1973-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
The 1973-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find these in your pocket change, they are common in inherited collections and proof sets, making them a popular entry point for new hobbyists.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| PR68 DCAM | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR70 DCAM (Perfect) | $150.00 – $550.00 |
| Major Mint Error | $50.00 – $200.00+ |
Understanding the 1973-S Washington Quarter
If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1973 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you’ve found a Proof coin. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver for daily commerce, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. They were never intended to spend at a grocery store, which is why they often look much more “mirrored” and polished than your average coin.
To quickly identify if your coin is a valuable rarity or a standard collectible, many beginners use a free coin identifier app. These tools can help you distinguish between a common proof and a “Deep Cameo” finish, which significantly impacts the price. In 1973, the U.S. Mint struck over 2.7 million of these proof quarters, so while they are not “rare” in a general sense, finding one in a perfect, flawless state is a different story entirely.
When evaluating your coin, the first thing to check is the “S” mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. Using CoinKnow is a great way to verify the mint mark and compare your coin’s luster with high-resolution database photos to see where yours stands on the grading scale.
What Makes a 1973-S Proof Quarter Special?
The “S” mint mark signifies the San Francisco Mint. In 1973, San Francisco only produced Proof coins for the Washington series. These were sold in “Proof Sets” along with the penny, nickel, dime, and half dollar of that year. If you find one loose, it likely means someone broke open a set to spend the money or use it in a collection.
Because these were struck using specially polished dies and planchets (the flat metal discs), they have a reflective, mirror-like background. The higher the contrast between the shiny background and the frosted portrait of Washington, the more valuable the coin becomes. Experts look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which represents the highest level of craftsmanship.
If you are curious about how these technical details affect the market price, you can view the current 1973-S quarter price fluctuations to see what buyers are currently paying on the open market. Most of these coins will be in great shape since they were kept in plastic cases, but even a single fingerprint can reduce the value of a high-grade proof.
The Grading Scale and Its Impact on Price
The value of a 1973-S Washington Quarter is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin graded PR63 (Proof 63) might only be worth its face value or a dollar, whereas a PR70 (a perfect coin under 5x magnification) can fetch hundreds of dollars at auction.
Most casual collectors will find coins in the PR65 to PR67 range. These are “Gem Proofs” that look beautiful to the naked eye but have tiny imperfections visible under a microscope. For those looking for detailed historical sales data, checking a complete 1973-S Washington Quarter value report is essential before trying to sell your find to a local coin shop.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Proof (No Cameo) | Shiny but no frost on the design | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Cameo (CAM) | Moderate frost on Washington’s head | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | Heavy frost; looks like a black-and-white photo | $25.00 – $500.00+ |
Rare 1973-S Quarter Errors to Look For
While the standard proof coins are common, mint errors can happen even in the controlled environment of the San Francisco Mint. These errors are where the “big money” usually lives. Error collectors are always on the lookout for mistakes that shouldn’t have passed inspection.
Common errors found on 1973-S quarters include “Double Dies,” though these are extremely subtle on this specific year. More obvious errors include “Clipped Planchets,” where a piece of the coin is missing, or “Off-Center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side. For help identifying these weird-looking coins, CoinKnow provides an easy-to-use interface to submit photos for community feedback.
If you find a 1973-S quarter that looks like it was struck on the wrong metal—for example, if it looks like a dime or a cent—you could be holding a coin worth thousands. Always handle these by the edges and place them in a protective sleeve immediately to preserve their value.
Is a 1973-S Quarter Made of Silver?
One of the most frequent questions from people who find a 1973-S quarter is whether it contains silver. Unfortunately, the answer for 1973 is no. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for standard quarters in 1964. The 1973-S quarters are made of a copper-nickel “clad” composition.
While there were special silver quarters in 1976 for the Bicentennial, the 1973 coins contain zero silver content. Their value comes purely from their numismatic (collector) interest and their condition. If you weigh the coin, a standard 1973-S clad quarter should weigh 5.67 grams. If it weighs significantly different, you might have a rare error or a counterfeit.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (Clad) |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
How to Sell Your 1973-S Washington Quarter
If you believe you have a high-grade 1973-S quarter, your first step should be to confirm its grade. For coins that appear perfect, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is the best route. However, this costs money, so make sure the coin is worth the investment first. Using the CoinKnow app can give you a preliminary “AI grade” to see if it’s worth the ship-off fee.
For most collectors, selling on eBay or to a local coin shop is the fastest way to turn a coin into cash. If your coin is a standard PR65 or PR67, you might get $3 to $8. If it’s a rare PR70 Deep Cameo, you should consider a specialized numismatic auction house.
Always remember that “asking prices” on sites like eBay are not the same as “sold prices.” Look at the completed listings to see what people are actually paying. The 1973-S quarter is a piece of American history, and while most won’t buy you a new car, they are a fantastic way to start a lifelong hobby of coin collecting.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 1973 quarter have an “S” but looks like it was used in circulation?
A: While 1973-S quarters were only sold in proof sets, many kids over the decades have broken open their parents’ sets to buy candy or soda. These are known as “impaired proofs.” They are still 1973-S quarters, but their value drops to almost exactly 25 cents because the mirror finish has been scratched away.
Q: Is there a 1973 quarter worth $10,000?
A: There are no standard 1973-S quarters worth that much. However, a 1973-D (Denver) quarter struck on a cent planchet (the wrong metal) or a similar extreme error could potentially reach very high prices. Standard proof coins from 1973-S usually top out around $500 for perfect PR70 specimens.
Q: How can I tell the difference between “Cameo” and “Deep Cameo”?
A: A “Cameo” coin has a light frosting on the portrait of George Washington. A “Deep Cameo” (or Ultra Cameo) has a very thick, white frosting that makes the portrait stand out sharply against a jet-black mirrored background. These are much more desirable to collectors.
Q: Does cleaning my 1973-S quarter make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a proof coin will leave tiny scratches called “hairlines” on the delicate surface. A cleaned proof coin is almost always worth significantly less than an uncleaned coin, even if the uncleaned one has a little bit of natural toning or tarnish.
