Business Strike | $0.25 | $15.00–$25.00 | $150.00+ | Bell's smooth surface = highest bag-mark risk of all 5 designs; MS67+ extremely rare |
| S | Silver Proof | N/A | — | — | PR70 DCAM: $80.00–$100.00 | "Key" thematic coin for silver sets; 0.199 oz .999 silver |
Collector Insight: The large, smooth surface of the Liberty Bell is a bag-mark magnet. Coins in mint bags collide and leave contact marks, and the Bell's expansive open field will show every imperfection. Finding a Declaration quarter with a pristine Bell surface (MS67 or higher) will be significantly more difficult than finding a pristine Valley Forge example. This elevated condition rarity is why the MS68 price of $150+ is dramatically higher than other 2026 designs at comparable grades.
U.S. Constitution Quarter Value
Estimated Release Date: Late Summer 2026. The Constitution quarter debuts James Madison — "Father of the Constitution" — on the obverse (his first appearance on a circulating fractional coin), paired with Independence Hall on the reverse. The "We the People" inscription is rendered in a script font mimicking the original calligraphy of the Constitution's preamble.
2026 U.S. Constitution Quarter: James Madison obverse (left) and Independence Hall reverse (right) with the "We the People" calligraphy script. The sharpness of the script lettering is the primary grading focal point.
| Mint | Finish | Circulated | MS65 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P / D | Business Strike | $0.25 | $1.50–$3.00 | "Full Script" calligraphy sharpness key for premium examples |
| S | Silver Proof | N/A | — | PR69 DCAM: $55.00–$70.00 | 0.199 oz .999 silver; floor ~$23.28 |
Collector Insight: The "We the People" script is a fine detail focal point. On coins struck from eroded or lightly struck dies, the calligraphy may lose letter separation and appear blotchy. Collectors should seek "Full Script" examples where the letters are razor-sharp and individually distinct.
Gettysburg Address Quarter Value
Estimated Release Date: Fall 2026. The final coin in the series features Abraham Lincoln — in a "weathered" portrait distinct from the Victor David Brenner profile used on the cent since 1909 — paired with a reverse depicting two clasped hands and the inscription "A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY," a direct quote from the Address. Lincoln's enormous crossover collector base (penny collectors, Civil War enthusiasts) is expected to drive unusually high demand.
2026 Gettysburg Address Quarter: the weathered Lincoln obverse (left) showing the toll of wartime presidency, and the clasped hands reverse (right) with "A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY." Finger and grip definition on the hands is the grading focal point.
| Mint | Finish | Circulated | MS66 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P / D | Business Strike | $0.25 | $10.00–$15.00 | Strong Lincoln/Civil War crossover demand; "Full Definition" on clasped hands key |
| S | Silver Proof | N/A | — | PR70 DCAM: $60.00–$80.00 | 0.199 oz .999 silver; floor ~$23.28 |
Collector Insight: The "Clasped Hands" design relies on the sharp definition of individual fingers and the grip. On weakly struck examples, the hands may appear merged or indistinct. A "Full Definition" strike clearly separates the fingers and conveys the grip's texture. The Lincoln crossover appeal means demand for this design in top grades is expected to be the highest of the five, outside of the Declaration's bag-mark premium.
Values represent typical market prices as of January 2026. Silver Proof values are directly tied to current silver spot prices — the $23.28/coin melt floor shifts daily with the market. For the complete Washington Quarter series price guide, see our Washington Quarter Value Guide.
Most Valuable 2026 Quarter Varieties & Special Issues
2026 Standing Liberty Gold Quarter — Trophy-Level Special Issue
The crown jewel of the 2026 quarter program is the Standing Liberty Gold Quarter, released under the U.S. Mint's "Best of the Mint" series. This coin revives Hermon MacNeil's iconic 1916 Standing Liberty design — widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in American numismatic history — in a premium format for high-end collectors.
2026 Standing Liberty Gold Quarter: close-up of the Liberty Bell Privy Mark on the right obverse panel, with "2026" inscribed vertically inside the bell. This privy mark — not a "W" mint mark — is the definitive authenticating feature of this West Point-struck coin.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | .9999 Fine Gold (24 karat) |
| Weight | One-quarter troy ounce (0.25 oz) |
| Mint Facility | West Point Mint (W) |
| Mint Mark | None — no "W" appears in the coin's field |
| Identifier | Liberty Bell Privy Mark (right obverse panel); "2026" inscribed vertically inside the bell |
| Estimated Retail Value | $1,900–$2,400 |
Despite being struck at the West Point Mint, this coin does not carry a traditional "W" mint mark on its field. Its authentication relies entirely on the Liberty Bell Privy Mark — a small Liberty Bell figure on the right obverse panel with the date "2026" inscribed vertically inside the bell. This is the definitive identifier, as confirmed by Coin World's first look at the Best of the Mint series. This coin will never appear in a bank roll and should not be confused with the standard circulating or silver proof quarters.
⚠️ W Mint Mark Myth — Do Not Pay a Premium for "W Roll" Listings
There is zero confirmed evidence in the U.S. Mint's 2026 product schedule of circulating "W" mint mark quarters (similar to the 2019–2020 West Point releases). The only 2026 quarter with a West Point connection is the Gold Standing Liberty — which is NOT in rolls. Be cautious of eBay listings advertising "2026-W Quarter Rolls" — these are either standard P/D rolls or misleading keyword usage.
Design-Specific Quality Targets (Collector-Noted Designations)
The five 2026 designs each feature a focal area where strike sharpness determines whether an example reaches its highest possible grade. These are not formal PCGS/NGC certification suffixes, but collector-recognized quality benchmarks that function similarly to "Full Steps" on Jefferson Nickels or "Full Bands" on Roosevelt Dimes:
- Mayflower Compact — "Full Rigging": All lines of the ship's rigging and sails are crisp, unbroken, and fully separated. Weak strikes lose definition in the rigging first.
- Revolutionary War — "Full Strike": The Continental soldier's equipment straps are distinctly separated from the folds of the coat. Flat or merged straps indicate an insufficient strike.
- Declaration of Independence — Pristine Bell Field: The smooth, large surface of the Liberty Bell is entirely free of contact marks. Given the coin's bag-mark vulnerability, pristine Bell fields are the primary driver of the MS68 premium at $150+.
- U.S. Constitution — "Full Script": The "We the People" calligraphic lettering is razor-sharp with full letter separation. Eroded-die strikes show blotchy, merged script.
- Gettysburg Address — "Full Definition": The clasped hands show individually defined fingers and clear grip texture. Weak strikes merge the hands into an indistinct form.
2026 Quarter Identification Guide
Use this guide to determine exactly which 2026 quarter you have and how to assess its potential grade and value.
30-Second Identification Checklist
- Confirm the dual date: Look for "1776 ~ 2026" on the obverse. The tilde (~) distinguishes 2026 Semiquincentennial issues from the 1976 Bicentennial quarters, which used a hyphen ("1776-1976").
- Identify the design: Match the obverse portrait or scene to one of the five designs listed below.
- Find the mint mark: Located on the obverse. P = Philadelphia, D = Denver, S = San Francisco (proof only).
- Check the edge: A copper-colored core visible on the edge = standard clad (P or D circulation strike). A uniformly silver edge = Silver Proof (S mint).
- Assess luster: Cartwheel luster in rotating light = business strike (MS grade potential). Mirror-like deeply reflective fields with frosted devices = proof finish (PR grade).
Where to find the mint mark on a 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter — the P, D, or S appears on the obverse. The "1776 ~ 2026" dual date is the primary identifier confirming a 2026 Semiquincentennial issue.
Design Quick-ID Guide
| Design | Obverse | Reverse | Key Inscription | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayflower Compact | Two Pilgrims embracing, gazing toward the New World | Mayflower ship under full sail in rough seas | "MAYFLOWER COMPACT" | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Revolutionary War | "Wartime Washington" — resolute, wartime Commander-in-Chief portrait | Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge in snow | "REVOLUTIONARY WAR" | Mar 27, 2026 |
| Declaration of Independence | Thomas Jefferson portrait | Liberty Bell with famous crack prominently displayed | "THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE" | Summer 2026 |
| U.S. Constitution | James Madison portrait | Independence Hall facade with "We the People" calligraphy script | "WE THE PEOPLE" | Late Summer 2026 |
| Gettysburg Address | Abraham Lincoln — weathered wartime portrait, distinct from the Brenner cent profile | Two clasped hands — symbol of reconciliation | "A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY" | Fall 2026 |
Grade comparison for a 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter (Illustration — not a photo of your exact coin): a circulated example (left, dull luster with high-point wear), an MS65 business strike (center, full cartwheel luster, minor contact marks), and an MS67 example (right, exceptional luster, no visible marks under 5x magnification).
Silver vs. Clad — The Edge Test
Turn the quarter on its edge. A clad circulation strike will show a visible copper-colored core sandwiched between the outer nickel layers. A Silver Proof will have a uniformly silver edge with no copper core visible. Silver Proofs also feel slightly denser and have an unmistakable mirror-like proof finish on both fields.
💡 Proof vs. Business Strike — Visual Cues
Proof coins are struck multiple times with specially polished dies, producing mirror-like (deeply reflective) field surfaces with frosted, matte-appearing devices (devices = raised design elements). Business strikes have a cartwheel luster — a rolling, shimmering luster that catches the light as you tilt the coin — and fully reflective devices. If the fields and devices are both uniformly reflective, you have a proof. If tilting reveals a spinning luster pattern, you have a business strike.
2026 Quarter Value FAQs
What are 2026 Semiquincentennial quarters worth?
Circulated 2026 quarters from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) are worth face value — $0.25. In uncirculated (MS65) condition, most designs are worth $1.50–$4.00. In top certified grades, values range from $25–$45 for MS67 examples (Mayflower and Revolutionary War) to $150+ for MS68 Declaration of Independence quarters. Silver Proof versions from San Francisco (S) carry a melt value of ~$23.28 per coin at January 2026 silver spot prices, with certified PR69–PR70 DCAM examples selling for $55–$100 depending on design.
Which 2026 quarter design is worth the most in high grades?
The Declaration of Independence design commands the steepest grade premium. Its reverse features a large, smooth Liberty Bell surface that is extremely susceptible to contact marks during minting and handling. This makes MS67 and MS68 examples significantly rarer than equivalent grades for other 2026 designs. An MS68 Declaration quarter is estimated at $150+. For Silver Proofs, the Declaration PR70 DCAM ($80–$100) also leads the series.
Are 2026 quarters silver?
Only the San Francisco Mint (S) Silver Proof versions contain silver — .999 fine silver at 0.199 troy ounces per coin. Standard circulation strikes from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) are copper-nickel clad with no silver content. If you received a 2026 quarter as change, it is clad. To confirm: check the edge — a silver edge (no copper core visible) indicates a proof; a copper core in the edge confirms a clad business strike.
What is the melt value of a 2026 silver proof quarter?
At the January 2026 silver spot price of approximately $117/oz, each silver proof quarter (0.199 troy oz) has a raw metallic melt value of approximately $23.28. A complete five-coin silver proof quarter set (0.995 troy oz) has a spot value of approximately $116.41. These figures change daily with silver spot prices — monitor live data at resources like Trading Economics silver prices before making purchase or sale decisions.
What is the Gold Standing Liberty Quarter and how do I identify it?
The 2026 Standing Liberty Gold Quarter is a premium "Best of the Mint" special issue struck at the West Point Mint in .9999 fine gold (0.25 troy oz). Its estimated retail value is $1,900–$2,400. Crucially, it does not carry a traditional "W" mint mark despite its West Point origin. Instead, it is identified by a Liberty Bell Privy Mark on the right obverse panel, with the date "2026" inscribed vertically inside the bell. You will never find this coin in a bank roll or in circulation — it is sold exclusively as a numismatic product by the U.S. Mint.
Should I get my 2026 quarter graded by PCGS or NGC?
Grading costs approximately $30–$40 per coin including submission and return shipping. For circulation-strike quarters, only submit if the coin looks absolutely flawless — a realistic MS67 candidate. An MS65 example worth $2–$4 is a guaranteed financial loss after grading fees. For Silver Proofs, only submit if you are confident the coin is a "perfect 70" (PR70 DCAM). A PR69 is worth only marginally more than a raw example, and the grading cost will exceed the value added. The "value cliff" is steep: MS67+ and PR70 DCAM grades are where the economics justify certification.
What do "Full Rigging," "Full Script," and "Full Definition" mean?
These are design-specific quality targets recognized by collectors for the 2026 series. They function similarly to "Full Steps" on Jefferson Nickels — identifying areas where strike sharpness determines grade ceiling. "Full Rigging" (Mayflower) means all ship rigging lines are crisp and unbroken. "Full Script" (Constitution) means the "We the People" calligraphy shows razor-sharp letter separation. "Full Definition" (Gettysburg) means individual fingers on the clasped hands are distinctly defined. A Revolutionary War quarter with a "Full Strike" shows clear separation between the soldier's equipment straps and coat folds. These quality targets are not formal PCGS/NGC certification suffixes but are important collector benchmarks for these designs.
Are there circulating 2026-W (West Point) quarters?
No. There is zero confirmed evidence in the U.S. Mint's 2026 product schedule of circulating West Point (W) mint mark quarters for the Semiquincentennial series. The only 2026 quarter with a West Point connection is the Gold Standing Liberty Quarter — and it bears a Liberty Bell privy mark, not a "W" mint mark, and is not distributed in rolls. Be cautious of eBay listings claiming "Unsearched 2026-W Rolls" — these are either standard P/D rolls with misleading keywords, or they reference the Gold quarter, which is not in rolls. Do not pay a premium for such listings.
What does "1776 ~ 2026" mean on these quarters?
The dual date inscription "1776 ~ 2026" marks the Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding. It appears on the obverse of all five 2026 quarter designs, as mandated by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. The tilde (~) is a deliberate typographic choice that distinguishes 2026 Semiquincentennial coins from the 1976 Bicentennial coinage, which used a hyphen ("1776-1976"). The dual date appears across all 2026 denominations — nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar — unifying the year's production under a single commemorative banner.
Should I buy Silver Proof Sets directly from the Mint or on the secondary market?
Buy from the U.S. Mint directly on release day when possible. The Silver Proof Set is scheduled for release on April 14, 2026. Given the extraordinary silver spot price environment (~$117/oz), the Mint may need to adjust its pricing grid — if the Mint's initial price is set below the silver melt value of the set, it will sell out instantly and secondary market prices will spike. Buying directly also avoids the 30–50% secondary market markup seen on pre-sale listings. For circulating rolls, the Mint sells two-roll sets (P&D) at $42.00 per set; secondary market pre-sales are listed for $56–$63 for the same product.
Methodology & Sources
Value data in this guide reflects market conditions as of January 2026 and is sourced from the following references: U.S. Mint Semiquincentennial Designs Press Release; U.S. Mint SemiQ Media Kit; Mayflower Compact Rolls & Bags (U.S. Mint); Revolutionary War Rolls & Bags (U.S. Mint); 2026 U.S. Mint Product Schedule; Coin World 2026 Product Overview; Coin World: Best of the Mint Gold Quarter; Numista: Gettysburg Address Quarter; Trading Economics: Silver Spot Price. Silver Proof melt values are calculated from the documented 0.199 troy oz silver content and the January 2026 spot price of ~$117/oz — these values change daily and should be verified before transacting. Market prices for developing coin series may shift significantly as grading populations grow and as precious-metals spot prices fluctuate.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
