As a professional numismatist and lifelong coin collector, one of the most frequent questions I receive is: what is my 1972 quarter worth? At first glance, this common clad quarter might seem like just another ordinary piece of pocket change. However, upon closer examination, certain varieties and rare error coins can actually be quite valuable. Whether you‘ve stumbled across a 1972 quarter in circulation or are considering adding one to your collection, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to accurately assess the value of your coin.
Historical Context: The Washington Quarter Series
Before diving into the specifics of 1972 quarter values, it‘s important to understand the historical context of the Washington quarter series as a whole. First minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington‘s birth, this iconic 25-cent coin has undergone several design changes over the decades.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Washington designed by sculptor John Flanagan, which has remained largely unchanged (apart from some subtle modifications in 1999). However, the reverse has seen numerous revisions, including the original eagle motif (1932-1998), the special Bicentennial "drummer boy" design (1975-1976), and the more recent 50 State Quarters, D.C. & U.S. Territories, and America the Beautiful programs.
Key dates and rarities in the Washington quarter series include:
- 1932-D: With a mintage of only 436,800, this is the lowest mintage regular issue Washington quarter and highly sought-after by collectors. Prices range from $150 in Good condition to over $25,000 in Mint State.
- 1932-S: Another first-year issue with a mintage of 408,000. Values are similar to the 1932-D, with Gem Uncirculated examples routinely selling for $15,000+.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: One of the most dramatic doubled dies in the series, with strong doubling visible on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. PCGS estimates the value of a MS64 at $2,500.
While the 1972 quarter may not have the prestige or rarity of these key dates, it still holds an important place in the Washington quarter series as a Bicentennial year issue.
1972 Quarter Specifications & Mintages
The 1972 Washington quarter was struck at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark). Mintage figures for each are as follows:
| Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 215,048,000 |
| Denver | 311,067,732 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | 3,260,996 |
All 1972 quarters have the following physical specifications:
- Composition: Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper (clad)
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Edge: Reeded
It‘s worth noting that clad quarters were first introduced in 1965 when the rising price of silver led to its removal from circulating coinage. So while 1972 quarters may look similar to earlier silver issues, they contain no precious metals.
Grading & Condition: How Does It Affect Value?
One of the primary factors that determines the value of any coin is its grade, or condition. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale developed by William Sheldon, with 1 representing a barely identifiable coin and 70 being perfect Mint State. Here‘s a quick overview of the main grades:
- Good (G-4): Heavy wear with major details visible but flat and lacking.
- Very Good (VG-8): Moderate to heavy even wear but most details still visible.
- Fine (F-12): Moderate even wear with all major details clear.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Light to moderate wear with design bold.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Only the highest points affected by light wear.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50, 53, 55, 58): Traces of wear on high points, luster may range from weak to nearly full.
- Mint State (MS-60 to 70): No signs of wear from circulation. Graded on factors like luster, contact marks, hairlines, etc.
For most 1972 quarters, the difference between a coin in Good vs Uncirculated condition can be substantial. Here‘s a price chart breaking down the values for each type of 1972 quarter in varying grades:
| Grade | 1972 | 1972-D | 1972-S (Proof) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | $0.25 | $0.25 | N/A |
| Fine | $0.25 | $0.25 | N/A |
| AU-50 | $0.50 | $0.50 | N/A |
| MS-60 | $0.75 | $0.75 | N/A |
| MS-63 | $1 | $3 | N/A |
| MS-65 | $5 | $20 | N/A |
| MS-67+ | $1,000+ | $3,000+ | N/A |
| PR-65 | N/A | N/A | $5 |
| PR-69DCAM | N/A | N/A | $300 |
As you can see, the 1972-S proof quarters carry a significant premium over the regular clad business strikes. These specially made coins were struck at the San Francisco mint for collectors and have deeply mirrored fields with frosted devices. A top grade 1972-S PR69DCAM is currently valued around $300 according to the PCGS Price Guide.
But the real money is in exceptional Mint State examples of the 1972-D, which saw a significantly higher mintage than its Philadelphia counterpart. The record price for a 1972 quarter was set by a 1972-D graded MS68 by PCGS that sold for an astounding $3,055 in a 2014 Heritage Auction. Since then, only a handful of other MS67 and MS68 1972-D quarters have surfaced, routinely selling for $1,000 to $2,500+.
To put these prices in perspective, PCGS CoinFacts estimates the following Mint State populations:
| Grade | 1972-P | 1972-D |
|---|---|---|
| MS-65 | 175 | 92 |
| MS-66 | 30 | 18 |
| MS-67 | 4 | 9 |
| MS-68 | 0 | 4 |
Clearly, gem uncirculated examples are quite scarce in the grand scheme of things. This goes to show that even a relatively common date coin can be extremely condition rare in the highest grades.
Rare 1972 Quarter Errors & Varieties
Besides high-grade regular issues, error coins and varieties represent another segment of the 1972 quarter market that advanced collectors should be aware of. Some 1972 error quarters are worth big bucks, especially those with dramatic off-center strikes, double dies, or planchet issues. Here are a few notable errors to look out for:
-
1972 Double Die Quarter – Slight doubling visible on the obverse lettering, date, or Washington‘s portrait. Values range from $20 to $100+ depending on strength of doubling.
-
1972 Off-Center Quarter – Missing 3-20% of the design due to a misaligned strike. A 5-10% off-center is worth $40+, increasing to $150+ if 50% or more is off-center.
-
1972 Broadstrike Quarter – Struck without a collar die resulting in a flattened shape, lack of reeding, and oversized diameter. These typically sell for $30-50.
-
1972-D Doubled Die Obverse Quarter – A popular variety with distinct doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. PCGS estimates the value of a MS64 DDO at $200.
-
1972 Quarter Missing Clad Layer – Planchet error exposing the copper core where the clad layer is absent. Depending on how much is missing, prices range from $100-300.
Of course, any suspected error coin needs to be authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC to determine its legitimacy and potential value. Altered coins, damaged coins, and deliberate counterfeits are unfortunately common in the error coin market, so it‘s essential to only purchase slabbed coins from trustworthy sellers.
1972 Quarter Market Trends & Auction Highlights
Like most collector coins, 1972 quarter values are largely dependent on the whims of supply and demand in the numismatic marketplace. There will always be a strong collector base for Washington quarters in general, but interest in specific dates and varieties can fluctuate over time.
Based on auction data from PCGS CoinFacts, here are a few notable 1972 quarter sales from recent years:
- 1972-D MS68 PCGS. Sold for $3,055 in Jan. 2014 Heritage auction.
- 1972-D MS67+ PCGS. Sold for $1,116.25 in Aug. 2016 Heritage auction.
- 1972-S PR69DCAM PCGS. Sold for $270 in June 2008 Heritage auction.
- 1972 Double Die Obverse XF45 PCGS. Sold for $69 in July 2020 eBay auction.
- 1972 Quarter 40% Off-Center MS64 PCGS. Sold for $161.73 in Dec. 2011 Heritage auction.
These highlight auction sales help provide data points for the upper echelon of the 1972 quarter market. However, pricing for more typical Mint State and Proof examples has remained relatively stable, with only modest appreciation over the long term.
As a collector, the most important thing is to buy the best quality coins you can afford from reputable dealers. Focus on eye appeal, originality, and strict certification when purchasing key dates and varieties. Proper storage and handling is also crucial to maintain long-term value – always hold coins by the edges, use non-PVC flips or albums, and keep your collection away from moisture and harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts: Collecting 1972 Quarters
Given their ample mintages and availability, assembling a complete set of 1972 quarters by date and mintmark is an affordable goal for most collectors, even in uncirculated condition. Mint sets and proof sets from 1972 are plentiful and can be acquired for under $10. However, the 1972-D is definitely the key date in high grades, with gems commanding exponentially higher prices than the 1972-P.
Error coin enthusiasts may want to cherry pick original rolls or bags searching for the elusive varieties described above, although this takes significant patience and a keen eye for authenticity. Building a meaningful collection of 1972 error quarters is a multi-year (or even lifelong) pursuit.
At the end of the day, the 1972 quarter may not be a marquee rarity, but it still holds an important place in the Washington quarter series and U.S. coinage history at large. Whether you‘re chasing finest known gems, quirky errors, or simply appreciate the Bicentennial novelty, there‘s a 1972 quarter out there for every level of collector and budget. The joy is in the hunt!
With a little knowledge and due diligence, you‘ll be well equipped to understand the nuances of 1972 quarter values. Hopefully this guide has provided a helpful foundation for your collecting journey. Happy hunting!
