Price Guide for 1971 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $420.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $4,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.01 – $8.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $24.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $42.00 – $3,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $2,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayCirculated: $300.00 – $1,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $75.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.09 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $18.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00Uncirculated: $8,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,550.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $8,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $242.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $102.84
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $42.00
Design and Specifications of the 1971 Quarter
The 1971 quarter marked a significant transition in U.S. coinage. It was the first year of the copper-nickel clad composition for quarters, following the Coinage Act of 1965 which removed silver from circulating coinage. This change was implemented due to rising silver prices and coin shortages in the 1960s.
The design remained consistent with the Washington Quarter first introduced in 1932, featuring George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. 1971 also saw the reintroduction of mint marks on circulating coins, which had been temporarily removed from 1965 to 1967 to discourage hoarding.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1971 quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While common in lower grades, high-grade examples (MS65 and above) can command premiums. The copper-nickel clad composition tends to show wear more readily than silver coins, making truly pristine examples more desirable.
For circulation strikes, coins with full strike details, especially on the eagle’s breast feathers, and lustrous surfaces free from marks or abrasions are highly sought after. Proof coins are valued for their mirror-like fields and frosted devices, with cameo and deep cameo contrasts being particularly desirable.
Mintage: 220,750,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest for complete date sets
Mintage: 258,634,428
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest for complete date sets
Mintage: 3,220,733
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Toning can add value to 1971 quarters, especially for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning patterns can significantly enhance a coin’s appeal and value. For circulation strikes, exceptional luster and strike quality can make a coin stand out.
While major errors are rare for 1971 quarters, any significant mint errors such as off-center strikes, double dies, or wrong planchets could greatly increase a coin’s value. Additionally, unopened mint sets or proof sets from 1971 may carry a premium over individual coins due to their original, untouched nature.
