1979 Quarter Value
The U.S. Mint began producing Washington quarters in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. While the original plan was to release a commemorative coin, the Washington design became the standard. Quarters made from 1965 to 1998 used a clad composition instead of silver.
In 1979, Philadelphia struck its final quarters without a mint mark. These coins are not especially valuable today due to the large number produced. Only high-grade examples are worth more.
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 total, 1,012,174,955 Washington quarters were minted in 1979. This includes 3,677,175 proof coins from the San Francisco Mint, and the rest from Denver and Philadelphia.
Two versions of the San Francisco proof quarter were made:
- Type 1 – filled “S”
- Type 2 – clear “S”
Type 2 coins are more collectible and usually cost more.
1979 No Mint Quarter Value
Philadelphia minted 518,708,000 quarters in 1979, all without a mint mark. These coins are common, and most are worth little more than face value.
| 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 price for a Philadelphia 1979 quarter was $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in 2022 for an MS 68 example.
1979 D Quarter Value
Denver struck 489,789,780 quarters in 1979. These coins also range from $0.25 to about $20, depending on condition. High-grade coins, especially MS 67, are the most desirable.
In 2014, a 1979 D MS 67 sold for $1,078 at Great Collections.
1979 S Proof Quarter Type 1 and Type 2
The San Francisco Mint created 3,677,000 proof quarters in 1979. There are two types:
- Type 1 has a filled “S” and usually sells for $4 to $20.
- Type 2 has a clearer “S” and is more valuable.
| 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 1979 S PR 70 Type 2 quarter sold for $495 at Heritage Auctions in 2003. The Type 1 version in PR 70 sold for $403 the same year.
1979 Quarter Errors
While error quarters from 1979 are not common, some do exist. These are due to mistakes during the minting process and can be valuable.
- Broad Strike & Double Rim: These coins lack a reeded edge and are usually wider and flatter. Worth about $20–$90.
- Triple D Error: Shows a tripled mint mark “D”. These coins can be valued around $175.
- Filled D Error: Caused by a clogged die, making the “D” look blurry. Typically worth around $150.
- Double Filling on D: Appears as a small “D” inside a larger one, valued at around $180.
History of the 1979 Washington Quarter
The quarter-dollar traces its roots back to the Spanish dollar, which was divided into eight segments. Early American quarters were made of silver and featured several different designs from 1796 to 1930.
The Washington quarter debuted in 1932 to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday. Although originally intended as a one-year coin, the design endured for decades.
John Flanagan’s portrait, based on Houdon’s bust of Washington, was chosen over Laura Gardin Fraser’s superior design—possibly due to gender bias from Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon.
The switch from silver to clad began in 1965 due to rising silver prices. The 1979 quarter continued the clad design and was the last Philadelphia coin without a mint mark.
How to Identify a 1979 Washington Quarter
Obverse: Features Washington’s profile facing left, with “LIBERTY” at the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left, and the date “1979” at the bottom. The mint mark (D or S) is on the right side—unless it’s from Philadelphia, which had no mint mark in 1979.
Reverse: Displays an eagle with spread wings holding arrows and olive branches, symbolizing war and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are also present.
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?
While most 1979 quarters are common, certain errors and high-grade examples can be considered rare and valuable.
Most Valuable 1979 Quarters
- No Mint Mark MS 68: $1,440 (Heritage Auctions, 2022)
- 1979 D MS 67: $1,078 (Great Collections, 2014)
- 1979 S PR 70 Type 2: $495 (Heritage Auctions, 2003)
- 1979 S PR 70 Type 1: $403 (Heritage Auctions, 2003)
How Much is a 1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Worth?
Most are worth between $0.25 and $25, but top-graded examples can go as high as $145.
Rarest Washington Quarter
The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters are among the rarest, with under half a million minted at each location. One 1932-D MS 65 sold for over $32,000.
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.