The 1972 US quarter is a coin that's been around for a while, but its value can vary depending on its condition and rarity. In this guide, we'll break down what you need to know about the 1972 US quarter value.
The 1972 US quarter is a relatively common coin, but its value can increase if it's in good condition. A circulated 1972 US quarter can be worth around 50 cents to $1.
The key to determining the value of a 1972 US quarter is its condition. If it's in mint condition, it can be worth significantly more than a circulated one.
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History of the 1972 US Quarter
The 1972 US quarter has a rich history, and understanding its background can help you determine its value. The US Mint redesigned the quarter several times, resulting in distinct eras, including the Heraldic eagle quarters minted from 1965 to 1974.
These quarters were made of cupronickel, a combination of copper and nickel. The Philadelphia mint produced 215,048,000 quarters without a mint mark in 1972, while the Denver mint produced 311,067,732 quarters with a D mint mark.
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The San Francisco mint produced 3,260,996 proof quarters with an S mint mark. The total number of quarters minted in 1972 was 529,376,728.
John Flanagan's design, not Laura Fraser's, was ultimately chosen for the 1972 US quarter, despite Fraser's winning entry. Flanagan's design has been featured on quarters for decades.
The first quarters contained silver, but the US Mint switched to a copper-nickel composition in 1965, which was used for the 1972 quarters.
Grading
Grading your 1972 quarter is a crucial step in determining its value. You can have it professionally evaluated or do it yourself with a coin magnifier and the U.S. Coin Grading Standards book.
The Sheldon scale is a 1 to 70 ranking system used to grade coins. It's a good idea to start with the basics and learn how to identify the different grades.
A Basal State-1 is the lowest grade, while a Mint State 70 is the highest. The grades in between are Fair, Very Fair, Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated, and Mint State.
Here's a breakdown of the grades:
The higher the grade, the more valuable your quarter will be.
Types and Variations
The 1972 Washington quarters have several types and variations to consider. The most notable difference is the composition, as they were made of a copper and nickel alloy due to rising silver prices and a coin shortage.
The quarters have a diameter of around 24.3 mm and a total weight of about 5.67 grams.
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Types
The 1972 Washington quarters come in various types, and it's essential to understand these differences to determine their value.
The 1972 quarter is made of an alloy of copper and nickel, a change from the previous silver content used from 1932 to 1964.
The Mint manufactured these quarters as part of regular coin circulation, making them widely available.
The 1972 quarter has a diameter of around 24.3 mm and a total weight of about 5.67 grams.
One side of the coin depicts a heraldic eagle, and the other side features George Washington's portrait.
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The Obverse
The obverse of a quarter is the front side, and it's a significant part of the coin's design. It's where you'll find the image of Washington's bust, modeled after a sculpture from 1786.
The bust is surrounded by the American historical guiding word LIBERTY and the minting year, which in this case is 1972. The designer John Flanagan chose to place the initials JF on the neck bottom line.
The mint mark, which can be either D or S, is positioned next to the hair bow.
Proof
The proof quarters are a fascinating type of coin that's sure to catch the eye of any collector. These coins were made especially for collectors and have a distinctive appearance.
The proof quarters were produced by striking the coin twice on high-resolution presses and highly polished planchets. This process optimized every last feature of the coin, making it a stunning addition to any collection.
One of the key characteristics of proof quarters is the presence of the "S" mint mark, which indicates that the coin was produced by the San Francisco Mint. In the case of the 1972 S quarters, all 3,260,996 coins minted came from this mint.
To be considered collectible, proof quarters need to be in high grades, such as PR 67 to PR 69. The value of these coins can range from $7 to $12, depending on the grade and whether they have cameo contrast.
Here's a breakdown of the values for 1972 S proof quarters:
- PR 67: $7-$12
- PR 67 with cameo contrast: $8-$12
- PR 69: $75
It's worth noting that the most valuable proof quarters are those with the "DCAM" designation, which indicates a high level of detail and contrast. In the case of the 1972 S DCAM quarters, the values can range from $15 to $75, depending on the grade.
Smooth Edge
A smooth edge on a quarter can be a sign of a valuable broadstrike error.
A 1972 broadstrike quarter is usually wider and thinner than a normal quarter.
If a quarter is well-worn and has smooth edges, it will appear to be the typical thickness and diameter of a regular quarter.
A broadstrike quarter is worth $20 to $30, but a damaged or heavily worn quarter is only worth its face value.
Errors and Defects
Some 1972 quarters are worth more than others due to errors and defects that occurred during the minting process.
A 1972 quarter with a twofold die fault, where the die causes some letters or portions of a picture to double, can bring between $25 and $50 at auction, depending on the error size and appearance.
Off-center errors are the most valuable type of flaw in 1972 quarters, caused by a planchet being positioned incorrectly during minting.
A 1972 quarter with an off-center error that is 50% to 60% inaccurate can be worth between $200 and $250.
Broad strike 1972 quarters, which have a smooth edge and larger diameter, can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $30.
Cupronickel 1972 quarters that have the clad removed can be identified by their dull reddish-brownish tint, but be cautious, as significant wear and tear can cause color loss.
1972 quarters with a portion removed during manufacture can be expensive, especially if they are not in circulation and have a clearly visible date.
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Here are some common errors and their values:
- Off-center error (5% to 10%): $20 to $50
- Off-center error (50%): $200 to $250
- Broad strike: $20 to $30
- Cupronickel with clad removed: varies, but often worthless
- Portion removed during manufacture: varies, but often expensive
To identify a 1972 doubled die quarter, look for obscure doubling in inscriptions, the eagle's feathers, Washington's eye, or other isolated details.
Value and Sales
The value of a 1972 quarter can vary greatly depending on its condition and mint mark.
A typical 1972 quarter without a mint mark is worth its face value of 25 cents, but can be worth up to $5 if it's in mint condition.
If you're looking to buy a 1972 quarter in mint condition, you can expect to pay between $1 to $54, depending on its grade.
The most valuable 1972 quarter is the one graded MS-67+ by Professional Coin Grading Service, which sold for $1,320 in 2018.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated prices for 1972 quarters in different grades:
Even the most valuable 1972 quarter, graded MS-67+, is not extremely rare, with only a few hundred available.
Guides and Resources
The 1972 quarter value can be a bit tricky to determine, but don't worry, I've got some guides and resources to help you out.
The Denver mint issued about 30% more coins than the one in Philadelphia in 1972, resulting in a huge production of 311,067,732 quarters.
This massive production means that many of these quarters have become heavily worn out over time, which can affect their value.
Where to Sell
If you're looking to sell your coins online, there are several websites to consider. Check out Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons) for a list of sites, their introduction, pros, and cons.
You can sell your 1972 Washington Quarter on websites that specialize in buying and selling coins. The value of your coins can be determined by checking the value of your coins.
To sell your coins online easily, you can use websites that cater to coin collectors and enthusiasts. These websites often have a large customer base and are a good place to start.
You can find websites that are specifically designed for buying and selling coins, such as the one mentioned in the article, Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons).
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Guides
In 1972, the Denver mint produced about 30% more quarters than the Philadelphia mint. This disparity is a key factor to consider when assessing the value of 1972 quarters.
Most of the 311,067,732 quarters produced in 1972 were released into circulation and have become heavily worn out by now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which quarter is worth $35000?
The 1947 Silver Washington Quarter graded MS68 is worth $35,000. This rare coin is one of only four in existence, making it a highly valuable and sought-after collector's item.
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