The 1971 Quarter has significant collecting potential. They are relatively affordable in any condition, and you can even find circulated examples among your change. But what is the value of a 1971 Quarter?
Based on our research of the latest market price, circulated 1971 quarters are worth 30 cents regardless of their condition. About uncirculated examples will cost you between 40 and 85 cents. And in mint condition, they are worth between $1 and $2,200, depending on their condition and variety.
Speaking of condition and variety, the table below compares the value of various varieties of the 1971 Washington Quarter in different conditions.
1971 Quarter Valuation Chart
| 1971 Quarter Condition | Estimated Value | ||
| 1971-P Quarter | 1971-D Quarter | 1971-S Proof Quarter | |
| Circulated
(G4 – XF40) |
$0.30 | $0.30 | – |
| About Uncirculated (AU50 – AU58+) | $0.40 – $0.85 | $0.40 – $0.85 | – |
| Uncirculated
(MS60 – MS64+) |
$1.50 – $8.50 | $1.50 – $8.50 | $2.30 – $10.00 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65 or higher) | $10 – $1,250 | $10 – $1,100 | $10 – $2,200 |
1971 Quarter: Historical Background
The 1971 Quarter is not the sharpest-looking coin by any means, and that was a character flaw common among Washington Quarters of the era. The depictions on the obverse and reverse faces appear to be glossy with little texture.
This effect was brought about by lowering the reverse’s rim in the mid-30s. Without a high rim, the relief on the reverse was exposed to wear, which sanded down the feathers of the bald eagle on the back.
Most dies used for the Washington Quarter also suffered crude polishing techniques, which knocked out some detail off George Washington’s hair. So the next time you see a 1971 George Washington Quarter, it’s not feint because of an artistic style, but rather the effect of abrasion on its dies over the years.
Several coins also flew out of the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with Double Die Reverse (DDR) anomalies. This error affected the phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” Some or all of the letters that make these words will exhibit doubling along their edges.
1971 Quarters with a DDR are quite rare and very valuable. 1971-P Quarters with a DDR are the most sought-after variety, and they can fetch upto $8,800.
Now, let’s talk about the coin’s physical features.
1971 Washington Quarter: Physical Features
Keeping up with the tradition of Washington Quarters, the 1971 Quarter is a silver coin. Unfortunately, it doesn’t contain any silver, unlike its pre-1965 equivalents. For planchets, the U.S. mint went with a pure copper core clad with a mixture of 75% copper and 25% Nickel. It is this nickel metal that gives the 1971 Quarter its characteristic silver color.
For a highlight of the coin’s key physical attributes, consider the table below.
1971 Quarter: Physical Characteristics
| Physical Feature | Notes | |
| Color | Silver | |
| Metallic Composition | Cladding
75% Copper 25% Nickel |
Core
100% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | |
| Diameter | 24.30 | |
| Edge | Reeded | |
Obverse Design and Features
The 1971 Quarter is the 40th iteration of the Washington Quarter. Therefore, it takes most of its design cues from the original Washington Quarter, launched in 1932.
The obverse of this Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan and included the following characters:
- The left-facing portrait of President George Washington
- The legend “LIBERTY”
- The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- The date “1971”
- The mint mark, “D,” “S,” or none
- The designer’s initials “JF”
Reverse Design and Features
The reverse of the 1971 Quarter also borrowed directly from the 1932 Washington Quarter. The reverses of both coins include the following elements:
- A bald eagle with stretched-out wings
- A bundle of arrows-clasped between the eagle’s talons
- The country of issue “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
- The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- Two intersecting olive sprigs
- The denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR”
1971 Quarter: Varieties and Value
The 1971 Quarter has multiple varieties, some more valuable than others. Below is a breakdown of the value of some of these coins.
1971-P Quarter Value
- U.S. Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 109,284,000
- Mint Mark: None
With over 109 million quarters struck, the Philadephia Mint only managed the second-highest mintage in 1971. All these coins were meant for circulation, and you’ll find them in any condition imaginable. You can even find some among your change.
But how valuable is the 1971-P Quarter?
We have analyzed data from PCGS and NGC, as well as the latest transaction prices, the 1971-P Washington Quarter is worth 30 cents in circulated condition. About Uncirculated 1971-P Washington Quarters are worth between 40 and 75 cents. Mint-State 1971-P Washington Quarters are estimated to be worth between $1.50 and $1,250.
The 1971-P Quarter is not a rare coin by any measure. There are tons of these coins in low grades, hence the low prices. The other end of the Sheldon Scale is occupied by very few gems. The finest 1973-P Washington Quarter ever graded by NGC earned grades of MS67, and there are only eight known examples. And that’s why they are valued highly at $1,250 apiece.
As for the value of 1973-P Quarters in various conditions, consider the valuation chart below:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G4) | $0.30 |
| Very Good (VG8) | $0.30 |
| Fine (F12) | $0.30 |
| Very Fine (VF20) | $0.30 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $0.30 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $0.40 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.75 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $1.50 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $10 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS67) | $1,250 |
One thing to note: The above data is based solely on the fair market value derived from current market transactions. In the open market, prices fluctuate depending on a coin’s demand. To paint a clearer picture, we thought it wise to give you a taste of what these coins actually sell for in an auction.
| Variety | Grade | Sales Price | Auction Firm |
| 1971-P Quarter | MS67 | $3,840 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-P Quarter | MS67 | $3,600 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-P Quarter | MS67 | $998.75 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-P Quarter | MS66 | $364 | Heritage Auctions |
1971-D Quarter Value
- U.S. Mint: Denver
- Mintage: 258,634,428
- Mint Mark: D
Fundamentally, there’s not much of a difference in value between the 1971-P and the 1971-D Quarters. And that’s after considering the fact that Denver more than doubled Philadelphia’s mintage.
The NGC estimates the value of circulated 1971 Quarters to be 30 cents, regardless of their condition. About Uncirculated 1971 Quarters are worth between 40 and 85 cents, depending on their condition.
In mint state, 1971 Quarters can fetch between $1.50 and an ice-cold $1,100. But to break beyond that $1,000 ceiling, your coin will need to be very special; I’m talking about the MS68 kind of special.
For the value of various coins in this spectrum, consider the table below:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G4) | $0.30 |
| Very Good (VG8) | $0.30 |
| Fine (F12) | $0.30 |
| Very Fine (VF20) | $0.30 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $0.30 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $0.40 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.75 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $1.50 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $10 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS68) | $1,100 |
On the open market, 1971-D Quarters have sold for higher prices. Below are notable auctions involving 1971-D Quarters:
| Variety | Grade | Sales Price | Auction Firm |
| 1971-D Quarter | MS68 | $4,560 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-D Quarter | MS68 | $4,113 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-D Quarter | MS | $1,495 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-D Quarter | MS68 | $1,093 | Heritage Auctions |
1971 Quarters with Double Die Reverse (DDR), Value
- U.S. Mint: Denver & Philadelphia
- Mintage: Unknown
- Mint Mark: “D” or none
Both the Denver and Philadephia facilities were guilty of striking coins with a Double Die Reverse. 1971 Washington Quarters of this variety will have doubling around the texts “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
While we don’t know exactly how many coins of this nature were struck, we do know how rare they are. To this day, PCGS has graded only 15 examples.
The market is disproportionately favorable to the 1971-P Quarters with DDR. According to PCGS, an uncirculated 1971-P Quarter with DDR is valued between $25 and $625. Circulated 1971-P Quarters with DDR are valued between $800 and $1,550. In mint condition, a 1971-P Quarter with DDR has values that range from $1,750 to $8,800, depending on their condition.
1971-D Quarters with DDR are mostly available in mint condition. At this state, the value ranges from $65 for an MS63 example and $375 for an icy-white MS68.
If we tabulate all this information, it would look like the table below.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| 1971-P DDR | 1971-D DDR | |
| Good (G4) | $25 | – |
| Very Good (VG8) | $40 | – |
| Fine (F12) | $80 | – |
| Very Fine (VF20) | $200 | – |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $450 | – |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $800 | – |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $1,500 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $1,750 | – |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS63) | $2,750 | $65 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $8,800 | $225 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS68) | – | $375 |
How well do 1971 Quarters with DDR sell in the open market? Very well.
Below is a table outlining the most notable auctions involving 1971 Quarters with DDR.
| Variety | Grade | Sales Price | Auction Firm |
| 1971-P Quarter DDR | MS65 | $8,812.50 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1971-D Quarter DDR | XF40 | $1,280 | eBay |
1971-S Proof Quarter Value
- U.S. Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: Unknown
- Mint Mark: 3,220,733
In 1971, the San Francisco Mint was tasked with one job: striking proof coins. These proof coins were not meant for circulation but only sold to collectors. Today, you’ll find these coins in mint state with values that range between $2.30 and $2,200, depending on their condition.
Below is a comparison of value between Proof, Cameo, and Deep Cameo variations of these coins.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | ||
| Proof | Cameo | Deep Cameo | |
| Uncirculated (PR60) | $2.30 | – | – |
| Uncirculated (PR61) | $2.50 | – | – |
| Uncirculated (PR62) | $4.60 | – | – |
| Uncirculated (PR63) | $7.50 | – | – |
| Uncirculated (PR64) | $8.50 | $10 | – |
| Uncirculated (PR65) | $10 | $11 | $25 |
| Uncirculated (PR66) | $10.50 | $11.50 | $50 |
| Uncirculated (PR67) | $13 | $17 | $95 |
| Uncirculated (PR68) | $20 | $25 | $275 |
| Uncirculated (PR69) | $27.50 | $85 | $2,200 |
| Uncirculated (PR70) | $100 | – | – |
If you’ve learned anything from this post, estimated values aren’t always spot-on. Actual selling prices at the drop of the hammer tend to surpass or even fail to match these estimates. That said, below are some notable auctions involving 1971-S Proof Quarters:
| Variety | Grade | Sales Price | Auction Firm |
| Deep Cameo | PR69DCAM | $7,475 | Heritage Auctions |
| Deep Cameo | PR69DCAM | $6,900 | Heritage Auctions |
| Not Specified | PR70 | $4,000 | eBay |
| Deep Cameo | PR69DCAM | $3,525 | Heritage Auctions |
1971 Quarter: Valuable Error Coins
We’ve discovered the many varieties of the 1971 Washington Quarter. All that’s left is to discuss the error coins under its belt. Below are five valuable examples:
1971-D Quarter with an Extra Ring: Reserved at $800
This coin seems to have an extra ring inside its rim. The mysterious ring is visible on the reverse face and cuts into the text “QUARTER DOLLAR.” From the images provided by the seller, we can tell that the coin is in great condition. But without an official grading, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact grade for the quarter.
1971-D Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet: Selling for $525
Rare are those times when a dime planchet is mixed up with quarter-dollar equivalents. And since a dime planchet is smaller than that of a quarter dollar, it fails to fill the collar. And we end up with a broadstruck quarter with a weird shape and a smaller frame, just like the coin above.
1971-P Quarter with Broad-Struck and Clipped Errors: Selling for $400
Here’s an interesting coin with multiple errors. It’s easier to spot the broadstruck error from the reverse point-of-view as we can see a distorted rim. This error was likely caused by a faulty collar that failed to define the coin’s edge.
This 1971-P Quarter also shows multiple elliptical clips on the 11 and 5 O’clock positions of the reverse.
1971-D Quarter with Double Die Reverse Error: Reserved at $3
While the seller claims that this coin has both DDO and DDR errors, I can only confirm the latter. This quarter dollar is showing doubling around the letters of the texts “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
It seems like this coin belongs to the coveted DDR variety of 1971-D Quarters. And if that’s the case, then there’s a lot of profit to be made. Such coins are worth between $65 and $375, depending on their condition.
1971-D Quarter with Double Die Reverse Error: Reserved at $2.50
Here’s another coin with tons of profit potential. This specimen is showing doubling around the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.” Unfortunately, the coin is not in mint condition and could struggle to sell for over $50. While the seller has yet to grade this coin, they estimate it’s in good condition.
1971 Quarter: Is it Worth Collecting
Yes. The 1971 Washington Quarter is collectible by beginners as well as experienced collectors. For the beginner, the 1971 Quarter is available in low grades at very cheap prices. You can buy a box of coin rolls and fill up a Washington Quarter album in a single afternoon.
For the intermediate collector who’s looking for coins in better condition, they can still afford mint condition 1971 Quarters for cheap. Variety collectors will love the DDR variety of the 1971 Quarter, and the error coin collectors will have something to keep them busy.
Whatever your budget or level of commitment to the hobby, the 1971 Washington Quarter has a coin for you.
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.