http://www.coinweek.com/coin-guide/on-collecting-bicentennial-quarters-risks-and-rewards/ By Charles Morgan with Hubert Walker CoinWeek content Contributor Coin Overview: As a child of the ‘80s, I was always fond of the Bicentennial quarter. It still turns up in pocket change once in a while, and roll hunters can run across more than a few when poring over bank boxes. Most circulating specimens survive in F to XF, with AU pieces popping up from time to time- no doubt hoarded coins that found their way back into circulation after all these years. As for surviving mint-state coins, who knows? More than 1.6 billion Philly and Denver business strikes were minted in the Bicentennial quarter’s two year run[1]. It’s possible that tens of millions are still being hoarded, not to mention the fact that this is the type of low-cost numismatic product that every coin dealer across the country has in stock. ....
It's a good article but readers should check out this author's other work for superb articles. He makes an excellent point about this issue and that's that the Full Drum specimens are elusive. The drum is the very last thing to strike up on this coin so most FD examples are very well struck by good dies. It really means something (usually) when it's struck up well. The coin is "common" in Gem FD but I believe that's only because it's being ignored. If all the type collectors rushed out tomorrow to get a Gem there wouldn't be a supply. This coin is quite common even in MS-65 but in 65 FD and better it simply isn't too common. The Philly is a little tougher but fewer issues with marking.
One of my weekly auctions on E-Bay this week was a BU silver bicentennial quarter. It sold for $6 including S&H. On the bright side, I don't own it any more!
Reuben: The coin that Lehigh sold is a silver coin. It is uncirculated and came from a red 3-coin Mint set. I did once find one in circulation, but Paul's coin is clearly Mint State
