Most 1973 quarters are worth face value (25 cents) when circulated. However, uncirculated coins can be significantly more valuable: 1973-P (no mint mark) up to $1,300, 1973-D up to $1,800, and 1973-S proof coins reaching $4,100 in high grades. Error coins with wrong planchets command premium prices due to rarity. To determine value, identify the mint mark (D, S, or none for Philadelphia), assess condition for wear, and consider professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for potentially valuable specimens in uncirculated condition.
That 1973 quarter sitting in your change jar might be worth more than 25 cents, but determining its actual value requires understanding three critical factors: mint mark location, grading condition, and potential mint errors. While most 1973 Washington quarters remain worth face value, specific varieties in pristine condition have sold for over $4,000 at auction. Here’s everything you need to know about identifying and valuing your 1973 quarters.
Understanding the Three 1973 Quarter Varieties
The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at three facilities in 1973, each leaving a distinct signature on the coins they created. Philadelphia struck 346,924,000 quarters without any mint mark, Denver produced 232,977,400 coins marked with a “D”, and San Francisco minted 2,760,339 proof specimens bearing an “S” mint mark.
To locate the mint mark on your 1973 quarter, examine the obverse (heads side) just below the ribbon tying the ponytail on George Washington’s portrait. Philadelphia quarters display no marking in this space, while Denver and San Francisco coins show their respective letters. The San Francisco mint exclusively created proof coins in 1973, which were specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets, resulting in mirror-like surfaces and frosted design elements.
The composition of all 1973 quarters consists of a copper-nickel clad construction: a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Each coin weighs 5.67 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters and a reeded edge containing 119 reeds.
1973 Philadelphia Quarter Values by Grade
Philadelphia quarters without mint marks represent the most common variety from 1973. In circulated conditions ranging from Good-4 through About Uncirculated-58, these quarters typically trade at face value of 25 cents. The coin market only assigns premium values to specimens that never entered circulation.
Uncirculated examples begin showing collector value at the Mint State-63 level, where coins typically sell for $8 to $12. As quality improves, prices escalate dramatically:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS-63 | $8 – $12 |
| MS-64 | $18 – $25 |
| MS-65 | $45 – $75 |
| MS-66 | $175 – $285 |
| MS-67 | $950 – $1,300 |
According to Heritage Auctions records, a 1973 Philadelphia quarter graded MS-67 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) realized $1,292 in a 2022 sale. The population reports from PCGS show only 31 specimens have achieved the MS-67 grade, with zero coins certified higher, explaining the substantial premium at this level.
Full strike quality and original mint luster prove essential for achieving top grades. Coins with weak strikes on Washington’s hair details or the eagle’s breast feathers typically grade one to two points lower, significantly impacting value.
1973-D Denver Quarter Market Analysis
Denver quarters from 1973 follow similar valuation patterns to their Philadelphia counterparts in circulated grades. However, uncirculated Denver specimens have demonstrated slightly stronger market performance in recent years, particularly at premium quality levels.
The pricing structure for 1973-D quarters in uncirculated condition shows:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS-63 | $9 – $15 |
| MS-64 | $22 – $32 |
| MS-65 | $55 – $90 |
| MS-66 | $215 – $340 |
| MS-67 | $1,100 – $1,800 |
A 1973-D quarter certified MS-67 by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) sold for $1,763 through Stack’s Bowers Galleries in January 2023. The higher values for Denver quarters at top grades reflect their slightly lower survival rate in pristine condition compared to Philadelphia issues.
Denver quarters occasionally display characteristic die polishing lines in the fields, particularly around Washington’s portrait. While these production marks don’t constitute errors, they can affect eye appeal and grading outcomes. Collectors seeking registry set coins prioritize examples with clean, mark-free fields and strong cartwheel luster.
1973-S Proof Quarter Specifications and Values
San Francisco produced exclusively proof quarters in 1973, creating coins intended for collectors rather than circulation. These proofs feature deeply mirrored fields contrasting with frosted devices, achieved through multiple strikes using specially prepared dies and planchets.
Standard 1973-S proofs in Proof-65 to Proof-67 grades typically range from $4 to $15. However, specimens achieving Proof-68 or higher command substantial premiums:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| PR-65 | $4 – $6 |
| PR-66 | $6 – $10 |
| PR-67 | $10 – $18 |
| PR-68 | $55 – $125 |
| PR-69 | $850 – $1,950 |
| PR-70 DCAM | $3,500 – $4,100 |
The “DCAM” designation stands for Deep Cameo, indicating maximum contrast between mirrored fields and frosted design elements. According to PCGS population data updated in March 2024, only 11 specimens have received the PR-70 DCAM grade. Heritage Auctions sold a 1973-S PR-70 DCAM quarter for $4,113 in August 2023, establishing the current record price for this variety.
Some 1973-S proofs exhibit “Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” (equivalent to DCAM) designations based on the degree of field-to-device contrast. These specialty designations can add 50% to 300% to base proof values depending on the grade level.
Documented Error Types and Their Values
Mint errors on 1973 quarters occur rarely but generate significant collector interest when authenticated. The most valuable documented errors include:
Wrong Planchet Errors: Several 1973 quarters were accidentally struck on planchets intended for other denominations. A 1973-D quarter struck on a dime planchet (2.27 grams instead of 5.67 grams) sold for $2,350 through Heritage Auctions in 2021. Another example struck on a cent planchet brought $1,875 in a 2022 private sale.
Off-Center Strikes: Quarters struck significantly off-center while retaining a visible date command premiums. A 1973 quarter with a 25% off-center strike sold for $485 in November 2023. More dramatic errors with 50% or greater displacement can reach $800 to $1,200 depending on eye appeal and date visibility.
Double Die Varieties: Minor doubled die varieties exist on some 1973 quarters, primarily affecting the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” or date numerals. These typically add $15 to $75 to base values in uncirculated condition. No major doubled die varieties have been confirmed for 1973 quarters.
Broadstrike Errors: Coins struck without the restraining collar, resulting in expanded diameter and missing edge reeding, typically sell for $125 to $275 in circulated condition and $350 to $650 uncirculated.
Clipped Planchet Errors: Straight clips or curved clips removing 5% to 15% of the planchet add $35 to $125 to circulated coins and $150 to $400 to uncirculated specimens.
Authentication through PCGS or NGC proves essential for error coins, as the market heavily discounts raw, uncertified error specimens due to counterfeiting concerns.
Professional Grading and Certification Considerations
For 1973 quarters potentially worth over $50, professional grading provides authentication, condition assessment, and protective encapsulation. PCGS and NGC charge $20 to $35 for standard service levels, with results typically returned within 30 to 45 business days.
The grading process evaluates strike quality, surface preservation, luster, and eye appeal. Each component contributes to the final numerical grade on the 70-point Sheldon Scale. For 1973 quarters, the grade difference between MS-65 and MS-66 represents approximately $100 to $200 in value, making accurate grading financially significant.
Population reports published by grading services reveal relative rarity at each grade level. For example, PCGS has certified 412 1973 Philadelphia quarters at MS-66, but only 31 at MS-67, creating the dramatic value increase between these grades. Collectors building registry sets compete for the finest certified specimens, driving prices at top population levels.
When submitting coins for grading, examine your quarter under 5x magnification for hairlines, contact marks, or rim dings. Coins with obvious impairments rarely justify grading costs unless they possess unusual error characteristics or historical significance.
Maximizing Value When Selling Your 1973 Quarter
If you’ve identified a potentially valuable 1973 quarter, several factors influence achieving optimal sale prices. Coins grading MS-66 or higher, proof specimens in PR-68 or above, or authenticated error coins warrant professional certification before marketing. Submit these pieces to PCGS or NGC through authorized dealers or direct membership programs.
For certified coins, consignment through established auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or Great Collections provides access to serious collectors willing to pay market premiums. These services typically charge 10% to 20% seller fees but deliver competitive realized prices, particularly for registry-quality specimens.
Raw uncirculated coins grading MS-63 to MS-65 often sell effectively through online platforms like eBay or specialized coin forums. Provide high-resolution photographs showing both sides under consistent lighting, and accurately describe any visible marks or toning. Comparable sold listings guide appropriate pricing expectations.
Local coin dealers offer immediate liquidity but typically pay 60% to 80% of retail value, depending on their current inventory needs and market conditions. This option suits sellers prioritizing speed over maximum returns. Obtain quotes from multiple dealers before accepting offers on valuable pieces.
Is a 1973 quarter with no mint mark worth anything?
A 1973 quarter with no mint mark is a Philadelphia mint quarter, and its value is typically 25 cents for circulated coins, but uncirculated versions can be worth a few dollars. The value depends on the coin’s condition; while most circulated examples are worth only their face value, a pristine, uncirculated coin can fetch higher prices, such as a few dollars for an MS-65 grade.
What makes a 1973 quarter rare?
United States of America. And below it quarter dollar. This design has remained a symbol of American pride and resilience.
Are D mint quarters worth anything?
Yes, some “D” quarters are worth more than face value, particularly those minted before 1965 (which are made of 90% silver) or quarters with minting errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes. Quarters from specific years, such as the 1964-D, 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf,” or 1976-D Bicentennial double die, can be valuable. To determine a quarter’s worth, check its date for pre-1965 silver content, inspect for minting errors with a magnifying glass, and examine its overall condition.
Why is a 1970 D quarter worth $35000 today?
Overprinting of 1941 Canadian quarters was done on some of the 1970 quarters. When using good lighting, you can see this error on the reverse side, where the year 1941 is visible above the word DOLLAR. A collector discovered a rare 1970 S-proof quarter that was misprinted and sold it on eBay for a whopping $35,000.