The 1973-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to over $10 in mint state — and if you happen to have a proof version, that number can climb even higher. If you found one in an old coin jar or inherited a collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Makes the 1973-S Quarter Different
The “S” mintmark on this quarter tells you it was made at the San Francisco Mint. During 1973, the San Francisco facility focused almost entirely on proof coins — those specially struck pieces with mirror-like fields and sharp, frosted details. That means most 1973-S quarters you’ll encounter are proof coins rather than business-strike coins meant for everyday spending.
That distinction matters a lot when it comes to value. A regular circulated Washington Quarter from 1973 (with a “P” or “D” mintmark, or no mintmark) is usually just worth face value. But the 1973-S proof is something different entirely — it was made for collectors, not for vending machines.
If you’re not sure whether you’re holding a proof coin or a regular strike, you can use a free coin identifier app to help you figure it out quickly without needing expert knowledge.
1973-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade and Type
The value of your 1973-S quarter depends heavily on its condition and whether it’s a clad or silver proof. Most 1973-S quarters are clad (copper-nickel), but the U.S. Mint also struck a smaller number in 40% silver as part of special collector sets — and those are worth considerably more.
Here’s a quick breakdown of current estimated values:
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1973-S Clad Proof | PR-65 | $3 – $6 |
| 1973-S Clad Proof | PR-69 DCAM | $20 – $50+ |
| 1973-S Silver Proof | PR-65 | $8 – $15 |
| 1973-S Silver Proof | PR-69 DCAM | $40 – $100+ |
| 1973-S (Business Strike – if any) | Circulated | $0.25 – $1.50 |
For a deeper look at certified sale prices and auction records, you can check out detailed 1973-S Washington Quarter price data by grade to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
How to Tell If You Have a Silver Proof
One of the most common questions people have is whether their 1973-S quarter is silver. Here’s a simple trick: look at the edge. A clad quarter shows a visible copper stripe running along the rim. A silver quarter will look uniformly white or grayish all the way around — no copper layer visible.
The 1973-S silver proof quarters were sold in special “Prestige” or collector sets, so if yours came in an original government packaging or plastic case, that’s a strong indicator.
CoinKnow is one of the best tools for this kind of quick identification. You can scan your coin, and the app will tell you not just what you have, but roughly what it’s worth based on current market data — all without needing to take it to a dealer first.
Errors and Varieties Worth Watching For
Like most coins, the 1973-S Washington Quarter can have minor die varieties or striking errors that boost its value. While major errors are rare on proof coins (since they go through tighter quality control), doubled die varieties and cameo contrast issues have been noted.
A coin with a “Deep Cameo” or “DCAM” designation — meaning it has strong contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background — is worth significantly more than a standard proof.
If your coin has an unusual appearance, asymmetric lettering, or anything that looks “off,” it could be worth getting it examined. CoinKnow lets you photograph your coin and compare it against known varieties in its database, saving you time and guesswork.
You can also browse a full breakdown of 1973 quarter values including error coins and variety premiums to understand where your specific coin might fall on the spectrum.
Should You Get Your 1973-S Quarter Graded?
If your coin looks like it’s in exceptional condition — deep mirrors, sharp design details, no spots or haze — professional grading through PCGS or NGC could genuinely increase its resale value. A PR-69 DCAM label on a 1973-S Silver Proof can push the price well above $75 in the right market.
For most people, though, the cost of grading ($30–$50 per coin) only makes sense if you’re confident the coin will grade high. Use CoinKnow first to get a realistic sense of your coin’s grade before spending money on certification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1973-S Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: Most 1973-S quarters are clad (copper-nickel). However, the U.S. Mint also produced a 40% silver proof version as part of special collector sets. Check the edge of the coin — if there’s no copper stripe, it may be silver.
Q: How much is a 1973-S proof quarter worth?
A: A standard clad proof in PR-65 condition is worth around $3–$6. Higher grades like PR-69 DCAM can reach $20–$50 or more. Silver proofs in top condition can exceed $100.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1973-S quarter?
A: The “S” mintmark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s ribbon on his neck, near the date. It’s small but visible with the naked eye or a basic magnifying glass.
