When it comes to valuable quarters, most collectors focus on pre-1965 silver pieces or rare errors and varieties. While that‘s certainly where the big money is, there are some more modern clad quarters that are also worth far more than face value. Case in point – the 1977 Washington quarter.
At first glance, a 1977 quarter may seem like just another ordinary coin that you‘d spend without a second thought. However, certain varieties and high grade examples are highly sought-after by collectors and can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Yes, you read that right – a 1977 quarter recently sold at auction for nearly $5,000!
So what makes some 1977 quarters so special and how can you tell if you have one that‘s valuable? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about 1977 quarter values.
1977 Quarter Values by Mint Mark and Condition
Like most Washington quarters, the 1977 edition was produced at three mints – Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Let‘s look at each one and see how much they‘re worth.
1977 (P) No Mint Mark Quarter Value
In 1977, the Philadelphia Mint struck 468,556,000 Washington quarters for circulation. Since this is the highest mintage of the year, 1977-P quarters are very common and most are only worth face value if worn.
However, uncirculated examples do carry a premium. According to the PCGS price guide, a 1977 quarter graded MS-63 is worth around $8. At MS-65, the price jumps to $22. Superb gem pieces graded MS-67 are valued at $110.
Interestingly, the record auction price for a 1977-P quarter is $1,560 for a PCGS MS-68 example – an astounding amount for a modern clad coin in high grade.
1977-D Quarter Value
Moving on to the Denver Mint quarters, a total of 256,524,978 were produced in 1977. Values are very similar to their Philadelphia counterparts.
A 1977-D quarter graded MS-63 is worth $8 while an MS-65 commands around $18. The finest known 1977-D quarters are graded MS-67 by PCGS and these are valued at $130. One exceptional MS-67+ piece took $430 at a 2015 auction.
1977-S Proof Quarter Value
Lastly, the San Francisco Mint produced 3,251,152 proof quarters in 1977 for collectors. These special coins were struck using polished dies and planchets, giving them mirror-like fields and frosted devices.
A 1977-S proof quarter is worth $5 in PR-65 condition according to PCGS. Cameo contrast pieces get a boost to $9 in the same grade. The most valuable 1977-S quarters are graded PR-70 Deep Cameo and these have a price guide value of $150.
In 2017, a flawless PCGS PR-70 DCAM example sold for $575, setting the record for the date and mint.
What Are the Most Valuable 1977 Quarters?
Now that we‘ve looked at the standard values for each mint‘s production, you may be wondering what types of 1977 quarters are worth the big bucks. The answer is error coins and varieties.
Some of the most notable and valuable 1977 quarter errors that have sold recently include:
- 1977-D quarter struck on a silver 40% Bicentennial planchet – $4,935
- Double denomination 1977 quarter/nickel – $2,100
- 1977 quarter struck on 1 cent planchet – $1,150
- Broadstruck and clipped planchet 1977 quarters – $79 to $564
- Off-center strike 1977 quarters – $94 to $150
There are also some interesting die varieties known on 1977 quarters like the 1977 DDO FS-101 (doubled die obverse) that PCGS values at $60 in MS-65.
So while these are condition rarities, the real money is in unusual errors and varieties when it comes to clad-era coins. Always be on the lookout for anything that looks odd!
Features of the 1977 Washington Quarter
The 1977 quarter marks the return of the traditional Washington obverse and heraldic eagle reverse design after the special 1975-1976 Bicentennial issue. This motif, first introduced in 1932, remained unchanged until 1999.
Obverse features:
- Left-facing portrait of George Washington
- "LIBERTY" at top
- "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto to left of Washington
- 1977 date at bottom
- Mint mark (if any) below date
Reverse features:
- Heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch
- "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" legend above eagle
- "E PLURIBUS UNUM" motto on banner
- "QUARTER DOLLAR" denomination at bottom
The 1977 quarters were made from copper-nickel clad, with an inner core of pure copper sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel. This composition, weight, and diameter remains current on quarters today:
- Composition: 91.67% Cu, 8.33% Ni
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Reeded edge
Buying and Selling 1977 Quarters
For most people, assembling a set of Uncirculated 1977 quarters is an easy and affordable goal. Mint sets and proof sets are the best sources and these can be readily found at coin shops or online dealers for under $10 per set.
But if you‘re looking for a registry-quality, superb gem example or rare error, be prepared to shell out some serious cash. For instance, PCGS has graded just 50 examples of the 1977-P quarter in MS-67+ with none finer.
Always buy key date coins, errors, and varieties like these from reputable dealers or sources that offer a authenticity guarantee such as PCGS or NGC certified pieces. The same goes for selling – you‘ll get the most money by consigning your coins to a major auction house.
Some of the top venues to buy and sell 1977 quarters and other valuable coins include:
- Heritage Auctions
- David Lawrence Rare Coins
- GreatCollections
- Stack‘s Bowers Galleries
- eBay (just beware of counterfeits)
1977 Quarter FAQ
To wrap up, let‘s address some of the most frequently asked questions about 1977 quarters:
Q: How many quarters were made in 1977?
A: The total mintage for 1977 is 728,332,130 broken down as follows:
- 1977 (P) – 468,556,000
- 1977-D – 256,524,978
- 1977-S Proof – 3,251,152
Q: What is the most expensive 1977 quarter?
A: The highest price paid for a 1977 quarter is $4,935 for a 1977-D struck on a 40% silver planchet, an extremely rare transitional Bicentennial error.
Q: Is the 1977 Spitting Eagle quarter real?
A: No, this is an urban legend. There are no confirmed examples of this supposed die crack from the eagle‘s mouth on 1977 quarters. It is known on some other dates like 1983-P.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1977 quarter?
A: You‘ll find the "D" or "S" mint mark on the obverse below the date if the coin is a Denver or San Francisco strike. Philadelphia issues lack a mint mark.
Hopefully this in-depth article has shed some light on the 1977 quarter and what makes certain examples valuable. As with any coin, the key to value lies in rarity, condition, and demand. So study up, keep an eye out for unusual pieces, and you could turn pocket change into big profits!
