The 1973 Quarter is among the years with the highest production numbers for the Washington Quarter series. Due to its high production numbers, the market value for this coin is relatively low. That said, you might be surprised at the value of the rarer varieties!
With this 1973 Quarter Value Guide, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what to look for in a high-value quarter.
1973 Quarter Value Summary
Below is the estimated price for this year and series according to the NGC.
| 1973 Quarter Value Overview | ||
| Mint Mark | Mintage | Estimated Value |
| 1973 P 25C (Regular Strike) | 346,924,000.00 | $0.30 to $490.00 |
| 1973 D 25C (Regular Strike) | 232,977,400.00 | $0.30 to $650.00 |
| 1973 S 25C (Proof) | 2,760,339.00 | $2.00 to $15.00 |
| 1973 S 25C CAM (Proof) | $3.00 to $20.00 | |
| 1973 S 25C DCAM (Proof) | $8.00 to $4100.00 | |
That said, the open market for the Mint State coins can be more volatile. Having a grading of more than MS66 can give a 1973 Quarter a value well into the hundreds.
Unfortunately, due to the high amount of mintage, the lower grade for this quarter does not provide much value. For the Regular Strike grading, it can start at a value of $0.30. Even in the Proof series, the value does not increase much, with a base price of $2.00.
1973 Quarter Details
- Category: Washington Quarters
- Weight: 5.67g
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
- Obverse and Reverse Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
Obverse Feature
George Washington, the first President of the United States, has been honored on the 25 cent or quarter since 1932. He’s the primary feature in the coin’s obverse design ─thus the series name.
Along with Washington’s bust, the front of the quarter features the word ”Liberty’’ above his head with the terms “In God We Trust” inscribed in front of his neck.
The Mint mark is present beside the ribbon at his neckline, while the coin’s date features prominently at its bottom. On the right side of this cut-off, John Flanagan’s signature initials (JF) can be seen engraved.
Reverse Feature
A close-up image of an American bald eagle is portrayed on the reverse side, with its wings fully spread. Its talons hold a bundle of thirteen arrows ─an emblem for the nation’s original thirteen founding states.
“United States of America” is written on top, with the Latin sentiment “E Pluribus Unum” situated between the eagle’s wings and above its head. Finally, the words “Quarter Dollar” appear at the base.
Previously, quarters comprised 90% silver and 10% copper. That all changed in 1965 when they adopted the so-called ‘clad Sandwich,’ which was previously used in Nickels.
This cupronickel combination was a replacement for silver since it was too expensive. Which results in shortages, hoarding, and even unlawful melting of coins. However, this lower the melt value for the 1973 Quarter.
1973 P Quarter Value and Auction Record
Although the base price of $0.30 for a Good graded 1973 P Washington Quarter and $20 for one in MS66 is not that much, the market for higher grades of the 1973 P Washington Quarter can provide more value.
| 1973 P Quarter Value List | ||
| Grading | Code | Value |
| Good | G | $0.30 |
| Very Good | VG | $0.30 |
| Fine | F | $0.30 |
| Very Fine | VF | $0.30 |
| Extra Fine | XF | $0.30 |
| Almost Uncirculated | AU 50 | $0.40 |
| AU 53 | $0.40 | |
| AU 55 | $0.50 | |
| AU 58 | $0.75 | |
| Mint State | MS 60 | $1.50 |
| MS 61 | $0.75 | |
| MS 62 | $3.50 | |
| MS 63 | $5.00 | |
| MS 64 | $7.50 | |
| MS 65 | $10.00 | |
| MS 66 | $20.00 | |
| MS 67 | $490.00 | |
| MS 68 | – | |
This series are among the one people mostly use for buying. So, the amount higher than with a grade MS67 is very rare. It provides the highest estimated value among all of the coin series at a price of $490.00.
In fact, in 2014, Heritage Auctions sold a 1973 25C MS67 Quarter for $940.00. Which is double the price of the estimated value.
Along with that, this 1973 Quarter was sold for $1,486.00 in May 2013. It has a grade of MS67 and is the highest amount for the ‘P’ mint.
1973 D Quarter Value and Auction Record
The Denver Mint comes in second for the number of coins it produced in 1973, totaling 232,977,400. The circulated coin from the D series can have a base price of $0.30 to $0.75, just like the P ones. On the open market, though, those Washington Quarters from 1973 in uncirculated condition can fetch up to $650.00!
| 1973 D Quarter Value List | ||
| Grading | Code | Value |
| Good | G | $0.30 |
| Very Good | VG | $0.30 |
| Fine | F | $0.30 |
| Very Fine | VF | $0.30 |
| Extra Fine | XF | $0.30 |
| Almost Uncirculated | AU 50 | $0.40 |
| AU 53 | $0.40 | |
| AU 55 | $0.50 | |
| AU 55+ | $0.60 | |
| AU 58 | $0.75 | |
| AU 58+ | $0.85 | |
| Mint State | MS 60 | $1.50 |
| MS 60+ | $2.00 | |
| MS 61 | $2.50 | |
| MS 61+ | $3.00 | |
| MS 62 | $3.50 | |
| MS 62+ | $4.00 | |
| MS 63 | $5.00 | |
| MS 63+ | $6.00 | |
| MS 64 | $7.50 | |
| MS 64+ | $8.50 | |
| MS 65 | $10.00 | |
| MS 66 | $15.00 | |
| MS 67 | $25.00 | |
| MS 68 | $650.00 | |
In fact, this 1973-D MS coin with a grade of MS67 was sold for $382.00 by the Heritage Auctions in 2013. A good amount above the estimated price by the NGC.
The highest price for a 1973 ‘D’ Mint belongs to this 1973-D Quarter. In August 2022, this coin was sold on eBay for $2,750.00.
1973 S Quarter Value and Auction Record
Proof coins are quite distinct. During the minting process, special proof dies and treatments, such as swiping with horsehair, are used to give the coin its characteristic shine. The planchets or coin blanks often undergo unique treatments such as laser engraving or acid pickling.
They are then polished using stainless steel beads to achieve the desirable mirrored finish. A notable 2,760,339 of them were minted by the San Francisco Mint in 1973. That said, only 499 coins are graded and certified by the NGC.
So, there is a significant possibility to see the 1973 S Quarter in circulation. Being used unwittingly by non-collectors for change. It might come as a surprise that these Proof coins are much lower than many PF series. It’s because of the higher number produced. Unlike most Proof, which are just in the thousands, the 1973 Quarter exceeds the million.
Thus, it’s much lower in estimated value. For the standard Proof coin, it’s estimated to have a price of $2.00 to 15.00. However, the value can go above the estimated ones.
| 1973 S Quarter (Proof) Value List | |||
| Grading | PF | PF CAM | PF DCAM |
| PF 60 | $2.00 | $3.00 | – |
| PF 61 | $3.00 | $4.00 | – |
| PF 62 | $4.00 | $5.00 | – |
| PF 63 | $5.00 | $6.00 | – |
| PF 64 | $6.00 | $7.00 | $8.00 |
| PF 65 | $7.00 | $8.00 | $9.00 |
| PF 66 | $8.00 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| PF 67 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $11.00 |
| PF 67+ | – | $11.00 | $12.00 |
| PF 68 | $12.00 | $13.00 | $14.00 |
| PF 68+ | $13.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 |
| PF 69 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $24.00 |
| PF 70 | $4,100.00 | ||
1973 S Quarter Cameo Proof Value
Cameo Proof Coins appear to have a frosted surface added to the mirror-like shine of the proof coin. So, it provides a higher value. NGC estimated this series to be sold at $3.00 to $20.00. Currently, the highest sale for this coin is for $36.00, with a grade of MS69, higher than the estimated price.
1973 S Quarter Deep Cameo Proof Value
If you want to see tremendous value for this year, then look no further than the Deep Cameo Series. These coins feature the most striking detail and shine in all of the coins.
Most notable is this PR70, which has a perfectly mint state. This coin was put in an auction by Heritage Auctions in February 2017. It’s sold for $5,875.00.
1973 Quarter Error Coins Value
With the value for regular coins in the table, let’s get into those with errors.
1973 Quarter Right Inner Rim Error
This quarter from the P series features a striking error in the obverse right side of the coin. The mistake in the strike caused an imprint on the coin’s surface. It’s being sold for $275.00.
1973 Washington Quarter Strikethrough Error
This coin has a striking error on the obverse side of the coin. A “strikethrough” error is a kind of mishap that occurs with coins during the die process.
When an object passes between the die and a planchet during striking, the error can imprint in the coin. It makes a distinct and often unique pattern that is visible on impacted coins.
This one happens on the obverse side of the coin, producing marks. This coin is available for $94.05.
1973 Washington Quarter Off-Center Error
If the dies meant to strike a coin don’t align correctly, or if the coin is positioned outside its collar, a misalignment known as an off-center error can occur. This 1973 coin has this error present, producing a blank space near the edge of the obverse and reverse side of the coin. It has a price of $79.99.
1973 D Quarter Liberty On Line Error
Another form of striking error is the lack or merging of the margin. With this coin, the LIBERTY stamp on the upper obverse side of the coin happened to be misaligned.
The effect is that it lacks the raised margin at the top of the coin. Coins with this error can come at higher prices, with this one going for $149.99.
1973 Quarter Value Grading Based on Four Conditions
Grading the coin is the first way to know its value. Here are the four conditions in which your 1973 Quarter can be graded.
Uncirculated State
Coins in the Uncirculated State, graded as MS60 and higher, typically hold the most value in this coin series. You’ll notice the details on Washinton’s bust to be more prominent. There is no detail merging along the eyebrows, cheeks, and neck.
However, the most telltale sign is the hair roll beside the bust’s ear. As it’s the easiest detail to merge, a striking indentation on this part will show that the coin is on a Mint State.
Extremely Fine State
Next is the Extremely Fine State. Coin from this grade might have gone into a limited circulation. It can show slight wear and tear; however, there should be no significant sign of usage, such as a scratch or chipping off. The coin’s flaws are mainly prominent under magnification.
Fine State
A Fine grading shows that the coin has been well into circulation. The details might merge, especially in the rear section of the bust. The eagle’s talons can also show some merging on the wood the eagle is perched in.
Good State
Good state shows significant wear and tear on the coin’s surface. Most of the luster is gone, and the bust and eagle engraved on the surface are mostly merged. The details are not that apparent, especially the small, intricate ones.
The price of the 1973 quarter is considerably based on its grade, meaning that it is necessary to appraise it by a professional to determine its value. So, make sure that the NGC or PCGS grades the coin you’re buying or planning to sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 1973 Quarter Worth Good Money?
Unless you have a rare variety of the 1973 Quarter, most just go at face value. Also, it does not have much melt value. The USA Coin Book estimated it to be at $0.0547, which is lower than the value of the coin.
If you want to learn more about the most valuable varieties of this coin, you can watch this video.
What is the highest value of a 1973 Quarter?
In August of 2022, a 1973-D Quarter minted with the ‘D’ mark sold for $2,750.00 through eBay, which is the highest price seen for this type for this year. It has a grade of MS68.
In Conclusion
Although lower than Uncirculated Mint State does not provide much value for the 1973 Quarter, finding a rare designation can undoubtedly make it worth a lot. Also, having some error or mis-strike in the coin can increase its value!
Refer to this 1973 Quarter Value Guide, and you’ll know all the information to find an excellent coin to buy or sell!
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.