At first glance, a 1973 Washington quarter may not seem like anything special. With hundreds of millions minted, they are extremely common. Most have been heavily circulated and are only worth their 25 cent face value. However, to a coin collector‘s eye, some 1973 quarters are worth huge money due to their grade, errors, and varieties.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about 1973 quarter values. You‘ll learn which ones are truly valuable, what to look for, and how to buy and sell them. By the end, you‘ll see why this common coin is one that every collector should consider.
1973 Quarter Mintage Figures and Varieties
Here is a breakdown of how many 1973 Washington quarters were minted at each U.S. Mint facility:
- 1973-P (Philadelphia): 346,924,000 minted
- 1973-D (Denver): 232,977,400 minted
- 1973-S (San Francisco): 2,760,339 minted (proof coins only)
The 1973-P and 1973-D quarters from Philadelphia and Denver were made for circulation. Most are only worth face value unless they are in exceptional uncirculated condition or have errors. No quarters were officially minted in San Francisco that year besides proofs.
The 1973-S was solely minted as a proof coin, not for circulation. Proof coins are early samples of a coin struck with highly polished dies and are usually of much higher quality and detail than regular strikes. Because of their special status, all 1973-S quarters have some level of numismatic value to collectors.
What Makes a 1973 Quarter Valuable?
Three main factors determine the value of a 1973 Washington quarter:
- Condition/Grade: Coins are graded on a 70-point scale based on their wear and damage. Higher grade quarters in mint state (uncirculated) condition are worth significantly more than lower grade circulated ones.
- Errors/Varieties: Quarters with striking errors or die varieties from the minting process are rare and highly sought-after by collectors. The value depends on the type and severity of the error.
- Mint Mark: Generally, coins from certain mints are scarcer and more valuable. For 1973 quarters, the 1973-S proof is worth significantly more than the P and D.
List of the Most Valuable 1973 Quarters
Here are the auction records for the most expensive 1973 Washington quarters that have sold:
| Type | Condition | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1973-S Proof (Deep Cameo) | PR70 | $5,875 |
| 1973-S Proof (Doubled Die, Cent Planchet) | PR68 | $5,520 |
| 1973-S Proof (Cameo) | PR70 | $4,935 |
| 1973-S Proof (Nepal Planchet Error) | PR64 | $4,800 |
| 1973-D (Struck on Cent Planchet) | MS65 | $1,410 |
| 1973-P (No Mint Mark) | MS67 | $1,116 |
As you can see, 1973-S proof coins with deep cameo contrast or major errors top the list, selling for nearly $6,000. Other rare errors like being struck on the wrong planchet (coin blank) also drive up values into the thousands. Pristine 1973-P and 1973-D quarters graded MS67 are worth over $1,000 due to their flawless condition.
Keep in mind, these are extreme examples. Most 1973 quarters, even in great condition, sell for much less. A typical 1973-P or D quarter graded MS65 is worth around $10-20. Proof 1973-S quarters usually sell for $5-10 in PR65 condition.
1973 Quarter Error Coins and Varieties
For many collectors, finding a genuine 1973 Washington quarter error coin is a dream come true. While they are extremely rare, dozens of different error types have been discovered. Here are some of the most well-known:
- Wrong Planchet: Struck on a cent, nickel, dime, or foreign planchet instead of a quarter planchet. The most valuable are 1973-S proof quarter errors.
- Off-Center: Struck off-center, with part of the design missing. The coin‘s value increases the more off-center it is (up to around 50% off-center).
- Broadstrike: A coin that is wider and flatter than normal because it was struck without a collar die to form the edge. Can have a smooth or jagged edge.
- Double Strike: Struck twice by the dies, leaving a doubled image. Most dramatic when the second strike is at a different angle.
- Doubled Die: Created by a misaligned die that has a doubled image. Rarer and more subtle than a double strike.
- Clipped Planchet: Has a straight or curved clip on the edge from mint worker error when cutting the coin blank from the metal strip.
Other more obscure errors include die caps, fold-over strikes, indent strikes, die breaks/cuds, and partial/weak strikes. Mint-made errors (not damaged after leaving the mint) in uncirculated condition are worth the most. An error‘s value depends on how dramatic and rare it is.
How to Buy and Sell Valuable 1973 Quarters
If you think you have a valuable 1973 quarter, the first step is to have it authenticated by a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. They will grade the coin‘s condition and certify if it has any errors. This gives you an official opinion to base its value on when selling.
The best places to buy and sell rare 1973 quarters are through reputable dealers, coin shows, and auction houses. Online marketplaces like eBay are also popular. However, counterfeits are a risk with raw (ungraded) coins. Stick with coins graded by PCGS and NGC in sealed holders.
Auctions are where record prices are set for the rarest and highest grade 1973 quarters. But unless you have a 5-figure coin, selling to a dealer or another collector is more practical. Price guides like the PCGS CoinFacts app can help you determine a fair market value.
Avoid pawn shops, flea markets, and jewelry stores. They often don‘t have the numismatic expertise to grade coins accurately or make strong offers. You want to sell to someone who specializes in coins and appreciates the rarity of your 1973 quarter variety.
Are 1973 Quarters a Good Investment?
Like all coins, 1973 Washington quarters are a non-traditional investment compared to stocks or precious metals. There is less liquidity and prices can be subjective based on grade. However, rare coin values have historically risen over the long term.
1973 quarters are ideal for collectors on a smaller budget. Putting together a high grade set by date and mint mark is very achievable. Rare varieties and errors also sell for much less than those from pre-1965 90% silver quarters. Over time, they could appreciate in value as more collectors discover them.
Of course, you should collect 1973 quarters primarily because you are passionate about the series. Studying the different varieties, hunting for errors, and building a registry set is a fun challenge. While not a foolproof investment, rare coins offer the unique chance to grow your money doing something you love.
1973 Quarter FAQs
Q: What makes a 1973 proof quarter valuable?
A: 1973-S proof quarters are valued based on their cameo contrast and grade. Deep cameo (DCAM) proofs with jet-black fields and stark white frosted devices are most desirable. Error proofs like those struck on the wrong planchet are also extremely rare and valuable.
Q: Aren‘t all quarters from 1965-1998 made of copper-nickel clad?
A: Yes, but off-metal errors do happen. Sometimes a silver, copper or foreign planchet is fed into the quarter press by mistake. These wrong planchet errors are rare and highly collected.
Q: How can I tell if my 1973 quarter has an error?
A: It can be tricky for a untrained eye to spot a genuine mint error. Look for anything unusual about the strike, shape, weight, or metal. If you suspect an error, take it to a knowledgeable dealer or send it to a grading service for an expert opinion.
Q: What is a "Doubled Die" quarter error?
A: This error occurs when a die (especially the obverse head die) has a doubled image due to misalignment when making the die from the master hub. It often shows as clear doubling in lettering and date. Rarer and more valuable than a typical double struck quarter.
Q: Are any 1973 quarters silver?
A: No regular issue 1973 Washington quarters contain silver. They are all copper-nickel clad. The only exception would be a rare silver planchet wrong metal error.
That covers all the key things every collector should know about the value of 1973 Washington quarters. Hopefully you now feel confident in your ability to cherrypick rare errors and varieties from this often overlooked series. Whether you‘re collecting on a budget or chasing 5-figure rarities, 1973 quarters offer both fun and profit potential. Happy hunting!
