1970s Quarters Values: Prices and Overview
1970s Quarters Values: Prices and Overview
Complete collector's guide to 1970s quarter values, including price charts, error coins, and expert selling tips
Introduction
As many collectors find, values for 1970s quarters are all over the map. The value of any coin depends on various factors that every serious numismatist should understand.
Key Value Factors
- Intrinsic precious-metal content
- Date and mintmark combination
- Grade or condition of the coin
- Presence of errors or varieties
General Expectations
- Most are copper-nickel clad
- Circulated coins typically worn
- Majority worth face value only
- Exceptions can be quite valuable
When it comes to 1970s quarters, most are made from copper-nickel clad. Those found in circulation are typically worn, meaning that the vast majority of those found in everyday change will be worth only their face value.
Important Note
With that said, there are some 1970s quarters that are worth more than their face value. Understanding which ones and why can help both collectors and those looking to sell coins from this era. For collectors interested in precious metals, consider that while these quarters lack silver content, investing in actual silver coins and bullion provides genuine precious metals exposure.
Table of Contents
1970s Quarters Price Chart
The following price chart shows approximate values for 1970s quarters in uncirculated condition. These prices can vary based on market conditions and specific coin quality.
| Year & Mintmark | Approximate Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | $11 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1970-D | $8 | Denver mint |
| 1970-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1971 | $8 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1971-D | $6 | Denver mint |
| 1971-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1972 | $6 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1972-D | $6 | Denver mint |
| 1972-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1973 | $6 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1973-D | $7 | Denver mint |
| 1973-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1974 | $6 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1974-D | $9 | Denver mint |
| 1974-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1976 | $7 | Bicentennial design |
| 1976-D | $7 | Bicentennial design |
| 1976-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1976-S (40% silver) | $10 | Collectible silver proof |
| 1977 | $7 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1977-D | $7 | Denver mint |
| 1977-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1978 | $7 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1978-D | $7 | Denver mint |
| 1978-S | $5 | Proof coin |
| 1979 | $7 | Philadelphia mint |
| 1979-D | $7 | Denver mint |
| 1979-S (Type I) | $9 | Proof coin, clear S |
| 1979-S (Type II) | $11 | Proof coin, filled S |
Important Notes
All coins above with an S mintmark are proofs. Coins minted in 1975 used the dual "1776–1976" year-date for the Bicentennial celebration. Note that no quarters were minted for circulation in 1975, as all production focused on the Bicentennial design.
Brief Background on Washington Quarters
The Washington quarter was first released in 1932. It features an obverse portrait of George Washington, a Revolutionary War general and our nation's first president. The Washington quarter was originally designed by John Flanagan and was coupled with a reverse portrait of a heraldic eagle.
Historical Timeline
- 1932: First Washington quarter issued
- 1932-1964: 90% silver composition
- 1965: Switched to copper-nickel clad
- 1976: Special Bicentennial design
- 1999: State Quarters program began
Design Elements
- Obverse: George Washington portrait
- Reverse: Heraldic eagle (1932-1998)
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Special 1976 Bicentennial reverse
- Consistent design through 1998
The quarter was regularly made with a 90% silver composition until 1965, when the coin was switched to a copper-nickel clad format due to rising silver prices. Some collectible versions of the quarter have been struck with silver in the years since.
The Silver Connection
With the exception of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter featuring "1776-1976" dual dating on the obverse and a special commemorative reverse with a colonial drummer boy, the Washington quarter retained its original design through 1998. For those interested in the precious metals content that was removed from quarters in 1965, consider investing in silver bullion to capture the value that pre-1965 quarters once provided.
1970-1979 Quarters Detailed Analysis
As explained earlier, Washington quarters made for circulation throughout the duration of the 1970s are made from copper-nickel clad. None were struck in 90% silver. However, there is one important exception that collectors should know about.
1976 Bicentennial Silver Quarters
About nine million of the 1976 Bicentennial quarters struck at the San Francisco Mint bearing an "S" mintmark were made from a 40% silver composition. These were all struck as collectibles and sold to the public as such.
Identification Tips
Look for an "S" mintmark first. If it doesn't have an "S" mintmark, it's not a 40% silver quarter. Any "S" mintmark 1976 quarters found in circulation should be tested for silver content.
Testing Methods
Look for an orange or brown band around the edge indicating copper core. Professional testing equipment can provide definitive identification, though there may be fees involved.
Weight Differences
Deciphering clad and 40% silver quarters apart from each other cannot conclusively be done using a scale alone. Only .08 grams separate the standard weights of a clad quarter (5.67 grams) and 40% silver quarter (5.75 grams), and the tolerance for a quarter is .22 grams, up or down.
While a clad 1976 quarter is worth face value if worn, a 1976 silver Bicentennial quarter can be worth about $1.50 to $2, regardless of its grade, when silver trades around $20 per ounce. For investors seeking significant silver exposure, consider purchasing silver bullion rather than relying on collectible coins.
1970s Quarters with Varieties or Errors
While the vast majority of Washington quarters are made to U.S. Mint specifications, some do contain errors or varieties. These can be worth some serious change to the right collectors.
Major Error Categories
- Off-center errors: $15 to $25 or more
- Clipped planchets: $20 or more
- Die cuds: $50 to $100 or more
- Die breaks: Variable values
Exceptional Rarities
- 1974 struck on silver planchet: $1,000+
- 1977 struck on silver planchet: $1,000+
- Transitional errors extremely rare
- Professional authentication recommended
The Most Valuable Errors
The most notable 1970s quarter errors are the 1974 and 1977 quarters that were accidentally struck on 40% silver clad planchets. These transitional errors are very rare and valuable, generally selling for more than $1,000 each. These represent some of the most sought-after modern quarter errors.
Authentication Critical
For high-value errors like the silver planchet transitional pieces, professional authentication and grading is essential. The potential value makes the cost of professional verification worthwhile, and it's necessary for serious collectors and dealers to have confidence in such rare pieces.
If You Have 1970s Quarters Worth Money
You can either keep your 1970s quarters and add them to your collection or you could sell them. Whatever you do, don't clean them or try to improve their appearance by attempting to enhance them in any way.
DO NOT Clean Coins
Both collectors and dealers prefer coins in their original state. You will dramatically lower the value of your coins by cleaning them, so you're best to leave them in exactly the condition you found them.
Professional Evaluation
If you choose to sell your coins, be sure you take them to a coin dealer. Professional evaluation ensures fair pricing and proper identification of valuable varieties or errors.
Proper Storage
While deciding whether to keep or sell, store coins properly in coin holders or albums to prevent damage and preserve their condition for future evaluation.
Investment Perspective
While collectible coins can be valuable, remember that for precious metals investment purposes, physical gold and silver bullion offer more direct exposure to precious metals prices without the numismatic premium factors that affect coin collecting.
Finding A Good Coin Dealer
Why choose a coin dealer when there are so many pawn shops and jewelers around town? Let's look at it this way... You wouldn't go to the car dealer to sell a golf cart, would you? Would you consider taking your cat to the pediatrician for a checkup?
Expertise Matters
Everybody has their realm of expertise. The pawn shop might be the perfect place to sell your old lawn mower, and the jeweler will probably give you the best price on that old heart pendant. As for your old coins? Neither the pawn shop or jeweler will do—but those are things about which your nearest coin dealer knows a thing or two!
What to Look For
- Many years of experience
- Pledges satisfactory service
- Industry affiliations
- Professional certifications
- Good reputation in community
Reputable Organizations
- National Coin and Bullion Association
- National Inflation Association
- Professional Coin Grading Service
- Numismatic Guaranty Company
- American Numismatic Association
Many coin dealers are fair and honest businesspersons who simply want to do a good job in their profession and provide their customers with decent service. But some are better than others, and unfortunately a few are simply unscrupulous sorts looking to take you (and your money) for a ride.
Due Diligence
Doing a bit of homework will help you find a good coin dealer who will pay a fair price for your 1970s quarters. Choose a coin dealer who has many years of experience and pledges to offer satisfactory service. Some of the best coin dealers have many affiliations with the industry's best organizations.
Reputable, well-connected coin dealers who will do everything they can to make sure you're satisfied with their service, whether selling or buying 1970s Washington quarters, is the kind of coin dealer you want to be working with!
Conclusion
1970s quarters present an interesting collecting opportunity, with most common dates available at modest premiums over face value in uncirculated condition. The key exceptions—such as the 1976 40% silver Bicentennial quarters and rare error coins—can command significantly higher prices.
Understanding the factors that determine value helps both collectors and sellers make informed decisions. Remember that condition is critical, cleaning destroys value, and professional evaluation is essential for potentially valuable pieces.
Broader Investment Context
While 1970s quarters can be valuable collectibles, investors primarily interested in precious metals exposure should consider that gold and silver prices reflect pure metals value without numismatic premiums. For portfolio diversification with precious metals, physical gold and silver bullion offer more direct exposure to metals prices.
Whether you're building a collection or evaluating inherited coins, the 1970s represent an accessible entry point into Washington quarter collecting, with clear price guidelines and well-established market values for most dates and varieties.