1977 Quarter No Maint Mark

How Much Is a 1977 Quarter Worth?

Daniel Carter

About The Author 

Daniel Carter’s fascination with the past took an unexpected turn during a family trip to a local antique fair. Daniel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His studies deepened his understanding and appreciation of the historical context of his burgeoning collection. To him, each coin and numismatic object was more than just currency; it was a physical connection to different eras, cultures, and economic systems.

At 37, Daniel works as an archivist for a historical society in Chicago. His profession allows him daily interaction with historical artifacts and documents, a perfect complement to his personal pursuit. His colleagues often seek his input when dealing with historical financial records or identifying unusual metallic objects.

Unlocking the Value 1977 Quarter Coins:
A Collector’s Guide

1977 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

Obverse and reverse of the 1977 Philadelphia Quarter Dollar
Name1977 Philadelphia Quarter Dollar
MintPhiladelphia
Compositionouter layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper
Mintage411,816,000
Price (USD)$0.25 – $1 (in circulated condition)

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors.  

Historical Context of the 1977 Quarter No Mint Mark

The 1977 quarter without a mint mark was struck primarily at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia quarters from this era are easily identified by the absence of a mint mark, as Philadelphia traditionally did not include one on quarters until recent years. 

This makes the 1977 quarter value no mint mark an important consideration for collectors who want to distinguish Philadelphia issues from those minted elsewhere.

In 1977, the U.S. Mint resumed producing the classic Washington quarter design after the Bicentennial quarters of 1975-1976. The Philadelphia Mint struck a large number of these quarters for general circulation, resulting in a high mintage of 1977 quarters without mint marks-approximately 468 million coins combined with the West Point Mint, which also produced quarters without mint marks that year.

Production and Specifications

The 1977 quarters were made using the copper-nickel clad composition introduced in 1965. This consisted of a pure copper core sandwiched between two layers of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), resulting in an overall composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The coins weigh 5.67 grams and measure 24.257 millimeters in diameter, with a reeded edge.

This composition and design were intended for durability and mass circulation, which is why most 1977 quarters without mint marks are common and typically worth only face value.

Market Value

ConditionEstimated Value
Circulated$0.25-$0.85
Uncirculated (MS63)$4
Uncirculated (MS65)$15-$26
Uncirculated (MS66)$30-$45
Uncirculated (MS67)$75-$100
Uncirculated (MS67+)$43-$2350
Uncirculated (MS68)$990-$3750
Double Die Obverse$200-$1000+
Struck on Dime Planchet$9200

The value of circulated 1977 Philadelphia quarters is typically around their face value. However, uncirculated coins in higher grades, as well as those with errors, can be worth significantly more to collectors.  

Identifying a Philadelphia Quarter

To identify a 1977 quarter no mint mark as a Philadelphia issue, look for the following:

  • No Mint Mark: To identify a 1977 quarter no mint mark as a Philadelphia issue, look for the following: The coin will have no letter mint mark on the obverse, near Washington’s ponytail. This no mint mark is the hallmark of Philadelphia quarters from that era.
  • Design: The 1977 quarter features the standard design: The obverse shows George Washington’s profile with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1977.” The reverse displays the heraldic eagle.
  • Weight and Size: Standard quarter specifications (5.67 g, 24.257 mm diameter) help confirm authenticity of the 1977 quarter. This is important to consider when assessing the potential 1977 quarter value no mint mark.
  • Distinguishing from West Point: Although West Point minted some quarters in 1977 without mint marks, they are visually identical to Philadelphia coins. However, West Point production was very limited compared to Philadelphia’s. This rarity is why a 1977 quarter worth $35,000 is sometimes discussed, though it rarely applies to typical Philadelphia no-mint-mark issues. The standard “how much is a 1977 quarter worth” or the “1977 D quarter value” is usually just face value for circulated coins. Whether “is a 1977 quarter worth anything” beyond 25 cents depends on condition and rarity (like the West Point example, not a typical 1977 quarter error list with pictures scenario).

1977 D Quarter Value

Obverse and reverse of the 1977 D Denver Bicentennial Quarter Dollar
Name1977 D Denver Bicentennial Quarter Dollar
MintDenver
Compositionouter layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper
Mintage270,590,006
Price (USD)$0.25 – $1 (in circulated condition)

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors.  

Historical Context of the 1977 D Quarter

In 1977, the United States Mint continued to strike the 1977 washington quarter, a design that had been a staple of American coinage since 1932, with a brief interruption for the Bicentennial quarters of 1977 to 1976 quarter. The Denver Mint, identified by the “D” mint mark on the obverse of the coin, played a crucial role in producing quarters for general circulation. The resumption of the classic design aimed to provide a familiar and consistent currency for the public after the commemorative issues.

The Denver Mint’s history dates back to the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1858, which led to the founding of the city. Initially established as an assay office in 1863, the Denver facility refined gold but did not strike coins. It wasn’t until 1906 that the Denver Mint began coin production, quickly becoming a significant branch of the U.S. Mint system. 

The “D” mint mark serves as a historical marker of the coins produced at this location. The claim that a 1977 quarter worth $35 000 exists often leads to confusion, as standard issues, whether the 1977 washington quarter from Denver or the 1977 quarter with no mint mark from Philadelphia, rarely achieve such values.

Production and Specifications

The 1977 D quarters were manufactured using the copper-nickel clad composition that was introduced in 1965. This layered structure consists of a core of pure copper sandwiched between two outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The resulting coin has an overall composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. 

This combination was chosen for its durability, resistance to wear, and the fact that it provided a metallic value lower than the face value, discouraging melting for profit.  The specifications of the 1977 D quarter include a weight of 5.67 grams and a diameter of 24.257 millimeters, with a standard reeded edge. 

These physical characteristics are consistent across all Washington quarters produced during this era, regardless of the mint of origin. The consistency in size and weight was important for vending machines and other coin-operated devices.  

Market Value

ConditionEstimated Value
Circulated$0.25-$1
Uncirculated (MS66)$10-$40
Uncirculated (MS67)$30-$100
Uncirculated (MS68)$990-$6463
Filled D Error$5-$50+
Double Die Obverse$200-$8400+
Struck on Dime Planchet~$9200

Identifying a Denver (D) Quarter

  • Location of the Mint Mark: On Washington quarters minted from 1968 to the present, the “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (the side with George Washington’s portrait). It can be found to the right of George Washington’s portrait, near the ribbon that ties his ponytail. 

For Washington quarters minted before 1965, the mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, below the wreath and above the “R” in “QUARTER”. The absence of a mint mark signifies a 1977 quarter with no mint mark, originating from the Philadelphia Mint.   

  • Design: The coin will feature the standard Washington quarter design:
  • Obverse: A left-facing profile of George Washington with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date (in this case, “1977”).
  • Reverse: The heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, along with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”   
  • Weight and Size: It should adhere to the standard specifications for a U.S. quarter: a weight of 5.67 grams and a diameter of 24.257 millimeters.

By checking for the “D” mint mark in the correct location for the coin’s year, along with the standard design and specifications, you can confidently identify a quarter minted in Denver. The actual answer to what is a 1977 quarter worth for standard issues is generally face value for circulated coins and a small premium for uncirculated examples. 

The highly sought-after values, like the rumored 1977 quarter worth $35 000, typically arise from rare 1977 quarter errors, not standard mintings of either the 1977 washington quarter or the 1977 quarter with no mint mark. 

Therefore, understanding the distinction between standard coins and potential 1977 quarter errors is crucial for any collector assessing the 1977 quarter no mint mark value or the value of any other 1977 no mint mark quarter value.

1977 S Proof Quarter Value

Obverse and reverse of the 1977 S Proof Bicentennial Quarter Dollar
Name1977 S Proof Bicentennial Quarter Dollar
MintSan Francisco
Compositionouter layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper
Mintage3,251,109
Price (USD)$2 – $5+ (depending on condition, higher for PR69/PR70)

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors.  

Historical Context of the 1977 S Proof Quarter 

The year 1977 saw the San Francisco Mint exclusively dedicate its quarter production to striking proof coins, clearly indicated by the prominent “S” mint mark on these special issues. Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, which focused on producing the vast quantities of circulating coinage needed for everyday transactions, San Francisco catered directly to the burgeoning community of coin collectors. 

Proof coins, such as the 1977 S quarter value pieces, are meticulously crafted using specially prepared dies and planchets, resulting in a level of detail and visual appeal far surpassing that of regular business strike coins. This deliberate focus on quality and collector demand is the primary factor influencing the quarter 1977 value of these “S” mint mark specimens. 

The historical context of San Francisco’s role as a producer of high-quality proof coinage is essential in understanding why the value of 1977 quarter proofs differs so significantly from their circulating counterparts.

Production and Specifications

The production process at the San Francisco Mint for the 1977 S quarter value coins was distinct from the mass production techniques employed for circulating currency. Each proof coin was struck multiple times at lower speeds to ensure sharp, crisp details across the entire design. 

The planchets themselves were carefully selected and polished to create the characteristic mirror-like fields that define proof coinage. While the metallic composition of these proof quarters – a copper core with an outer layer of copper-nickel alloy – remained consistent with the circulating 1977 quarter weight specifications (approximately 5.67 grams and a diameter of 24.3 millimeters), the meticulous striking process and the quality of the materials used set them apart. 

This specialized production directly impacts the value of a 1977 quarter proof.

Market Value

ConditionEstimated Value
PR60-PR65$2-$5
PR66-PR69$5-$15
PR70 (Deep Cameo)$10-$30
PR60-PR65$5-$15
PR66-PR69$15-$40
PR70 (Deep Cameo)$50-$160
Double Die Obverse$200-$1000+
No “S” Mint Mark$1000+

Identifying an S Proof Quarter

  • Dual Date: Just like their circulating counterparts, the obverse of the 1977 S quarter value coin clearly displays the year of mintage, “1977”. This standard dating helps to categorize the coin but is not the primary factor in determining its increased worth.
  • “S” Mint Mark: The most immediate and crucial identifier of a 1977 proof quarter is the presence of the distinct “S” mint mark. Located on the obverse, typically to the right of George Washington’s neck, this small letter signifies its San Francisco origin and its status as a proof coin. 

The presence of this “S” is the key differentiator when assessing the how much is a 1977 no mint mark quarter worth (referring to the Philadelphia issue, which lacks a mint mark and generally has a lower value) versus the 1977 S quarter value.

  • Proof Finish: The most striking characteristic of a 1977 “S” quarter, and a significant contributor to its value of a 1977 quarter, is its brilliant, mirror-like surface on both the obverse and reverse. This highly reflective background provides a stark contrast to the frosted texture of the design elements, such as Washington’s portrait and the heraldic eagle.

This deep contrast and sharp detail are the hallmarks of a proof coin and are critical factors when evaluating how much is a quarter from 1977 worth in its proof state.

  • Reverse Design: The reverse of the 1977 S quarter value coin features the standard heraldic eagle design that was used on all United States quarters in 1977. While the design itself is consistent, the exceptional detail and mirror-like finish on a proof specimen significantly enhance its visual appeal and, consequently, its numismatic value of a 1977 quarter.

In conclusion, when considering the value of a 1977 quarter, it is essential to distinguish between circulating coins (which, in the case of the Philadelphia issue, prompts the question of how much is a 1977 no mint mark quarter worth) and the collector-oriented proof issues from the San Francisco Mint. The 1977 S quarter value is driven by its special production process, the presence of the “S” mint mark, and its distinct proof finish, making it significantly more valuable to collectors than a standard circulating coin of the same year and the same 1977 quarter weight.

1977 Quarter No Maint Mark