The 1973-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $1,200 in rare, high-grade mint states. For the average person finding one in a change jar, it is usually only worth its face value, but specific mint errors and pristine conditions can fetch much higher prices from collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated)	$0.25 – $0.50
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$10.00 – $25.00
Superb Gem (MS67+)	$400 – $1,200+

Understanding the 1973-D Washington Quarter History

If you have discovered a 1973-D quarter in your pocket, you are holding a piece of American history from the Nixon era. This coin was minted at the Denver Mint, which is denoted by the small plate-style “D” mint mark located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just behind Washington’s ponytail. During the early 1970s, the United States Mint was producing billions of coins to meet the demands of a growing economy.

To determine if your specific specimen is a common find or a hidden treasure, many collectors now use a top coin identifier app to get instant results. The 1973-D is composed of a copper-nickel “sandwich” alloy, meaning it contains no silver. The transition from silver to clad coinage happened in 1965, so by 1973, the composition was standard.

Because the Denver Mint produced over 339 million of these quarters, they are extremely common in circulated condition. However, finding one that has survived 50 years without a single scratch is a different story altogether. Most of these coins were used to buy soda, pay tolls, or play arcade games, leaving very few in perfect “Mint State.” Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a coin that is simply shiny and one that possesses true numismatic luster.

Grading and Evaluating the 1973-D Quarter Value

The physical condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most significant factor in its market price. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin graded 1 is essentially a flat copper-colored disc, while a 70 is a perfect specimen. For the 1973-D, the jump in price occurs at the MS65 (Mint State 65) level.

Most 1973-D quarters found in circulation today will grade between “Fine” and “About Uncirculated.” In these conditions, collectors usually aren’t interested unless the coin has a visible error. You can check the latest 1973-D Washington quarter price guide to see how values fluctuate based on professional grading.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristics	Price Range
Very Fine (VF20)	Moderate wear on hair details and eagle wings.	$0.25
Extremely Fine (EF40)	Light wear on high points; sharp lettering.	$0.35
Mint State (MS63)	No wear, but many small scratches (bag marks).	$2.00 – $5.00
Mint State (MS67)	Nearly perfect with incredible luster and strikes.	$350.00+

Searching for Rare 1973-D Quarter Errors

Mint errors are the “wild cards” of the coin collecting world. Even if a 1973-D quarter is worn, it can be worth a significant amount of money if the US Mint made a mistake during production. Common 1973 errors include off-center strikes, where the design is pushed to one side, or “double dies,” where the lettering looks like it has a blurry shadow.

One specific error to look for is the “Clipped Planchet.” This occurs when the metal disc (planchet) was cut improperly, resulting in a crescent-shaped piece missing from the edge of the coin. Another valuable error is the “Indenting Error,” where another planchet is pressed into the coin during the minting process.

If you suspect your coin has an anomaly, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or brushes destroys its numismatic value instantly. Instead, use a tool like CoinKnow to zoom in on the details. Professional collectors pay high premiums for authenticated errors because they are one-of-a-kind. Check this detailed 1973-D quarter value list for more info on specific error sales.

Comparison with Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints

To understand the 1973-D, it helps to compare it to its siblings from Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (S mint mark). In 1973, Philadelphia produced 232 million quarters, making them slightly rarer than Denver coins, though prices remain similar for average specimens.

The most sought-after quarters from 1973 are the Proof coins from San Francisco. These were not made for circulation; they were sold in plastic sets to collectors. They feature a mirror-like background and frosted details. While a 1973-D is a “workhorse” coin, a 1973-S Proof is a piece of art.

Mint Branch	Mint Mark	Mintage Volume	Avg. Value (MS65)
Philadelphia	None	232,130,000	$15 – $25
Denver	D	339,003,352	$10 – $20
San Francisco	S	2,760,339 (Proof Only)	$5 – $12 (PR69)

Why High Grade 1973-D Quarters are Rare

You might wonder why a coin with 339 million copies can be worth $1,200. The answer lies in the quality of the strike. In 1973, the dies used to stamp the coins were often used long after they should have been replaced. This resulted in “mushy” details on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.

Furthermore, most 1973-D quarters were released into massive ballistic bags. These coins knocked against each other during transport, creating “bag marks” or tiny nicks. A 1973-D quarter that managed to escape the bag without a single nick, and was struck with a fresh die, is a statistical anomaly.

For the everyday American, using the CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution photos of MS67 coins. If your quarter looks exceptionally bright and sharp—as if it were minted this morning—it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Is Your 1973-D Quarter Worth Keeping?

If you find a 1973-D quarter in your spare change, 99% of the time it is worth exactly 25 cents. It is not made of silver, and it is not old enough to be inherently valuable in worn condition. However, it is always worth a five-second inspection.

Look for the “D” mint mark and then flip the coin over to look for errors. Check the edges for “clipping” and look at the date for double-stamping. If you enjoy history, these coins represent the last years before the Bicentennial designs of 1976 changed the reverse of the quarter for a short time.

If you are starting a collection, a 1973-D is a great “low stakes” coin to practice your grading skills. By comparing it to other quarters from the 1970s, you can begin to see the subtle differences in strike quality and rim thickness that define the world of professional numismatics.

FAQ

Q: Does a 1973-D quarter contain any silver?

A: No, 1973-D quarters are made of a clad composition consisting of a pure copper core and an outer layer made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Silver quarters ended in 1964.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1973-D quarter?

A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s neck, just below his ponytail and above the date.

Q: What is the most expensive 1973-D quarter ever sold?

A: A 1973-D quarter graded MS68 by PCGS sold for over $1,400 at an auction. Such high grades are extremely rare because the 1973 production quality was generally low.

Q: How can I tell if my 1973 quarter is an error coin?

A: Look for inconsistencies like missing letters, parts of the coin being cut off, or a “shadow” effect on the date. Using a magnifying glass or a coin identification app can help you spot these details more easily.