The 1974-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily circulated condition to around $10 or more in uncirculated grades — and in top certified mint state grades, a few examples have sold for over $100. If you’ve got one sitting in a jar or found it in an old collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
coin identifier and value app tools have made it easier than ever for everyday collectors to quickly identify and price coins like the 1974-D quarter without needing to visit a dealer. Whether you’re a first-time coin finder or a seasoned hobbyist, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Is the 1974-D Washington Quarter?
The 1974-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint — that’s what the “D” mintmark stands for. It’s part of the long-running Washington Quarter series that began in 1932 and features the familiar left-facing portrait of George Washington on the obverse, designed by John Flanagan.
In 1974, the Denver Mint produced over 353 million of these quarters, making it a very common coin in terms of mintage. Because so many were made and circulated widely, most 1974-D quarters you find in pocket change or old jars aren’t going to be worth a fortune.
That said, condition is everything in the coin world. A heavily worn example might only be worth face value, while a crisp, uncirculated coin can bring a meaningful premium from collectors.
How Much Is a 1974-D Washington Quarter Worth?
Here’s a straightforward value breakdown based on coin grade and condition:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) – heavily worn | Face value (~$0.25) |
| Very Fine (VF-20) – moderate wear | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) – light wear | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $12.00 – $25.00 |
| MS-67 and above (rare top grades) | $100.00+ |
You can check live 1974-D Washington Quarter price data across mint state grades to see recent auction records and certified coin sales.
Does the “D” Mintmark Make It More Valuable?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. In 1974, quarters were made at two mints — Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D mintmark). The Denver issue actually had a slightly higher mintage than Philadelphia, so neither has a major premium over the other in typical grades.
However, in the very highest mint state grades (MS-67 or above), population reports from PCGS and NGC show that both are genuinely scarce. A 1974-D quarter graded MS-67 can sell for well over $100 at auction, simply because so few have survived in that pristine condition.
If you’ve found a quarter that looks like it was never touched — sharp details, original luster, no marks or scratches — it might be worth getting it professionally graded. CoinHix can help you track certified coin values before you decide whether to submit yours to a grading service.
How to Tell If Your 1974-D Quarter Is Worth More
Condition is the single biggest factor. Here’s what to look for when examining your coin:
– Luster — Does the coin still have a shiny, slightly cartwheel-like gleam when tilted under light? That’s a good sign it wasn’t heavily used.
– Details — On Washington’s portrait, check the hairlines above the ear and along the neck. On the reverse, look at the eagle’s breast feathers. If both are sharp and well-defined, your coin is in better shape.
– Marks and scratches — Even tiny contact marks can drop a coin’s grade significantly.
You can also explore detailed 1974 quarter value information by grade and mintmark to compare your coin against known examples. And if you want a fast, on-the-go assessment, CoinHix is a reliable tool that collectors use to look up values by date and mintmark in seconds.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1974-D quarter made of silver?
A: No. By 1974, the U.S. had stopped making silver quarters for general circulation. The 1974-D Washington Quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a copper core. It contains no silver.
Q: What makes a 1974-D quarter valuable?
A: The main driver of value is condition. Most circulated examples are only worth face value, but uncirculated coins in high grades (especially MS-65 and above) can be worth $10 to $100 or more. Error coins — like those with a doubled die or striking flaws — can also carry a premium.
Q: Should I clean my 1974-D quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin almost always lowers its value in the eyes of collectors and graders. Even gentle polishing can remove the natural surface patina that experienced buyers look for. Keep the coin exactly as you found it and let a professional assess it first. CoinHix can give you a quick value estimate before you decide your next step.