1973-S Washington Quarter Value: Guide to Proof Coin Prices

The 1973-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in typical Proof condition to over $1,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most found in old collections are worth a few dollars, finding a “Deep Cameo” finish in a flawless grade can lead to a significant payday for lucky collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR65 (Standard Proof)	$1.50 – $3.00
PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$400 – $1,100

History and Identification of the 1973-S Quarter

If you’ve found a San Francisco-minted quarter from 1973, you aren’t looking at a standard coin meant for your pocket. In 1973, the San Francisco Mint exclusively produced “Proof” coins. These were specially struck twice using polished dies and planchets to create a mirror-like field and frosted details, intended specifically for collectors. For the average person, identifying this coin is as simple as looking for the small “S” mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.

Because these were sold in protective plastic sets, many have survived in excellent condition. However, if you find one in a jar of loose change, it is likely “impaired,” meaning it has scratches or wear from being spent. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard Proof and one with “Cameo” features that command higher prices. Many people use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan their coins and determine if the luster is original or if the coin has been cleaned, which can drastically lower its resale value.

Determining the 1973-S Washington Quarter Value by Condition

When assessing the value of a 1973-S Washington Quarter, collectors focus heavily on the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This refers to the sharp contrast between the shiny, reflective background (fields) and the milky, white frosted appearance of Washington’s portrait. A coin without this contrast is considered a “standard proof” and usually sells for the price of a cup of coffee. However, a flawless specimen with deep frosting is a different story entirely.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A PR69 1973-S is relatively common and affordable. But a PR70—the highest possible grade—is exceptionally rare for this year. You can check the latest 1973 quarter auction market results to see how much these perfect coins have fetched recently. Even small microscopic scratches visible only under 10x magnification can drop the price from several hundred dollars to less than twenty.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	Standard Proof Value	Deep Cameo Value
PR67	$2.00	$8.00
PR68	$4.50	$12.00
PR69	$10.00	$25.00
PR70	N/A	$650+

Error Varieties and What to Look For

While the 1973-S is primarily collected for its grade, there are several “mint errors” that can boost the value of a common coin. Errors occurring on Proof coins are significantly rarer than those on circulation coins because the quality control at the San Francisco Mint is much stricter. However, mistakes do happen. Common errors include “doubled dies,” where the image appears to be stamped twice, or “off-center” strikes where the coin isn’t perfectly aligned.

The most sought-after errors for the 1973 series often involve the “S” mint mark. Sometimes the mint mark is “re-punched” or shows slight doubling. If you suspect your coin has a unique error, using CoinKnow to compare it against high-resolution images of known die varieties is a smart move. Finding a rare die error can turn a $2 coin into one worth $50 or even $100. Always keep an eye out for any blurring or overlapping lines in the letters “LIBERTY” or the date.

The Silver Myth: Is the 1973-S Quarter Silver?

One of the most frequent questions we receive from everyday Americans is whether their 1973-S quarter is made of silver. Unfortunately, the answer for this year is a definitive “No.” The United States Mint stopped using 90% silver for standard quarters in 1964. While some “S” mint quarters from later years (like the Bicentennial or modern silver proofs) contain silver, the 1973-S is made of a copper-nickel clad composition.

Because there is no “melt value” for these coins, their worth is entirely dependent on their numismatic (collector) value. If you are looking for detailed 1973 Washington quarter specifications, you will find that a standard Proof weighs 5.67 grams. If you have a coin that looks “white” all the way through the edge instead of showing a copper stripe, it could be an experimental strike or a rare error, but these are statistically unlikely for the 1973 run.

Technical Spec	Details
Composition	75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure copper core
Weight	5.67 grams
Diameter	24.3 mm
Mint Mark Location	Obverse (Front), right of Washington’s hair

Why Rarity Matters: The PR70 Factor

You might wonder why a 1973-S quarter in PR69 is worth $20 while a PR70 is worth $700. In the world of coin collecting, the “Population Report” is everything. For 1973, over 2.7 million Proof sets were minted. Most of the coins inside are nearly perfect. However, only a tiny fraction are truly “perfect” under a microscope. A single hairline scratch from a piece of dust inside the original plastic case can prevent a coin from reaching the PR70 status.

Investors and high-end collectors often use the CoinKnow app to track the population numbers of these top-tier coins. Because the supply of PR70 DCAM 1973-S quarters is so low compared to the demand from people trying to complete “Registry Sets” (a competitive form of collecting where people try to own the highest-graded example of every coin in a series), the price stays high. If you find an old Proof set that has never been opened, it is worth keeping It sealed!

Tips for Selling Your 1973-S Quarter

If you have determined that your 1973-S quarter is a high-grade specimen or has a unique error, your next step is selling it. For coins worth less than $10, selling on eBay or to a local coin shop is usually the best bet. However, keep in mind that coin shops need to make a profit, so they may only offer you 50-60% of the retail value. If you think you have a PR70 Deep Cameo, you will need to have it professionally graded first, which costs about $25-$50 plus shipping.

Before spending money on grading fees, do your homework. Check online forums and use price guides to ensure your coin has the “frosted” look required for the “Deep Cameo” designation. Coins that look shiny but lack the white frosting on Washington’s face are rarely worth the cost of professional grading. Most 1973-S quarters found by casual hunters are best kept as a neat piece of history or a way to start a new hobby.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1973-S quarter rare?

A: No, the 1973-S is not considered rare in a general sense. Over 2.7 million were minted. However, they are rare to find in circulation (pocket change) because they were originally sold only in Proof sets. Specimens in “Perfect” PR70 condition are extremely rare and valuable.

Q: How can I tell if my 1973 quarter is a Proof?

A: 1973-S quarters are Proofs. You can identify them by their highly reflective, mirror-like surface and the “S” mint mark. Standard quarters from the Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D) mints have a duller, matte-like finish and were intended for everyday spending.

Q: What is the silver content of a 1973-S quarter?

A: The 1973-S Washington Quarter contains 0% silver. It is made of a clad composition of copper and nickel. The US Mint did not produce silver quarters in 1973.

Q: Should I clean my 1973-S quarter to make it more valuable?

A: NEVER clean your coins. Even using a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that professional graders will detect instantly. A cleaned coin can lose over 50-90% of its collector value. Keep the coin in its original state to preserve its market price.