1972 Quarter Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
If you have been wondering whether you can afford to buy a 1972 quarter coin, you have come to the perfect guide to make an assessment. The reality is that there are quite a lot of 1972 quarters that have been in circulation, and because of this enormous number of circulated coins from this series, its overall demand amongst the coin collectors has diminished understandably.
However, it doesn’t mean that all of these coins are worthless because some can even be sold for prices higher than you can even fancy in your wildest dreams! The real art is to spot that gem from millions of other coins.
So, if you’re ready to learn all the important things about this coin series, let’s get started.
1972 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1972 No Mint Mark Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $225 |
| 1972 D Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $650 |
| 1972 S Quarter Value | NA | NA | NA | $65 |
In tribute to George Washington, the first U.S. president, the United States Treasury Department designed the 1972 Washington Quarter as a circulation coin. The overall mass of this coin is around 5.67 grams, and its diameter is about 24.3 mm.
Between 1932 and 1966, the Mint produced Washington quarters with 90% silver content. However, due to increasing silver prices and a severe coin shortage, subsequent coins were minted using copper and nickel instead. As a result, the 1972 quarter does not contain silver but is composed of a copper-nickel alloy.
1972 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
The 1972 quarters that were produced by the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark at all, but that’s not an error at all. In fact, it happens to be the main feature distinguishing these coins from the 1972 quarters produced by all other mints, i.e. Denver and San Francisco. The total mintage from the Philadelphia Mint was estimated to be around 215,048,000 and this indicates that it wasn’t an uncommon coin at all. And perhaps it is for this reason that you can get these for about 25 cents (face value) in the circulated condition.
But that doesn’t mean that you cannot find any 1972 quarter in the mint state at all! So, if you do find this coin in an absolutely pristine state with no signs of any damage at all, then the overall value of this coin can go up to as high as $5, which isn’t too bad.
Moreover, even though the Philadelphia minted 1972 quarters have been quite a lot in number, it is very hard to find this coin in the MS66 condition and because of this rarity, you can sell it for a substantially higher price. And when MS66 are just a few hundred in number, you can very well guess how challenging it would be to come across a coin from this series that belongs to the MS67 grade condition. Back in 2018, as per the PCGS notes, a 1972 quarter was graded at MS67 and was sold for a high price of $1,320 in an auction.
1972 D Quarter Value
In 1972, quarters with the “D” mintmark hold a special place in history, as they were crafted at the famous Denver Mint. If you’re curious about where to find this little “D,” just take a peek next to Washington’s hair tie on the front side of the coin. With an impressive production run of 311,067,732 Washington quarters that year, these Denver-struck coins are anything but rare. For the most part, you’ll find that circulated 1972 quarters have a value equal to their face amount—just a cool 25 cents.
Now, uncirculated 1972 Denver quarters are a different story. They’re quite scarce, and if you’re lucky enough to spot one without any mintmark signs, you could be looking at a value ranging from $1 to $5. As for the crème de la crème, the PCGS reports that the most valuable 1972 quarter was sold at auction in 2014, fetching an impressive $3,055. So, who knows? You might just have a hidden gem in your pocket change!
1972 S Quarter Value
Those who admire 1972 Washington quarters should pay special attention to the ones bearing an ‘S’ mint mark. This unique symbol indicates that the San Francisco Mint was responsible for creating that particular 1972 quarter. And another interesting thing about this minted coin was that it was a ‘Proof’ version that was specifically for coin enthusiasts.
To make these coins stand out, the Mint employed highly polished planchets and utilized custom dies to strike them twice on high-resolution presses. This elaborate and exhaustive procedure simply optimized every tiny detail of these proof coins, making these quarters a dazzling addition to any collection.
A total of 3,260,996 such 1972 quarters were manufactured in San Francisco and can be discovered within proof sets. Typically, a 1972 S quarter (proof) in average condition is valued between $3 and $5. However, mint state proofs with cameo contrast, elevated lettering, and no evidence of wear are definitely even more valuable. In fact, the PCGS has recorded the sale of the most expensive proof coin from this mint, which was put to auction back in 2007 and was sold for a high price value of about $1,380. So always stay alert—you never know when you might come across a gleaming gem!
1972 Quarter Grading
Grading a 1972 quarter involves a thorough examination to determine its condition and, subsequently, its value. Coin collectors actually have to pay really close attention to a coin’s grade, as it directly impacts its worth. Grading is often performed by experienced collectors who assess the coin based on factors like wear, luster, and overall eye appeal. But if you’re really confident, you can learn to do it yourself as well.
For the 1972 quarter, the grading process begins by closely inspecting the coin’s surface for any signs of wear or damage. A higher grade is assigned to quarters that have minimal wear and retain their original luster. Details like the sharpness of the design elements and the visibility of the coin’s features also play a crucial role in grading. Coin grading typically follows a 70-point scale, known as the Sheldon Scale, where 1 represents a coin in poor condition, and 70 signifies a flawless, mint-state coin. Collectors often seek out 1972 quarters with higher grades, as they are more valuable and desirable.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual hobbyist, learning about coin grading is both fascinating and essential. Understanding the grading process helps you appreciate the true value of your 1972 quarter and ensures you make informed decisions when buying or selling these historical pieces.
If you’re still curious to learn more about the 1972 quarter grading, then, you need to see this video.
1972 Quarter Error Lists
For every collector, the error coins hold a special attraction because of how rare they can be! So, obviously, that’s the same for the 1972 quarter error coins because this coin series in circulated condition wasn’t too expensive and the error coins mean huge profits for the coin collectors. However, you have to be really careful when selecting or purchasing an error coin, because you need to ensure its genuine price value in order to maximize your profit.
Here’s an interesting video to gather more information about the error coins in the 1972 quarter series:
Below are some of the commonly occurring errors that you can find in the series of 1972 quarters.
1. 1972 Broad-Strike or Smooth Edge
The value of broadstrike errors can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the error itself. Sometimes referred to as a smooth edge, this mistake happens when a well-aligned coin is struck outside its collar. This causes the coin to look somewhat flat and stretched out in certain areas, with a smooth edge rather than the expected reeded one.
It’s important to note that not every 1972 quarter with a smooth edge is a genuine broadstrike error. Some may simply be damaged or worn down over time, which means their value won’t exceed their face value. To tell the difference, look for a normal diameter and thickness in damaged or naturally worn 1972 Washington quarters, despite the smooth edges. In contrast, a true broadstrike will appear flatter and more stretched out than a standard 1972 quarter.
If you’re lucky enough to find a 1972 broadstrike quarter error, its value could range between $20 and $30. Don’t forget that you’ll only be able to get a higher price for an absolutely pristine conditioned uncirculated coin version.
2. 1972 Quarter Off the Center
Another rare error in the 1972 quarter coin series is the off-center strike error. This error occurs when the coin isn’t perfectly positioned between the minting dies during the striking process. As a result, the die imprints the design a bit too far to the right or left, rather than dead center on the coin. To determine the coin’s value, the degree of off-center positioning is crucial.
But you must pay attention to the specifics here because the more the design is away from the center position, the higher would be the overall value of this rare error coin. Let’s take an example here if you have an error coin of 1972 quarter from this error category with as high as 10% off-centered design then you can easily get more than $20 for that coin. And the price can go up to more than $200 when the design offset is 50% away from the center. However, the letters must be intact here for them to hold any worth at all. So, do observe all the details closely.
Coin collecting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, especially when you discover these fascinating errors. So, as you dive into the world of valuable coins, be sure to keep an eye out for the elusive 1972 off-center quarter error. Who knows? You might just find a rare treasure hiding in plain sight, waiting to be added to your collection. With a bit of patience and a keen eye for detail, you’ll soon be able to identify valuable errors and appreciate the unique beauty and history of each coin you come across.
As we wrap up our discussion on 1972 quarter grading, it’s important to remember that each coin tells a unique story. Whether it’s a mintmark variation, a doubled die error, or an off-center design, the fascinating world of coin collecting is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
By understanding the different characteristics and value factors of these coins, you’ll become a savvy coin collector, who is ready to spot the rare gems in your collection. So, as you continue your coin-collecting journey, always be on the lookout for those exceptional pieces that showcase the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of the United States Mint.
Therefore, it’s about time that you embrace the thrill of the hunt, and mark our words that soon your passion for coin collecting will lead you to uncover incredible finds that will not only enrich your collection but also add a touch of history to your life. Happy coin hunting!
1972 Quarter FAQ
1. Are any 1972 Quarter coins valuable?
Yes, some 1972 quarters possess value beyond their face amount. Specifically, uncirculated 1972 quarters originating from the Denver mint, lacking mintmark signs, are deemed rare. These coveted coins typically fetch prices between $1 and $5. Conversely, circulated 1972 Washington quarters generally retain a 25-cent value.
2. Where is the mint mark located on the 1972 quarter coins?
To find the mint mark on a 1972 quarter, simply take a closer look at the obverse side of the coin, nestled right near Washington’s ponytail. It’s important to note that quarters minted in Philadelphia won’t feature a mint mark.
However, if you come across a quarter produced in either Denver or San Francisco, you’ll see a “D” or an “S” mint mark respectively. These little details are what makes coin collecting so intriguing, as each mint mark can reveal fascinating insights about the coin’s origin and production. As you delve deeper into the captivating world of coin enthusiasts, you’ll find yourself becoming a mint mark detective, able to spot those subtle distinctions that set each coin apart.
