1971 Quarter Value: The Ultimate Collector‘s Guide

by

As a professional numismatist and lifelong coin enthusiast, I‘ve long believed that the clad Washington quarter series offers some of the most underappreciated values in modern U.S. coinage. The 1971 issue, in particular, features several fascinating varieties, rare errors, and condition rarities that deserve closer attention from astute collectors.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into the 1971 quarter, examining its mintage figures, key dates, varieties, and record auction prices. I‘ll also share some insider tips for cherrypicking gems from circulation and offer my thoughts on the investment potential of this often-overlooked series.

Mintage Figures and Production

In 1971, the U.S. Mint struck Washington quarters at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced clad quarters for circulation, while the San Francisco mint struck copper-nickel clad proofs for collectors.

Here‘s a breakdown of the mintage figures for each issue:

Mint Mintage
(P) 109,284,000
D 258,634,428
S (Proof) 3,220,733

Interestingly, the Denver Mint produced more than twice as many quarters as Philadelphia in 1971. According to Mint records, Denver‘s monthly output ranged from a low of 11,436,000 in January to a high of 46,790,000 in May. Philadelphia‘s production was more consistent, with a monthly average of around 9 million coins.

The San Francisco Mint‘s proof output of 3,220,733 was typical for the era. Proofs were sold individually and as part of annual sets, which included the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar.

Key Dates and Varieties

While the 1971 Philadelphia and Denver issues are considered common dates in circulated grades, there are several notable varieties and errors that command significant premiums. Here are a few of the most desirable:

1971 Doubled Die Reverse

The most valuable variety in the series, the 1971 Doubled Die Reverse shows prominent doubling on the lettering and devices of the coin‘s reverse. The doubling is visible on all the lettering, but it‘s especially clear on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR."

According to the Cherrypickers‘ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, this variety was created when a reverse die received two misaligned impressions from the hub. The cause of the misalignment is unknown, but it may have been due to a malfunctioning press or human error.

PCGS estimates that fewer than 100 examples of the 1971 DDR have been certified, making it a true condition rarity. Prices for this variety have soared in recent years, with nice AU and low-end Mint State examples regularly selling for over $1,000. The current auction record for the DDR is $14,100, set by a PCGS MS-66 in 2006.

Here‘s a look at recent PCGS auction prices for the 1971 DDR in various grades:

Grade Price Realized
MS-66 $14,100 (2006)
MS-65 $8,812 (2019)
MS-64 $3,760 (2020)
MS-63 $1,410 (2021)
AU-58 $940 (2020)

1971-D 3-1/2 Claw Variety

Another popular variety, the 1971-D 3-1/2 Claw refers to quarters struck from reverse dies showing a deformed right claw on the eagle. Specifically, the claw has just 3-1/2 talons instead of the normal four. This variety was created when the reverse die clashed with the obverse, causing part of Washington‘s hair to impress into the die and obliterate the eagle‘s fourth claw.

The 3-1/2 Claw is listed as FS-901 in the Cherrypickers‘ Guide and is considered scarce but not rare. PCGS has certified over 2,000 examples, mostly in circulated grades. Values range from $10-20 for a nice EF example up to $200+ for high-end Mint State coins.

Errors and Striking Anomalies

Like most clad era coins, the 1971 quarter is known for a range of striking and planchet errors. Off-centers, broadstrikes, partial collars, and clipped planchets are among the most commonly seen errors. Values for these pieces depend on the severity and visual appeal of the mistake.

Some of the more dramatic errors can bring substantial premiums, especially on high-grade planchets. For example, a spectacular 1971-D quarter struck 65% off-center on an elongated planchet sold for $3,290 in a 2010 Heritage auction. A 1971-S proof with a 50% curved clip realized $1,610 in 2013.

Other valuable errors include múltiple strike, brockages, double denominations, and coins struck on wrong planchets. A unique 1971-D quarter overstruck on a struck Canadian 25 cent, graded MS-64 by PCGS, brought $4,465 in a 2006 Heritage sale.

Finest Known and Condition Census

For many series, the most desirable coins are the finest known examples. These "super grade" pieces represent the pinnacle of quality and often set price records when they appear at auction.

The 1971 Washington quarter series is no exception, with fierce competition among top collectors for the best of the best. Here‘s a snapshot of the finest known pieces for each issue:

1971 Circulation Strike

– PCGS MS-68: 1 coin
– PCGS MS-67+: 3 coins
– NGC MS-68: 1 coin

The sole PCGS MS-68 example, considered the finest known circulation strike 1971 quarter, sold for $7,200 in a 2014 Heritage auction. It‘s a virtually flawless coin with brilliant, satiny luster and pristine surfaces. Close behind are the three PCGS MS-67+ coins and a single NGC MS-68, all of which would likely bring five-figure prices if offered today.

1971-D Circulation Strike

– PCGS MS-68: 10 coins
– NGC MS-68: 3 coins

The 1971-D is the most frequently seen quarter in super gem grades, with 13 coins certified MS-68 by PCGS and NGC. The most recent auction record is $4,560, set by a PCGS MS-68 in 2020. Other examples have sold for between $3,000 and $4,500 in the past decade.

1971-S Proof

– PCGS PR-70 DCAM: 5 coins
– NGC PF-70 UC: 8 coins

As a modern proof issue, the 1971-S is readily available in grades up to PR-69. However, flawless PR-70 examples are quite rare, with just a handful known between PCGS and NGC. The record price for a 1971-S in PR-70 is $7,475, achieved by a PCGS coin with Deep Cameo contrast in 2007. NGC‘s Ultra Cameo PR-70s have sold for $3,000 to $4,000 in recent years.

Grading and Preservation

As with all modern coins, accurate grading is essential to determining the value and desirability of a 1971 Washington quarter. While the series is generally well-made, there are a few key factors to consider when assessing the grade of a given coin.

First and foremost is the coin‘s luster and overall eye appeal. The best 1971 quarters will exhibit bright, flashy luster with a smooth, satiny texture. Proofs should have deep mirrors and bold cameo contrast, with no haze, spotting, or milky patches.

Surface preservation is also critical, as even minor marks and abrasions can limit a coin‘s grade. Look for pieces with clean, mark-free fields and devices, especially on Washington‘s cheek and neck. Beware of coins with subtle hairlines, which may indicate a past cleaning or other damaging attempts at "improvement."

Another factor to consider is strike quality. While the 1971 P and D quarters are usually well-struck, some examples may show softness in the high points of the design, particularly in Washington‘s hair and the eagle‘s breast feathers. The best coins will have sharp, full details throughout.

When it comes to preserving your 1971 quarters, proper storage is key. Uncirculated and proof coins should be kept in archival-quality holders, such as those made by PCGS or NGC. Avoid PVC flips and other cheap holders, as they can cause discoloration and toning over time.

For your finest pieces, consider investing in high-end slabs or even custom holders with inert gas fillings. These premium options provide the ultimate in long-term protection and can help your coins retain their value and eye appeal for generations to come.

Cherrypicking and Investing

If you‘re looking to build a high-quality set of 1971 Washington quarters or simply want to explore the series for hidden gems, there are a few tips and strategies to keep in mind.
First, focus on finding the best possible examples of each issue in your target grade range. For circulated pieces, look for coins with original surfaces and minimal wear. Uncirculated quarters should have full luster and clean fields, with no distracting marks or blemishes.

When cherrypicking from dealer inventories or online listings, pay close attention to photos and descriptions. Don‘t be afraid to ask for additional images or information if needed. Remember, even small flaws can significantly impact a coin‘s grade and value.

For variety and error collectors, education is essential. Study the Cherrypickers‘ Guide and other reference works to learn about the key diagnostics and rarity of each variety. Attend coin shows and club meetings to network with other specialists and stay up-to-date on new discoveries.

As for the investment potential of the 1971 quarter series, I believe there are several factors working in its favor. First, the set is relatively affordable in circulated and lower Mint State grades, making it accessible to a wide range of collectors. Second, the series includes several scarce and underappreciated varieties, such as the 1971 DDR, that have the potential for significant price appreciation in the coming years.

Third, the overall market for high-quality modern coins is strong and growing, with more collectors and investors recognizing the value and rarity of top-grade pieces. As the finest known examples of the 1971 quarter continue to set price records, I expect to see renewed interest in the series as a whole.

Of course, as with any numismatic investment, it‘s important to approach the 1971 quarter series with a long-term perspective and a focus on quality. Cherrypick the best examples you can afford, and be patient as the market evolves and matures over time.

Conclusions

In summary, the 1971 Washington quarter is a fascinating and potentially lucrative series for collectors and investors alike. With its rich variety, rare errors, and condition rarities, the set offers something for every level of numismatic interest and budget.

Whether you‘re a serious variety specialist or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, I encourage you to take a closer look at the 1971 quarter. With the right knowledge, strategy, and a bit of luck, you just might find a hidden treasure in your pocket change or dealer inventory.

As always, buy the best you can afford, educate yourself on the series, and seek out the advice and guidance of trusted experts. Happy collecting!

References and Further Reading

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You May Like to Read,