1979 Quarter Value
The U.S. Mint introduced the Washington quarter in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Although it was initially intended as a temporary design for a commemorative issue, it eventually became the standard quarter. Starting in 1965, the composition of the quarter changed from silver to a copper-nickel clad alloy, a format that continued through 1998.
In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint produced its last quarters without a mint mark, which had been the norm for that facility. These coins are typically not considered rare or especially valuable due to their large production volume. However, well-preserved high-grade examples can be worth more to collectors.
1979 Quarter Value Chart
| Condition | 1979 No Mint Mark | 1979 D Quarter | 1979 S Type 1 | 1979 S Type 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS 65 | $6.65 | $6.65 | – | – |
| Proof 65 | – | – | $9.14 | $11 |
1979 Quarter Value Guides
In 1979, a combined total of 1,012,174,955 Washington quarters were minted. This includes 3,677,175 proof coins produced at the San Francisco Mint. The rest were split between the Denver and Philadelphia facilities. Two types of proof coins were issued from San Francisco: one featuring a filled “S” mint mark (Type 1) and another with a clearer, more defined “S” (Type 2). Type 2 proofs are more sought after due to their distinct appearance and relative scarcity.
1979 No Mint Quarter Value
Philadelphia was responsible for striking 518,708,000 quarters in 1979, none of which had a mint mark. Because of the high mintage, most of these coins are widely available and typically hold no more than face value in circulated condition. However, uncirculated and high-grade pieces can attract more interest.
| Condition | 1979 No Mint Mark | 1979 D Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Good to AU | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| MS 60–MS 62 | $0.35 | $0.35 |
| MS 63 | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| MS 64 | $0.75 | $0.75 |
| MS 65 | $1 | $1 |
| MS 66 | $20–$24 | $18–$21.60 |
| MS 67 | $120–$144 | $275–$330 |
The highest recorded sale for a 1979 Philadelphia quarter was $1,440. This coin, graded MS 68, was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2022.
1979 D Quarter Value
The Denver Mint produced 489,789,780 quarters in 1979. Like their Philadelphia counterparts, these coins are generally inexpensive unless they are in mint condition. The value begins to increase significantly for specimens in high Mint State grades. MS 67 examples are especially prized.
In 2014, an MS 67 graded Denver quarter fetched $1,078 at a Great Collections auction, demonstrating the potential value of top-tier examples.
1979 S Proof Quarter Type 1 and Type 2
San Francisco’s 1979 proof quarter mintage totaled around 3,677,000 coins. These proofs are divided into two categories: Type 1, which has a filled “S” mint mark, and Type 2, which has a clearer and more sharply defined “S.” Type 2 proofs are the more valuable of the two due to their relative rarity and better strike quality.
| Grade | 1979 S Type 1 | 1979 S Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 | $4 | $2 |
| PR 68 | $5 | $4 |
| PR 69 | $8 | $10 |
| PR 70 | $20 | $30 |
A flawless PR 70 example of the 1979 S Type 2 quarter sold for $495 through Heritage Auctions in 2003. That same year, a Type 1 in PR 70 grade was sold for $403.
1979 Quarter Errors
Although minting errors in 1979 quarters are relatively rare, some do exist and can hold significant value. These anomalies occurred due to issues during the production process and are sought after by error coin enthusiasts. Depending on the specific error, prices can vary widely.
One notable error is the Broad Strike or Double Rim, where the edge is not properly formed, resulting in a coin that appears wider and flatter; such examples can be worth between $20 and $90. Another is the Triple D Error, in which the “D” mint mark appears three times, with a value estimated around $175. A Filled D Error, caused by debris in the die, makes the “D” look blurry and usually commands around $150. Coins with a Double Filling on the D mint mark—appearing as one “D” inside another—can fetch approximately $180.
History of the 1979 Washington Quarter
The concept of a quarter dates back to the Spanish dollar, historically divided into eight parts. Early American quarters were made from silver and featured varying designs between 1796 and 1930. The Washington quarter entered circulation in 1932 to mark the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.
John Flanagan’s portrait of Washington, modeled after Houdon’s famous bust, was chosen over a widely praised design by Laura Gardin Fraser. It’s believed that Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon’s gender bias influenced this decision. In 1965, the rising cost of silver led to a change in the coin’s composition, replacing silver with copper-nickel clad metal. The 1979 quarter continued this design and was the last year Philadelphia coins were made without a mint mark.
How to Identify a 1979 Washington Quarter
The front side (obverse) of the 1979 quarter features a left-facing profile of George Washington. “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left, and the date “1979” is centered at the bottom. Coins from the Denver and San Francisco Mints have a “D” or “S” mint mark on the right side of Washington’s neck, while Philadelphia quarters carry no mint mark.
The back side (reverse) showcases an eagle with its wings spread, clutching arrows and olive branches—symbols of military strength and peace. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
1979 Washington Quarter Specifications
- Face Value: 25 cents
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Reeded with 119 reeds
What Makes a 1979 Quarter Rare?
Though most 1979 quarters are readily available and common in circulation, certain factors can make them rare. These include mint errors, proof versions with clearer mint marks, and high-grade Mint State or Proof specimens. Coins with a top grading or distinctive features are more likely to be considered rare and hold greater market value.
Most Valuable 1979 Quarters
Some of the most valuable 1979 quarters include a Philadelphia example graded MS 68 that sold for $1,440, and a 1979 D quarter in MS 67 that fetched $1,078. Proof coins are also notable—such as a 1979 S PR 70 Type 2 that brought in $495, and a 1979 S PR 70 Type 1 that reached $403, both sold through Heritage Auctions.
How Much is a 1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Worth?
Most 1979 quarters without a mint mark are worth between $0.25 and $25 depending on their condition. Coins in exceptional grades, particularly MS 68 or higher, can be significantly more valuable and may sell for prices approaching $145 or more at auction.
Rarest Washington Quarter
Among all Washington quarters, the 1932-D and 1932-S stand out as some of the rarest issues. With mintages under half a million each, these coins are extremely desirable. A 1932-D quarter in MS 65 condition once sold for over $32,000, making it one of the most valuable in the series.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1979 quarter rare?
A: Most 1979 quarters are not rare, but certain high-grade or error coins can be valuable.
Q: What is the most valuable 1979 quarter?
A: A 1979 no mint mark quarter graded MS 68 sold for $1,440 in 2022.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979 quarter is worth money?
A: Check for a mint mark, condition (grade), and any unusual errors. Coins in mint state (MS 65 and up) or with errors may be worth more.
Q: What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 proof quarters from 1979?
A: Type 1 has a filled “S” mint mark, while Type 2 has a clear “S.” Type 2 is generally more valuable.
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