Coin collecting has long fascinated both casual enthusiasts and serious numismatists. Among the many years of minted currency, 1973 produced several notable specimens that have gained significant value.
This article explores eight particularly valuable coins from that year, examining what makes them special and providing context for collectors interested in these numismatic treasures.
Historical Context of 1973 Coinage
The United States Mint produced coins in 1973 during a transitional period in American currency. The dollar was no longer backed by silver, having moved to a fiat system in 1971.
This period saw high mintage numbers for circulating coins, which makes truly rare specimens from this era all the more valuable to collectors.
The 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar: Silver Proof
The Eisenhower dollar, first minted in 1971, continued production through 1973. The 1973-S Silver Proof version, produced at the San Francisco Mint, contains 40% silver and was never intended for circulation.
With approximately 1,013,646 minted, well-preserved specimens in PR-70 condition (perfect) can command prices upwards of $500, with particularly exceptional examples potentially reaching several thousand dollars.
What makes this coin special is the combination of its silver content, proof quality strike, and the decreasing number of pristine examples available as time passes. The mirrored fields and frosted design elements create a cameo effect highly prized by collectors.
The 1973-S Kennedy Half Dollar: Silver Proof
Similar to the Eisenhower dollar, the 1973-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof strikes from San Francisco contain 40% silver. The mint produced 2,760,339 of these coins, with perfect examples (PR-70) potentially valued between $300-500, depending on market conditions and certification.
The silver Kennedy proofs represent the final year of silver content in the regular Kennedy half dollar proof series, giving them additional historical significance for collectors focusing on transitional pieces.
The 1973 Lincoln Cent: Doubled Die Obverse
Perhaps the most famous error coin from 1973 is the Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent. This striking error shows noticeable doubling on the date and lettering of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The doubling occurred during the die manufacturing process, not during striking, making these coins genuine mint errors rather than post-mint damage.
Authentic 1973 Doubled Die cents are rare, with estimates suggesting fewer than 20,000 exist across all grades. In uncirculated condition, these cents can fetch $300-600, while exceptional specimens have sold for over $1,500 at auction.
The 1973-S Lincoln Cent: Special Mint Set Specimen
The San Francisco Mint produced special proof Lincoln cents in 1973 with exceptional strikes and mirror-like fields. While not as rare as error coins, these specimens in perfect condition (PR-70 RD) can still command $150-300 from collectors seeking to complete high-grade sets.
Their value stems from their perfect preservation and the increasingly difficult challenge of finding coins from this era in truly pristine condition, as proper storage methods weren’t always employed by collectors in the 1970s.
The 1973-D Jefferson Nickel: SMS Specimen
Special mint set Jefferson nickels from 1973 with the Denver mintmark can be valuable when found in exceptional condition. These coins feature sharper strikes than regular circulation issues, with more defined steps on Monticello (the building on the reverse).
A 1973-D Jefferson nickel with “Full Steps” (complete definition of the steps on Monticello) in MS-67 or better condition can sell for $300-500 to specialized collectors. The rarity comes not from low mintage but from the difficulty in finding examples with perfect strikes and preservation.
The 1973-S Washington Quarter: Deep Cameo Proof
Proof Washington quarters from 1973 with exceptionally deep contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields (known as “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo”) represent some of the most aesthetically pleasing coins from this year.
While 3,265,140 proof quarters were struck at San Francisco in 1973, only a small percentage display the dramatic contrast collectors seek. A perfect example (PR-70 DCAM) can bring $250-400 from specialized collectors.
The 1973 Roosevelt Dime: No Mintmark (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia-minted Roosevelt dimes from 1973 are common in circulated grades, but superb uncirculated examples with full luster and strike can command premiums.
A 1973 Roosevelt dime graded MS-68 or higher might sell for $150-300, with the value increasing substantially for any example that might grade MS-69 or MS-70, as these are exceedingly rare for this issue.
The value comes from the statistical rarity of finding such perfectly preserved specimens rather than from limited production, as over 319 million of these dimes were produced.
The 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar: Clad Proof
Beyond the silver version, the San Francisco Mint also produced clad proof Eisenhower dollars in 1973. While more common than their silver counterparts, perfect examples (PR-70) with deep cameo contrast can still sell for $200-400 to specialized collectors.
Assessing Authenticity and Condition
For collectors interested in these valuable 1973 coins, authentication is crucial. Professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) provide standardized assessments that help establish a coin’s authenticity and condition.
When evaluating 1973 coins, experts consider:
- Strike quality (how well the design details are impressed)
- Surface preservation (absence of marks or abrasions)
- Luster (the reflective quality of the surface)
- Color (particularly important for copper coins like cents)
- Eye appeal (the overall aesthetic impression)
Market Realities vs. Exaggerated Claims
It’s important to note that while these eight coins can indeed be valuable in exceptional condition, claims about massive valuations in the hundreds of millions of dollars for 1973 coins are unsupported by market evidence.
The most expensive U.S. coin ever sold at auction was the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin, which realized $18.9 million in 2021. No 1973 coin has ever approached anywhere near that value.
Collectors should be wary of sensationalized claims about coin values, especially when presented without specific grading information or auction records to support such valuations.
How to Sell Valuable 1973 Coins
If you believe you possess one of these valuable 1973 coins, consider these steps:
- Professional Authentication: Before attempting to sell, have your coin authenticated and graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC. This provides buyers with confidence in what they’re purchasing.
- Research Current Values: Consult recent auction results and price guides to understand the realistic market value of your coin based on its specific grade and characteristics.
Choose the Right Selling Venue: Options include:- Specialized coin auctions (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers)
- Direct sales to established coin dealers
- Online marketplaces catering to numismatists
- Coin shows where you can meet buyers directly
- Consider Timing: Coin markets fluctuate based on collector interest, economic conditions, and trends in the hobby. Sometimes waiting for the right market conditions can maximize your return.
- Proper Presentation: When listing your coin, provide clear, high-resolution photographs from multiple angles. Include all relevant information about grading, certification, and provenance.
- Realistic Expectations: Understand that even rare coins can take time to sell at fair market value. Be prepared to wait for the right buyer rather than accepting a significantly reduced offer.
The True Value of 1973 Coins
While the eight coins discussed represent the most valuable issues from 1973, their true worth extends beyond monetary value. They offer windows into American coinage history, manufacturing processes, and the evolution of numismatic collecting.
For the serious collector, these coins represent challenging acquisitions that can complete significant collections. F
or investors, they potentially offer store-of-value assets that have historically appreciated over time, though like any investment, returns are never guaranteed.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who has discovered an interesting coin from 1973, understanding the factors that contribute to these coins’ value can help you make informed decisions about collecting, preserving, or potentially selling these pieces of American monetary history.
Remember that numismatic value comes not just from rarity but from the stories these coins tell and the connections they create to our shared cultural and economic past. That historical significance, perhaps more than any price tag, makes these 1973 coins truly valuable.
