1979 Quarter Value: are “D”, “S”, No mint mark worth money?

We found another valuable coin to review—the 1979 Quarter! Its history dates back to the first President of America, so no wonder if the good condition of this coin is worth more than face value. Let’s discover what makes the 1979 Washington Quarter an interesting part of American history and today’s world, from its value, story, varieties, and rare errors.

1979 Quarter Value Details

• Category: Washington Quarter
• Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
• Total Mintage: 518,708,000
• Obverse Design: George Washington
• Reverse Design: Large Eagle holding Logs
• Designer: Felix Schlag
• Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel
• Diameter: 24.3 mm (0.9566929 inches)
• Mass: 5 grams
• Thickness: 1.95 mm (0.076 inches)
• Edge: Reeded

1979 Quarter Value Chart

1979 Quarter Value Chart
Mint Mark	MS63	MS64	MS65	MS66	MS67
1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Value	$0.75	$1.10	$1.50	$27	$143
1979 D Quarter Value	$0.75	$1.10	$1.50	$24.30	$325
	MS66	MS67	MS68	MS69	MS70
1979 S Quarter (Type 1)	–	$5.40	$6.75	$10.80	$27
1979 Quarter (Type 2)	–	$2.65	$5.40	$13.50	$40.50

1979 Quarter Values and Varieties Guides

1979 P Quarter (No Mint Mark) Value

• Type: Washington Quarter
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint mark: None
• Place of minting: Philadelphia
• Year of minting: 1979
• Face value: $0.25
• $ price: $0.75 to $143
• Quantity produced: 515,708,000
• Designer: John Flanagan

The value of a 1979 quarter coin depends on its mint state and condition. It’s normal to have them for a few dollars, but the price may be higher depending on their condition. In fact, a circulated one may only be worth around $0.30 to $0.85, with most valued at $0.25 to $25. Pieces rated MS 67 can be worth $120 to $145, while the most expensive piece, the 1979 No Mint mark MS 68 clad Washington quarter, was sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in 2022.

1979 D Quarter Value

• Type: Washington Quarter
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint mark: D
• Place of minting: Denver
• Year of minting: 1979
• Face value: $0.25
• $ price: $0.75 to $325
• Quantity produced: 489,789,780
• Designer: John Flanagan

In a 2014 auction, a PCGS MS-67 1979-D Quarter in an impeccable, unblemished state sold for $1,078, making it the most prized possession among 1979 Quarter coins.

1979 S Quarter Value

• Type: Washington Quarter
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint mark: S
• Place of minting: San Francisco
• Year of minting: 1979
• Face value: $0.25
• $ price: $2.65 to $40.50
• Quantity produced: 3,677,175
• Designer: John Flanagan

Type I – Filled Mint Mark “S” & Type ll – Clear Mint Mark “S“

In 1979, there were two versions of the S Proof Washington Quarter. The first one was called Type 1 Filled S, illustrated on the left side of the picture displaying a comparison of mint marks. The mint mark for this type was not as sharp and looked somewhat blurred. The second variety was Type 2 Clear S, depicted on the same picture’s right side. This type had a more apparent and more significant mint mark.

The value of Type 1 and Type 2 Washington quarters vary. Type 1 is less popular with collectors and, thus, less expensive. However, some Type 1 coins, such as a 1979 S PR 70 DCAM, can still hold significant value. One of these was purchased for $403 in 2003.

Also Read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money

1979 Quarter Value History

To honor the 200th birthday of the first US President, the Standing Liberty quarter was replaced by the Washington Quarter in 1932. Their plan was to mint a coin for commemorative purposes that will last for a year. But surprisingly, this 1959 Quarter ended up becoming one of the lengthiest and most popular coin designs in the United States.

Over 100 artists submitted designs for a new American quarter, utilizing the likeness of the Washington bust created by French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon. They became the official silver quarter design. From 1965 to 1998, they were made using a different composition.

Like most coins minted, the 1979 Quarter was produced at three different mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Coins made this year at the Philadelphia mint don’t have a mint mark and are usually not in high demand, so don’t panic if you see an empty mint mark in your quarter. It will not cause you any trouble. While those minted at the San Francisco mint have an “S” mint mark.

The 1979 Quarter is not much valuable (only according to their face value which is five cents) because there were too many quantities minted. Though rare ones in excellent condition may be worth more, depending on the condition and the collector’s view.

Based on history, the Washington quarters were initially made of 90% silver and 10% copper, but due to the rise in the value of silver in 1964, the silver was removed from the country’s coinage that is in circulation. This is the same year the quarters got their mint mark but on the reverse side, which will also easily tell you that your quarter is silver. The shift also resulted in a new design with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, surrounding an inner core of pure copper, produced between 1965 and 1998 until the 50 State Quarters Program was launched.

The US Mint made a lot of 1979-P Washington Quarters, making them easy to find in good condition. However, coins with a rating of MS67 or higher are rare. They also produced Proof coins in 1979, including Washington quarters stamped with two different mint markings: Type 1 with a filled S and Type 2 with a clear S. Type 2 is rarer than Type 1.

The good thing is quarter dollar remains a useful coin, as other currencies like the cent, nickel, and dime have lost their value. The half-dollar and dollar coins are no longer relevant in commerce and are mainly produced for collectors. The Eisenhower dollar and the small dollar also failed to gain popularity.

Canada switched to smaller dollars and stopped issuing $1 bills, which led to the adoption of the Loonie, a small Canadian dollar that has a bird on the reverse side. It is called the Loonie because the bird on the coin is a loon. Despite the devaluation of the dollar bill, it remains in circulation. The quarter dollar is useful for vending machines and emergencies, but it often takes more than four to buy items like newspapers and pop bottles, which were much cheaper several decades ago.

Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation

The 1979 Quarter Design:

The 1979 Washington Quarter front has a picture of George Washington, the first US President, and the word LIBERTY around his portrait. The year 1979 is written below his picture, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is on the left side.

The back of the coin has an eagle design in the Art Deco style. The eagle is perched on arrows pointing to the left, and its head faces the left. The words United States of America are written at the top, and two olive branches in the shape of a U surround the eagle’s base. The phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is written below the eagle, and QUARTER DOLLAR is at the bottom.

Also Read: 10+ Rarest State Quarter Errors Lists (Worth Much Money!!!)

1979 Quarter Value Grading

A Washington Quarter from 1979 that is in Brilliant Uncirculated condition is available for purchase at $6.65. Mint State coins remain untouched during circulation, retaining their original surface. Mint State 1979 quarters exhibit flawless brilliance and no wear, with high-profile areas maintaining consistent texture and no color dulling or metal smoothing.

The Reverse Eagle has lost some fine features, with fading chest feathers and a smooth upper leg surface. However, the bird still has a rounded chest and plump legs, and its olive leaf wing tips are noticeable. To know the value of your 1979 Quarter, watch this video.

Lists of Error for 1979 Quarter Value

1. 1979 Quarter Double Rim and Broad Strike Error

Worth: $20 to $90

Usually, quarters are minted with reeds, the ridges around the coin’s edge. These ridges serve both as a decorative element and as a way to deter counterfeiting since it is harder to replicate a coin with a specific edge design.

However, some 1979 quarters were minted without reeds. This was likely an error in the production process, where the coin dies were not properly engraved with the ridges. As a result, these coins have a smooth edge instead of a ridged one.

2. 1979 Quarter Triple D Error

Worth: approximately $175

In this particular case, the error is caused by a defect in the die, which is the metal stamp used to create the coin’s design. When the die is faulty, it can cause the D mint mark to be duplicated or tripled.

This error is relatively rare, and not all 1979 quarters will have it. However, find a quarter with multiple D’s. It could be worth more to collectors interested in unusual or rare coins.

3. 1979 Quarter Filled D Error

Worth: approximately $150

During the minting process, a defect in the die used to stamp the “D” mint mark may have caused it to fill in entirely or partially, resulting in a filled or partially filled “D” mint mark.

This type of error is unique because it indicates that there was a problem with the die used to mint the coin. The filled “D” mint mark is considered a valuable error coin among collectors, and its rarity and uniqueness make it more valuable than a regular quarter.

4. 1979 Quarter Filling on D Error

Worth: approximately $180

This error in the 1979 quarter is known as the “D over D” error. It occurs when a mint mark is punched twice, resulting in a smaller letter being stamped on top of a larger one. You will notice that the smaller “D” mint mark is positioned slightly to the right and slightly above the more prominent “D” mint mark. This error is relatively uncommon and can add value to the coin for collectors.

1979 Quarter Value FAQs

Q1: Is there anything special about the 1979 quarter?

A: The 1979 Washington quarters are special because they were the last coins in the series to only feature the D and S mint marks, with Philadelphia coins lacking mint marks. In 1980, the P mint mark was added to the series. Additionally, the reverse design of the 1979 quarter features the heraldic eagle, which was also present on coins from 1977.

Q2: Are older quarters worth more?

A: Prior to 1964, the United States produced dimes, quarters, and half dollars composed of 90% silver. Despite their wear and tear, these coins have a value that exceeds their face value. This applies to the 90% silver quarters created in 1960-1964.

Therefore, older quarters, particularly those minted between 1960-1964, are worth more than their face value due to their silver content and scarcity and potential value to collectors.

Q3: How can you tell the difference between 1979 quarters made of clad material and those made of silver?

A: You can check for specific characteristics to differentiate between a 1979 quarter of silver and one of clad material. Silver quarters are rare and valuable because they were mistakenly made of silver.

They weigh more than clad coins, tarnish over time, and produce a higher-pitched ringing sound when dropped. Therefore, if you have a 1979 quarter, it is worth checking if it is made of silver as they are very uncommon. You may also verify the presence of an orange or brown band that encircles the coin’s perimeter. This band indicates a copper core within the coin, which is fused with the outer layers of copper-nickel.

Conclusion

In summary, the 1979 quarter coin has an interesting history as it marks the transition from the Standing Liberty to the Washington Quarter design despite its high mintage and low intrinsic value. John Flanagan’s design won the submission for the coin. The 1979 Washington quarter marks the end of the sole use of D and S mint marks, with those produced in Philadelphia lacking them.

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