1973 Quarter Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The Washington Quarter, a favorite among US Mint coins, first entered production in 1932 as a one-time commemorative piece. However, its minting persisted all the way to the present day. Intriguingly, it holds the distinction of being the second coin to feature the likeness of a former American President.
While collectors frequently seek out early versions of the coin, newer quarters have also garnered attention. Also, as these coins grow older and older, their overall worth actually doubles or triples (depending on the condition or coin’s state as well). Therefore, good coins are nothing less than a wise investment. The 1973 quarter’s worth hinges on a few factors, such as its overall condition, the mint mark it bears, the minting date, and the current market value of copper.
The combination of historical significance, craftsmanship, and the potential for increased value over time make these coins an appealing addition to any collection or investment portfolio. So, let’s get started with discussing the elements that play a role in formulating the overall worth of the 1973 quarter.
1973 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1973 No Mint Mark Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 to $0.85 | $6.81 |
| 1973 D Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 to $0.85 | $6.81 |
| 1973 S (Proof) Quarter Value | $5.84 | NA | NA | NA |
The 1973 quarter has a fascinating history, with both its standard and error varieties catching the eye of collectors and enthusiasts alike. As per the NGC Price Guide, as of March 2023, these Washington Quarters, in their circulated condition, have a value ranging between $0.30 and $0.85. However, when it comes to the open market, 1973 Quarters that are preserved in immaculate, uncirculated condition can fetch a staggering $490. This impressive price tag demonstrates how the 1973 quarter has captured the imagination of many, making it a sought-after collectible for those who appreciate the art and history behind these small metallic tokens.
1973 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
In 1973, the Philadelphia mint outpaced the other two mints when it came to producing Washington quarters. Now it’s worth noticing that these coins produced by the Philadelphia Mint actually lack a mint mark, making them quite easy to identify. With a staggering 346,924,000 mintage, these quarters are quite common in the market, diminishing their overall rarity.
When it comes to circulated coins in average condition, their value typically doesn’t exceed their face value, and most can be acquired for just 25 cents. However, the value increases for coins in mint condition.
For example, a coin-graded MS 65 might set you back around $6 on the open market. That being said, an auction could be a more lucrative option for selling well-preserved quarters. In fact, an MS 67-grade quarter fetched an impressive $1,486 at a Great Collections auction, showcasing its potential worth.
1973 D Quarter Value
The Denver mint saw a substantial output in 1973, creating 232,977,400 Washington quarters bearing the ‘D’ mint mark. With such a high production volume, their value in today’s coin market remains relatively low. In many instances, a circulated 1973 D Washington quarter in average condition can be purchased for just its face value or 25 cents. However, a coin with an MS 65 grade might yield a profit of nearly $7.
Auctions, as always, can tell a different story. For example, one eager collector managed to secure a 1973 D MS 68 Washington quarter for an eye-catching $2,750 on eBay back in 2022, showcasing the potential value of these coins.
1973 S (Proof) Quarter Value
While, the San Francisco mint exclusively minted proof Washington quarter specimens. With a total of 2,760,339 coins bearing the ‘S’ mint mark on the obverse, these quarters hold a rather modest value. This is primarily due to their widespread availability in the coin market, making them relatively easy for collectors to acquire.
An average-condition 1973 S-proof Washington quarter can be acquired for a mere 25 cents. Even mint-condition specimens won’t break the bank; in most instances, you can purchase a PR 65-rated coin for just over $4.5. Proof coins designated as CAM and DCAM hold a somewhat higher value, although it still depends on the grade. Top-rated pieces can typically fetch over $2,000.
When it comes to auctions, bidding on a 1973 Washington Quarter with deep cameo contrast might require you to allocate close to $6,000. In fact, a coin fitting this description was sold for $5,875 at a Heritage auction back in 2017, showcasing the potential value of these captivating pieces.
1973 Quarter Grading
In 1973, a unique quarter emerged that has since piqued the interest of coin collectors and enthusiasts alike. Grading this distinctive coin has become a fascinating pursuit, as each piece holds a special place in the annals of US currency history.
The 1973 quarter, part of the Washington Quarter series, features the iconic profile of George Washington on the obverse side, while the reverse showcases a majestic eagle with outstretched wings. With over 50 years having passed since its minting, accurately determining the grade of these coins is crucial for collectors seeking to assess their true value.
Grading a 1973 quarter involves very carefully evaluating some important factors, such as wear, luster, and any damage or imperfections. The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, a 70-point system, is the preferred method used to grade these quarters. Coins in pristine condition, with no signs of wear, are assigned a grade of MS-70 (Mint State 70), while those showing significant wear or damage receive lower grades.
Now you need to understand that the core value of a 1973 quarter isn’t just because of the history behind its production every single coin comes with some sort of history. The real worth has a lot to do with its demand in the coin collector communities. So, having a really keen eye for grading and a passion for coins can unlock the treasure hidden within these remarkable pieces of American history.
If you want to gather more information about grading the 1973 quarters, then this video may be of interest to you.
1973 Quarter Error Lists
In 1973, an intriguing series of quarter-error coins emerged, that attracted a lot of interest from coin collectors and even casual enthusiasts. These unique pieces are often referred to as “minting mishaps”. These quarter errors were the result of manufacturing mishaps at the mints, which led to various unique imperfections. For instance, some quarters had off-center strikes, causing the design to appear skewed. Others displayed a doubled die, giving the coin’s details a “ghostly” double effect.
Among the most prized errors from 1973 are the “clipped planchet” quarters, which look as though a piece has been bitten off. These unusual coins occurred when the metal strip was mistakenly cut during the blanking process. Off-center strikes occur when the coin is not properly aligned with the dies, resulting in a skewed image. Doubled dies exhibit a doubled or ghostlike appearance of the design elements caused by misaligned or improperly prepared dies. Finally, “cuds” are another sought-after error, characterized by a raised, blob-like feature on the coin’s surface, due to a die break or die crack.
Here’s a video with more interesting information about the 1973 quarter error coins.
These quirky 1973 error coins are a testimony to the intriguing world of coin collecting, where even the most minor imperfections can hold great value and captivate enthusiasts. So, if you happen to stumble upon one of these gems, consider yourself lucky – you’ve just found a piece of minting history! Now, let’s discuss a few errors that occurred in the 1973 quarter series.
1. 1973 Quarter Flip Over Double Struck
This unusual error coin came to be when it was struck once within the coining chamber, then flipped over for reasons unknown and the coin was struck once again. This is definitely surprising and it literally makes your mind flip over on trying to imagine why the mint did this! But, the outcome was a quarter featuring Washington’s portrait on the obverse side and his silhouette on the reverse. With only a handful of these coins in existence, they hold significant value for passionate collectors, often fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. 1973 Quarter 5-Cent Planchet
Occasionally, one might stumble upon a 1973 Washington Quarter with either a D or S mint mark that has been erroneously struck on a five-cent planchet. These rare specimens are quite the find, and their scarcity drives up their value significantly. If you’re in the market for one of these unusual pieces, be prepared to shell out a few thousand dollars to add it to your collection.
3. 1973 Quarter Proof Dime
Another interesting error was when the 1973 Washington Quarter was struck on a standard quarter planchet on one side, while the other side was imprinted on a planchet intended for proof dimes. To add to the oddity, the incorrect side was also struck off-center, causing some inscriptions to be absent. These striking anomalies make for a truly intriguing coin that captures the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
4. 1973 Quarter Die Crack
Some 1973 quarter coins exhibit die crack errors, which typically result from being struck using an aged and fractured die. The unique appearance of these specimens, complete with raised irregularities, piques the interest of collectors. At times, a visible fracture line can be seen on the coin’s surface, and the value of such an error coin hinges on the size and location of the imperfection. These intriguing coins, with their distinctive flaws, are a captivating addition to any collection. Now it’s quite an interesting error, because, this distinctive coin, bearing the telltale signs of die crack errors, offers a fascinating glimpse into the minting process’s occasional hiccups.
1973 Quarter FAQ
1. Which type of 1973 Quarter coins are of especially high value?
Some 1973 quarters have fetched quite a pretty penny in various auctions and sales over the years. For instance, back in 2017, a 1973 S PR 70 DCAM Washington quarter was sold for a staggering $5,875 at Heritage Auctions. Meanwhile, in 2022, a 1973 D MS 68 Washington quarter went for $2,750 on eBay. A few years prior, in 2013, a 1973 MS 67 Washington quarter reached $1,486 at a Great Collections auction. Additionally, a 1973 S PR 69 CAM Washington quarter sold for $45 on eBay in 2022, and a 1973 S PR 68 Washington quarter achieved $40, also on eBay, in the same year.
2. What is the Mint Mark/s on a 1973 Quarter coin?
The 1973 quarter coins can be identified by one of three mint marks. You’ll find a ‘D’ mint mark for coins minted in Denver, an ‘S’ mint mark for those from San Francisco, and interestingly, if there’s no mint mark on the coin, it was actually produced in Philadelphia. These subtle distinctions add a layer of intrigue for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
3. What is the worth of a 1973 Proof Quarter?
The estimated value of a 1973-S Washington Quarter (Proof Coin) as per USA Coin Book stands at around $5.84 or more. If you’re curious about how to use coin price charts or learn about grading coins, there are resources available online. Interestingly, the melt value shown for these coins represents the worth of the metal content itself, which is the bare minimum value of the coin.
4. What different coins were struck in 1973?
The 1973-PDS Mint Set was an interesting compilation of thirteen coins, featuring one each of the Lincoln Cent coin series, as well as the Roosevelt Dime series. It also included Jefferson Nickels, Washington Quarters, and the famous Kennedy Half Dollar coin series. In addition to this, there was a coin series of Eisenhower Dollar originating from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. But that’s not all because the set included a special Lincoln Cent from the San Francisco Mint. This diverse collection captured the essence of American coinage at the time.
