The 1973 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily worn condition to over $10 in uncirculated grades — and in top mint state condition, certified examples can fetch $100 or more. If you found one in a coin jar or old drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Does “No Mint Mark” Mean on a 1973 Quarter?
When you flip over a 1973 Washington Quarter and don’t see a small letter beneath the eagle’s tail feathers, that means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia didn’t add a mint mark to quarters during this era, which is why so many of these coins look identical at first glance.
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 346 million quarters in 1973 — making this one of the more common dates in the Washington Quarter series. High mintage usually means lower value in circulated grades, but pristine, uncirculated examples can still command impressive premiums.
If you’re not sure whether your coin has a mint mark or not, you can use a free coin identifier app to scan and analyze your coin in seconds. It takes the guesswork out of identifying what you have.
1973 Washington Quarter Value by Grade and Condition
Coin value is almost entirely tied to condition, and the 1973 no mint mark quarter is no exception. A coin that’s been circulating since the Nixon administration will show significant wear on Washington’s cheek, hair details, and the eagle’s feathers.
Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1973 Philadelphia quarter is worth at different grades:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Face value (~$0.25) |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | $20.00 – $50.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+) | $100.00+ |
For the most current market pricing, check out the 1973 Washington Quarter MS grade price data on CoinHix — it pulls from real auction results and certified coin sales.
Are Any 1973 No Mint Mark Quarters Worth More Than Face Value?
Most circulated 1973 quarters are only worth their face value or a small premium. But there are a few things that can push the value higher.
First, full strike quality matters a lot. Coins that show sharp, complete details — especially on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers — are graded higher and valued accordingly. Second, original luster is key. If your coin has never been cleaned and still shows its original mint shine, it’s far more desirable to collectors.
Error coins are another category worth watching for. Some 1973 quarters were struck with doubled dies, off-center strikes, or die cracks. These errors can multiply the value several times over, sometimes reaching $50 to $200+ depending on the severity. Always look closely at the lettering and portrait for doubling or unusual features.
You can look up detailed 1973 quarter value information including error varieties and recent sale prices to see if your coin fits into a higher-value category.
How to Check Your 1973 Quarter at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to do a basic assessment. Start by checking the coin’s surface under good lighting — natural daylight or a lamp works well. Look for deep scratches, cleaning marks, or heavy wear on the high points of the design.
Next, grab a magnifying glass and check for any unusual doubling around the date, motto, or portrait. Then look at the coin’s edge — it should show a copper core sandwiched between the outer nickel-clad layers, which is normal for clad quarters from this era.
CoinHix is a great tool to get a fast estimated value before taking your coin to a dealer. Just scan your coin and the app instantly compares it to recent market sales.
If you want an expert’s opinion, bring it to a local coin shop or submit it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. Grading fees usually start around $30–$40 per coin, so it only makes sense if you believe your quarter is in true gem condition.
Is a 1973 No Mint Mark Quarter a Good Collectible?
For most everyday finds, the 1973 Philadelphia quarter is a great starter coin — not a high-value rarity, but a solid piece of American history. It’s part of the long-running Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932 and remains popular with collectors today.
If you’re building a date set of Washington Quarters, the 1973 no mint mark is easy to find in circulated condition and affordable even in mid-grade uncirculated. For serious collectors chasing registry-quality examples, an MS-67 or better coin becomes genuinely scarce and exciting.
CoinHix tracks population reports and recent certified sales, so you always know how your coin stacks up against others in the market.
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FAQ
Q: Is a 1973 quarter with no mint mark rare?
A: No, it’s not rare. The Philadelphia Mint struck over 346 million quarters in 1973, making this a common date. However, finding one in pristine, uncirculated condition is harder, and high-grade examples are worth a meaningful premium.
Q: What is the most valuable 1973 Washington Quarter?
A: The highest-value 1973 no mint mark quarters are those graded MS-67 or above by PCGS or NGC. These top-condition coins have sold for over $100 at auction. Error coins with doubled dies or off-center strikes can also fetch significantly more than standard examples.
Q: Should I clean my 1973 quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin removes its original surface and luster, which dramatically reduces its collector value. Even a lightly cleaned coin can drop a full grade or two, turning a $15 coin into a $2 coin. Always leave old coins in their natural state.
