1973 Quarter Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1973 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $5,875. That record was a Grade 70 example sold through Heritage Auctions in February 2017. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range right away. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what buyers are actually paying right now.

 

1973 Quarter Value By Variety

The table below breaks down current market values for each 1973 Washington quarter variety across different condition grades. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1973 Quarter Worth Money

The hierarchy of 1973 quarter values reveals fascinating patterns in collector preferences and grade rarity. The undisputed champion remains the 1973-S DCAM PR70, which commanded $5,875 at Heritage Auctions in February 2017 — nearly six times more than any other 1973 variety at the time.

That record reflects what happens when a perfect numeric grade meets the maximum proof contrast designation: the result is exponential value, not linear. The grade sensitivity within the DCAM series is especially striking — a PR69 DCAM brings around $171, while a flawless PR70 jumps to nearly $6,000.

Interestingly, high-grade Philadelphia quarters (1973 MS67) outperform many Denver examples despite Denver’s lower survival rates. The 1973-D varieties dominate the middle tier, with grades ranging from MS55 to MS67 consistently achieving three-figure values. Even lower-grade Denver quarters in MS63–66 maintain respectable premiums of $84–168, demonstrating sustained collector demand across all condition levels.

The most recent auction benchmark to note: a 1973 quarter graded NGC MS68 sold for $2,880 at Heritage Auctions on August 31, 2025 — the current auction record for the series.

 

History of the 1973 Quarter and the Washington Series

The Washington quarter was born out of a design competition held in 1931 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts selected the entry of sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser — an acclaimed numismatic artist and the first woman to design a U.S. coin — whose right-facing portrait of Washington was widely praised.

Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, however, overruled that recommendation and chose a competing design by sculptor John Flanagan instead. Numismatic historian Q. David Bowers, in his 2006 reference work A Guide Book of Washington and State Quarters, documented this controversy in detail. Art historian Cornelius Vermeule later described Flanagan’s reverse as “a stiff bit of heraldry,” while acknowledging the portrait’s classical origins in Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1785 bust of Washington.

Flanagan’s design — featuring Washington’s left-facing portrait on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse — debuted on the quarter in 1932. It was struck in 90% silver through 1964. Beginning in 1965, rising silver prices and a nationwide coin shortage prompted the Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from circulating quarters entirely. The new composition — a core of pure copper clad with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel — gave the coin its familiar silvery appearance despite containing no precious metal.

By 1973, this clad composition had been the standard for eight years. The quarter itself remained unchanged in design, mintage, and purpose — a workhorse of American commerce. What made 1973 uniquely significant was what came next: Nixon’s October 1973 legislation set the stage for the 1776–1976 Bicentennial quarter, which replaced the standard eagle reverse with Jack L. Ahr’s colonial drummer boy design for all coins dated after July 4, 1975. That makes the 1973 quarter the final year of the “original” Washington quarter design before the Bicentennial era began.

The quarter has since evolved dramatically — from State Quarters (1999–2008) to America the Beautiful (2010–2021) to American Women (2022–2025) — but the 1973 coin remains a tangible link to the uninterrupted Flanagan design era.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1973 Quarter Rare?

Understanding these nuanced rarity rankings becomes crucial for serious collectors — you can quickly check any coin’s rarity status using our Coin Identifier and Value App for instant grading assistance.

 

Key Features of the 1973 Quarter

Jargon is a key part of fitting in with numismatists — people who study, collect, and trade coins, medals, and tokens. So here’s a quick primer. The heads side of a coin is its obverse, the tails side is its reverse, the thin side is its edge, and the raised border is its rim. The images on a coin are called devices, the words are legends or mottos, and the coin’s background is called the field.

The Obverse of the 1973 Quarter

It shows George Washington facing left, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1785 marble bust. The legend LIBERTY arches above his head, while the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears to the left of his neck. The mint mark — “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco — sits behind the ribbon tying his ponytail; Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark at all. The date 1973 sits at the bottom, and the designer’s initials “JF” for John Flanagan are engraved near the neckline cutoff on the right.

The Reverse of the 1973 Quarter

It depicts a closely cropped bald eagle — the national symbol — with wings spread wide. The bird grips a bundle of 13 arrows in its talons, representing the original 13 colonies that formed the Union. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs along the top, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (Latin for “Out of Many, One”) nestled just above the eagle’s head. QUARTER DOLLAR appears along the bottom edge.

Other Features of the 1973 Quarter

The 1973 quarter uses a clad construction: a core of pure copper sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This layered structure gives the coin its silvery shine while containing no silver whatsoever. The coin is 24.3mm in diameter, 1.75mm thick, and weighs 5.67 grams. Its edge carries 119 reeds — the small ridges around the perimeter — and this is where the clad layers are most visible if worn through.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1973 Quarter Value Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia dominated 1973 production with 346,924,000 pieces struck — all without a mint mark. Yet only about 30% of those survive in collectible condition today, leaving roughly 104 million examples intact. Denver produced 232,977,400 coins bearing the “D” mint mark, but their preservation rate is dramatically lower at just 17%, leaving fewer than 40 million examples in collectible shape.

The real surprise comes from San Francisco. The Mint struck only 2,760,339 proof coins in 1973 — a tiny fraction of total production — yet these coins boast an exceptional survival rate near 81%, because collectors carefully set them aside from day one. That careful handling also explains why so many San Francisco proofs grade at the PR68 and PR69 level, compared to the chaotic survival patterns of circulation coins.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that no Philadelphia-struck 1973 quarter has been confirmed above MS67, and no Denver example above MS68 — making true gem specimens surprisingly elusive despite those enormous mintage numbers. These survival patterns reinforce a key lesson: for 1973 quarters, condition matters far more than original rarity.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Quarter Value

Assessing a 1973 quarter’s worth requires attention to specific wear patterns that develop over five decades of potential circulation. The key diagnostic areas are Washington’s hair strands above the ear, the cheekbone’s high point, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse — all three lose detail quickly once a coin enters circulation.

Surface quality, luster retention, and strike sharpness all factor into the final value. Proof coins add another layer of complexity: the CAM (Cameo) designation requires visible contrast between the mirrored background fields and the frosted lettering and devices, while DCAM (Deep Cameo) requires dramatic, deeply frosted devices against mirror-like fields — the rarest and most valuable proof designation.

For instant verification, simply snap a photo with our Coin Identifier and Value App to get a professional-level assessment in seconds.

 

1973 Quarter Value Guides

The 1973 Washington quarter series encompasses five distinct varieties that collectors actively pursue.

Regular circulation strikes came from Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D”), representing the bulk of production at nearly 580 million coins combined. San Francisco focused exclusively on collector-quality proofs, creating three specialized versions based on surface contrast quality.

The standard 1973-S Proof features polished fields with modest device frosting. CAM (Cameo) examples — struck from fresh dies before the frosting wears down — show enhanced contrast between mirrored backgrounds and frosted lettering. The premium DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation represents the finest contrast achievable, with deeply frosted devices creating a dramatic, almost three-dimensional visual appeal against brilliant mirror-like fields.

These proof variations, though sharing identical designs, command vastly different market premiums based on their surface characteristics and relative scarcity within the 2.76 million proof mintage.

• 1973 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1973-D (Denver Mint)
• 1973-S Proof (San Francisco Mint)
• 1973-S CAM (San Francisco Mint)
• 1973-S DCAM (San Francisco Mint)

 

1973 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1973 Philadelphia quarter is the most abundant Washington quarter of its era, with 346,924,000 pieces struck without a mint mark. Despite its common status, this coin represents a historically significant transitional moment — it is one of the final years of the standard heraldic eagle design before the Bicentennial redesign era began. Worn circulated examples are generally worth only face value (25 cents), while uncirculated specimens in MS63–MS65 typically trade for $1–$6.

The scarcity begins at MS66, where original roll and mint set survivors become genuinely difficult to locate. According to PCGS CoinFacts, no Philadelphia-struck 1973 quarter has been confirmed above MS67 — making top-grade examples true condition rarities. A 1973 (P) MS67 sold for $1,486 at GreatCollections, and the current series auction record stands at $2,880, achieved by an NGC MS68 example sold at Heritage Auctions on August 31, 2025.

Recent auction records reveal how condition dramatically impacts value for this high-mintage issue.

Current market activity demonstrates sustained collector interest despite the coin’s common classification.

Market activity score: 80/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 22 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-D Quarter Value

The 1973-D quarter from Denver represents a fascinating study in regional minting differences, with 232,977,400 pieces bearing the distinctive “D” mint mark. Denver quarters from this era are known for their characteristically “flashy” luster — PCGS CoinFacts notes that Denver struck noticeably more brilliant coins throughout the 1970s compared to Philadelphia, which explains why Denver quarters attract a higher submission rate to grading services.

What makes this variety particularly noteworthy for condition collectors is its dramatically lower survival rate — only about 17% compared to Philadelphia’s 30% — making higher-grade examples genuinely scarce. Circulated 1973-D quarters are worth face value, while MS63–65 examples trade for $1–$5. The MS67 grade becomes truly scarce, and no Denver 1973 quarter has been authenticated above MS68 at either PCGS or NGC.

Recent auction records demonstrate the premium collectors pay for superior condition examples of this Denver issue.

Market activity reflects consistent interest from both Washington quarter specialists and registry set builders.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S Proof Quarter Value

The 1973-S Proof quarter represents San Francisco’s commitment to collector-quality coinage, struck exclusively for numismatic purposes using specially prepared dies and polished planchets (coin blanks). Unlike circulation strikes, these proofs receive multiple blows from the dies on high-pressure presses, creating mirror-like fields that contrast sharply with the frosted devices.

The San Francisco Mint produced exactly 2,760,339 proof quarters in 1973, all sold as part of complete proof sets directly to collectors. Standard proof examples (without a cameo designation) typically trade for $5–$15, making them accessible entry points into the 1973 proof series.

Historical auction records showcase the consistent premium these proofs command over regular strikes.

Current market activity reveals strong collector appetite for well-preserved examples across all proof designations.

Market activity score: 50/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S CAM Quarter Value

The 1973-S CAM (Cameo) quarter represents an enhanced level of proof quality. CAM — short for Cameo — means the coin shows noticeable contrast between the frosted, textured devices (the portrait and eagle) and the mirrored, reflective background fields. This effect comes from using fresh proof dies: when a die is brand new, its sandblasted surfaces create maximum frosting; as the die is used repeatedly, that frosting gradually wears away.

CAM examples occupy the middle ground between a standard proof and the premium DCAM tier. They are more visually striking than ordinary proofs but less dramatic than deep cameos. CAM quarters typically trade for $8–$25 in lower proof grades, with top-grade PR69 CAM examples reaching $50–$100 or more.

Auction records reveal the consistent premium the CAM designation commands over standard proof examples.

Market activity shows growing appreciation for these moderately contrasted specimens among discerning collectors.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 10 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1973-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) quarter is the pinnacle of the entire 1973 series. DCAM — short for Deep Cameo, sometimes called Ultra Cameo (UCAM) by NGC — describes coins where the contrast between the deeply frosted devices and the brilliant mirror-like fields is so pronounced that the design elements appear almost three-dimensional. Only the very first strikes from freshly prepared proof dies produce this maximum-contrast effect.

Just a small fraction of the 2,760,339 proof coins struck achieved true DCAM status. The series record belongs to a PR70 DCAM example that realized $5,875 at Heritage Auctions in February 2017. Grade sensitivity in this tier is extreme: a PR69 DCAM is worth roughly $171, while a perfect PR70 commands nearly 35 times that price.

Auction records consistently demonstrate the significant premiums collectors willingly pay for this elite designation.

Market activity demonstrates strong collector competition for top-tier DCAM examples across major numismatic platforms.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 10 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1973 Quarter Error List

Mint errors occur when something goes wrong during the planchet preparation, die use, or striking process. Numismatists sometimes use the initials FS (First Strike) to denote errors officially spotted and verified within 30 days of a coin’s release. But errors discovered later can be just as valuable — sometimes more so. Here are the most significant 1973 quarter errors known to collectors, including several not widely documented elsewhere.

1. 1973 Quarter Struck on a Penny Planchet

One of the most dramatic wrong-planchet errors occurs when a quarter design is stamped onto a cent blank — a planchet (coin disk) intended for a 1-cent coin. A penny planchet is only 19.05mm across instead of 24.3mm, so large portions of the quarter design get sliced off entirely. The coin also weighs around 3.1g instead of the standard 5.67g, making weight the easiest detection method. A 1973 (P) business strike quarter on a cent planchet graded MS64 sold for $1,495 at Heritage Auctions, and a similar MS65 Red example brought $1,410. These are the most dramatic and eye-catching of all 1973 quarter errors.

2. 1973-S Proof Quarter Double-Struck on a Penny Planchet

This rare error combines two problems: the wrong planchet AND a double strike. The coin was struck on a 1-cent planchet (which shifted between blows), so it carries slightly overlapping images on a drastically undersized, underweight coin — just 3.13g instead of 5.67g. Finding a double-strike on a proof coin is exceptionally rare because San Francisco proof production involves extensive quality control checks at every step. A 1973-S example graded PF68 RB (Red-Brown — the color designation used for copper-based coins graded by PCGS and NGC) sold for $4,600. A PF67 RD example sold for $3,100.

3. 1973-S Proof Quarter Struck on a Nepal Planchet

The U.S. Mint has long produced coins for foreign nations, and occasionally a foreign-denomination planchet accidentally enters the domestic striking process. A 1973-S proof quarter struck on a planchet intended for a Nepalese coin — graded PF64 — sold for $4,800, making it one of the rarest and most exotic wrong-planchet errors in the entire 1973 quarter series.

4. 1973-D Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet

Here the quarter design was stamped onto a blank intended for a 10-cent dime. A dime planchet is only 17.91mm across — even smaller than a cent — so the coin loses far more design detail than the penny-planchet error. Liberty and the top of Washington’s head disappear completely, as does the denomination on the reverse. Weight drops to around 2.2g. A 1973-D example graded MS64 sold for $1,900 at auction.

5. 1973-D Quarter Struck on a Nickel Planchet

Still in the wrong-planchet category, this Denver quarter was struck on a 5-cent nickel blank. The nickel planchet is slightly smaller and lighter than a quarter, causing wording to be cropped along the coin’s top edge. Weight measures approximately 5g instead of 5.67g. A lower-grade example in AU58 (About Uncirculated — meaning very light wear on the highest points only) sold for $145.

6. 1973 Quarter Flipover Double-Struck in Collar

This fascinating striking error occurs when a coin is struck, flips over inside the coining chamber before being ejected, and then receives a second blow. A PCGS-graded MS64 example of this error — with Washington’s portrait ghosted onto the reverse from the flip — sold at Heritage Auctions’ 2008 Long Beach sale. PCGS notes these flipover errors are significantly scarcer than standard double-strikes because the coin must tumble at precisely the right moment within the press. A comparably graded example in MS65 is valued around $370.

7. 1973 Quarter Double-Struck Off-Center

When the coin blank shifts between two die strikes, the resulting images overlap at different angles, creating a distinctive misregistered appearance. A 1973 (P) example with 85–95% misalignment of strikes and graded MS62 sold for approximately $1,000. Off-center errors with a complete, clearly visible date are worth significantly more than those where the date was clipped off in the offset strike. According to CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America), off-center errors in the 15–60% range with a visible date are the most desirable for this denomination.

8. 1973-D Quarter Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet error results when the metal strip feeding through the blanking machine overlaps a previously punched hole, producing a coin blank with a curved or straight cut missing from its edge. GreatCollections has offered a 1973-D clipped planchet quarter certified PCGS MS65 — a 5% clip that creates a noticeable flat or curved bite out of the coin’s edge. Minor clips add modest premiums, while dramatic clips of 10% or more can command $50–$200+ depending on grade and severity.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where To Sell Your 1973 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now:Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1973 Quarter Market Trend

Market interest: 25,640 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1973 Quarter Value, Errors, and Grades

1. Are 1973 Quarters worth anything?

Most circulated 1973 quarters in worn condition are worth face value — 25 cents. However, uncirculated examples (MS63–MS65) are typically worth $1–$6. Top-grade survivors command serious premiums: a 1973 (P) MS67 sold for $1,486 at GreatCollections, while an NGC MS68 example set the current auction record at $2,880 at Heritage Auctions in August 2025. The 1973-S DCAM PR70 holds the overall series record at $5,875, sold at Heritage Auctions in February 2017.

2. What does the mint mark on a 1973 Quarter tell me?

The mint mark tells you where the coin was struck. No mint mark means it came from the Philadelphia Mint (346,924,000 made). A “D” mint mark means Denver (232,977,400 made). An “S” mint mark means San Francisco, which only produced collector proof coins in 1973 — none of the S-mint quarters circulated. The mint mark is located on the obverse behind the ribbon tying Washington’s ponytail.

3. Is there a silver 1973 Quarter?

No. There are no silver 1973 quarters — not in circulation, not in proof sets, and no known wrong-metal errors on silver planchets have been authenticated. The U.S. Mint removed silver from circulating quarters in 1965 under the Coinage Act of 1965, and 1973 proof sets used the same copper-nickel clad composition as business strikes. Any coin sold as a “silver 1973 quarter” should be approached with extreme skepticism.

4. What is the most valuable 1973 Quarter error?

The most valuable known error is the 1973-S Proof quarter struck on a cent planchet, graded PR68 Red-Brown by NGC, which sold for $5,520 at Heritage Auctions in 2019. Close behind it is the 1973-S Proof on a Nepal planchet, which realized $4,800 graded PF64. The 1973-S double-struck proof on a penny planchet graded PF68 RB brought $4,600. Wrong-planchet proof errors consistently command the highest premiums in the 1973 quarter error market.

5. How do I know if my 1973-S Quarter is CAM or DCAM?

Look at the contrast between the coin’s background (fields) and the raised design elements (devices). If both look equally shiny, it’s a standard proof. If the devices (Washington’s portrait, the eagle) look frosted or white against a mirror-like background, it’s a CAM (Cameo). If the frosting is extremely bold and dramatic — making the devices appear almost three-dimensional — it’s a DCAM (Deep Cameo). NGC uses the term UCAM (Ultra Cameo) for the same designation. Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is the only reliable way to confirm the designation for buying or selling purposes.

6. Why are high-grade 1973 quarters so rare despite the huge mintage?

High mintage doesn’t protect coins from wear. Billions of 1973 quarters went directly into commerce — cash registers, vending machines, pockets, and purses — where they endured decades of contact damage. Only coins preserved in original bank rolls, mint sets, or collections avoided that wear. PCGS reports no confirmed 1973 Philadelphia quarter above MS67 and no Denver example above MS68. With hundreds of millions originally minted, those population ceilings demonstrate just how brutal the survival odds are for true gem examples.

7. What makes the 1973 quarter historically significant?

The 1973 quarter is the last year of the standard Washington quarter design before the Bicentennial era began. On October 18, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed legislation requiring a temporary redesign for coins issued after July 4, 1975 — the colonial drummer boy reverse that replaced the eagle for the 1776–1976 Bicentennial coins. That makes every 1973 quarter the final expression of the uninterrupted Flanagan heraldic eagle design that had run since 1932, a span of 41 years.

8. What should I look for when examining a 1973 quarter for value?

Start with the high points: Washington’s hair strands above the ear, the cheekbone, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. Any visible wear on these areas moves a coin into circulated territory and significantly reduces its value. Next, examine the luster — uncirculated coins show a cartwheel-like sheen when tilted under a light. On proof coins (S mint), check for frosted devices against mirror fields; stronger contrast means CAM or DCAM status and higher value. Finally, weigh the coin: 5.67 grams is correct; anything significantly lighter may indicate a wrong-planchet error worth investigating.

9. How do I submit a 1973 quarter to PCGS or NGC for grading?

Both PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the two most widely trusted third-party grading services in the hobby. To submit, choose a service level based on your coin’s estimated value, complete the online submission form, securely package the coin per each company’s instructions, and ship it to their facility. Grading fees typically range from $22–$65+ per coin depending on tier. Certified grades are universally recognized by dealers, auction houses, and registry set collectors, and certified coins typically sell for more than ungraded (“raw”) examples of the same quality.

10. Are there any doubled die errors on 1973 quarters?

Yes, though they are relatively scarce and subtle for this year. A doubled die error occurs when the hub (the master design tool) is impressed into a working die more than once with a slight misalignment, transferring doubled images onto every coin struck from that die. On 1973 quarters, doubling can appear on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, or the date numerals. Minor doubled die 1973 quarters typically trade for $25–$50, but more dramatic examples with clearly separated doubling visible to the naked eye can command significantly more. The reference group CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) catalogues known doubled dies and is an excellent resource for verifying suspected examples.