The 1971 Washington Quarter is part of a long-standing series of coins celebrating the 200th birthday of President George Washington, continuing the legacy of a design first introduced in 1932. It was originally struck with 90% silver; the U.S. Mint transitioned the Washington Quarter to a copper-nickel-clad composition in 1965, making the 1971 edition part of this modern series.
This quarter was minted across three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S for proofs only). Despite being common in circulation, certain high-grade examples or error coins can command significant value in the market. Collectors prize this coin not only for its historical value but also for the opportunity to find rare varieties and errors that can enhance its worth considerably, making it one of the Most Valuable Modern Quarters sought by enthusiasts.
History of the 1971 Washington Quarter
John Flanagan designed the Washington quarter in 1932 to celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington. Originally, these coins had 90% silver, but the composition changed to copper-nickel clad in 1965, making the post-1965 coins less valuable. It is known for the visible layers along the edge, these cupronickel coins achieved the nickname “Johnson Sandwich” after President Lyndon Johnson, who signed the Coinage Act of 1965.
The Washington quarter series has evolved over the years:
- Washington Silver Quarter: 1932–1964
- Washington Clad Quarter: 1965–1998
- 50 State Quarters: 1999–2008
- America the Beautiful Quarters: 2010–2021
- Washington Crossing the Delaware: 2021
Specifications
- Category: Washington Quarters (1932-1998)
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 109,284,000
- Designer (Obverse and Reverse): John Flanagan
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
- Weight: 5.67g
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Edge: Reeded
1971 Washington Quarter Types
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark): 109,284,000
- Denver (D Mint Mark): 258,634,428
- San Francisco (S Proof): 3,220,733
Features of the 1971 Washington Quarter
Obverse Design
The obverse side of the coin shows a left-facing profile of George Washington. It is designed by John Flanagan. The inscriptions include LIBERTY at the top, IN GOD WE TRUST to the left and the minting year at the bottom. The mint mark (if any) is located behind Washington’s tied hair bow.
Reverse Design
The reverse design includes a spread-winged eagle standing on a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength and preparedness. Below the eagle are olive branches, representing peace. The inscriptions have UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM at the top, and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom.
Grading the 1971 Washington Quarter
The value of a 1971 quarter depends on condition, from heavily circulated to pristine mint state coins. Lower-grade coins generally bring their face value, but those in Mint State (MS) can be more valuable, especially higher-graded examples. A perfect MS 67 1971 quarter can get $1,250, while the highest grades, such as MS 68, are rare and expensive.
1971 Washington Quarter Value
As of September 2024, a 1971 Washington Quarter in circulated condition is valued between $0.30 and $0.85, according to the NGC Price Guide. Pristine, uncirculated examples can deal for as much as $1,250, which makes a Coin Value Checker a useful tool for assessing potential worth.
The original Washington Quarter, designed by John Flanagan in 1932 to celebrate President George Washington’s 200th birthday, initially had 90% silver. However, after 1965, the design shifted to cupronickel (91.67% copper with nickel), making these quarters less valuable than their silver counterparts. Despite their age, most 1971 quarters have modest value, though special pieces can bring high prices at auction.
1971 Washington Quarter Value by Mint Mark
1971 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
- Circulated: 25 cents
- MS 60: $1.50
- MS 65: $10
- MS 67: $1,250
1971 D Quarter (Denver)
- Circulated: 25 cents
- MS 60: $1.50
- MS 65: $10
- MS 67: $65
- MS 68: $3,750 – $4,500
1971 S Proof Quarter (San Francisco)
- Regular Proofs: $7 – $10
- Cameo Contrast: $10 – $30
- Deep Cameo (DCAM): $95 – $200
Rare 1971 Washington Quarter Errors
Some error coins are highly demanded by collectors:
- Off-Center Error: $25 – $200, depending on severity.
- Double Die Error: Prices range from $10 to $8,813, with higher prices for mint-state coins.
- Broadstrike Error: These coins, which lack ridges along the edge, can be worth $25 – $400, depending on the condition.
- Clipped Planchet Error: Prices range from $10 to $100, depending on authenticity and error size.
Related Post
- 1970 Washington Modern Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1969 Washington Modern Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide
- 1968 Washington Modern Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1967 Washington Modern Quarter: A Numismatic Rarity
Conclusion
The 1971 Washington Quarter is a familiar yet intriguing coin, with varying values depending on its condition, mint mark, and any errors. While most of these quarters are reasonable, high-grade and error coins can reach amazing prices at auction. Collectors should carefully inspect their 1971 quarters for unique features that may greatly increase their value.