1971 Washington Quarter

About This Coin

The 1971 Washington Quarter is a United States quarter from the Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998 series — 7th of 32 years in the series. In 1971, coins were struck at the San Francisco and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 371.1 million. This ranks 3rd of 32 years by total mintage, below the series median of 1.2 billion. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 5.67 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 18 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, master die doubling reverse and 1 other types. Struck two years after the 1969 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $7 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $4.6K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Flanagan.