In a circulated condition, a 1979 quarter is worth anywhere from $0.30 to $0.85. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition, it can be worth significantly more – as much as $6.65. And if the quarter is a proof coin, its value increases even further, with most proof coins selling for between $11 and $13.
There’s something pretty special about collecting coins, don’t you think? It’s like a little history lesson every time you add a new one to your collection. Plus, it’s a great way to save up for something big (or small!).
Most people probably have a few old coins lying around the house. Maybe you found a quarter from 1979 while cleaning out your change jar. What is that coin worth today? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the value of a 1979 quarter. So if you’re curious about what your old coins are worth, keep reading!
A Brief Introduction to the 1979 Quarter: History & Design
|
1979 Quarter |
|
| Year | 1979 |
| EDGE | Reeded |
| DIAMETER | 24.30 millimeters |
| WEIGHT | 5.67 grams |
| METAL | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center |
| DESIGNER | John Flanagan |
The 1979 quarter is unique among American coins not only for its striking copper nickel composition, but also for its diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The outer layers of the coin are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, while the center is 100% copper. The weight of the coin is 5.7 grams and the edge is reeded.
The obverse of the 1979 quarter shows the portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Washington was chosen for this honor because of his significant role in the founding of the nation. The obverse also shows the words “LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as the date.
The American eagle is a powerful symbol of strength and freedom. So it’s no surprise that this majestic bird is featured on the reverse of the 1979 quarter. The eagle is shown with outspread wings, perched on a bundle of arrows. This symbolizes the strength and power of the United States. The olive branches represent peace and prosperity. The inscriptions on the quarter read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and QUARTER DOLLAR.
The Washington quarter is one of the most iconic coins in American history. First minted in 1932, the quarter was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Today, the Washington quarter is one of the most popular coins in circulation. It is also a popular choice for collectors due to its long history and unique designs.
Mint Mark Location
A mint mark is a small symbol placed on a coin to indicate the mint where it was produced. Although mint marks are now optional, they were once essential for preventing counterfeiting. By including a mint mark, authorities could quickly identify which coins were genuine and which were fake. Today, mint marks are largely decorative, but they can still be useful for identifying the origin of a coin.
For example, quarters minted in 1979 at the Denver facility have a small letter D stamped behind George Washington’s neck. The same is true for quarters minted at the San Francisco facility, which bear a small letter S. Interestingly, coins minted at the Philadelphia facility do not have a mint mark. This is because Philadelphia has been the primary Mint facility since the early days of our nation’s history. Interestingly, next year some Philadelphia coins started using the “P” mint mark.
Are 1979 Washington Quarters Rare?
|
1979 Washington Quarter |
||
| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1979 P | 518,708,000 |
| Denver | 1979 D | 489,789,780 |
| San Francisco | 1979 S | 3,677,175 |
The short answer is no, 1979 Washington quarters are not rare. In fact, when they were first minted, over one billion dollars worth of quarters were produced.
The majority of these coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver mints (518,708,000 and 489,789,780 respectively), with over half a billion coins produced between the two of them. In addition, 3,677,175 proof coins were produced at the San Francisco mint. So while your 1979 quarter may not be particularly rare, it is still an interesting piece of history.
1979 S Type I “Filled S” vs Type II “Clear S” Explained
There are two types of the 1979 San Francisco proof coins – the Type I “Filled S” and the Type II “Clear S”. The Type I is filled in which the mintmark wasn’t as clear and was partially filled. The Type II is clearer and has a larger mintmark.
So, what does this mean for the value of your coin? The Type 1 “Filled S” is slightly more valuable than the Type II “Clear S.” So, if you’re looking to cash in on your proof coin, be sure to check the mint mark!
How Much is a 1979 Washington Quarter Worth?
Condition |
1979 P |
1979 D |
1979 S Type I |
1979 S Type II |
Circulated |
$0.30-$0.85 |
$0.30-$0.85 |
/ |
/ |
Uncirculated MS 60 |
$6.65 |
$6.65 |
/ |
/ |
PR 65 |
/ |
/ |
$13 |
$11 |
1979 quarter price chart
If you have a couple of quarters from 1979 stashed away in your piggy bank, these coins are now worth between $0.30 and $0.85 in circulated condition. In uncirculated mint state condition, the 1979 no mint mark quarter value and 1979 D quarter value is $6.65.
Proof coins are specially made for collectors and have extra features that make them stand out from regular coins. The 1979 Washington quarter is a proof coin that was minted with two different varieties: the Type 1 coin has a filled S mintmark, while the Type 2 coin has a clear S mintmark.
The clear “S” proof coins are worth around $11 in PR 65 condition, while the filled “S” coins are worth around $13 in the same condition. So, if you have a proof 1979 Washington Quarter, it’s definitely worth checking to see which type it is.
Though a 1979 Washington Quarter may not be worth a fortune now, that doesn’t mean it can’t be worth more in the future.
How to Determine the Value of Your 1979 Quarter Dollar
If you happen to have a 1979 quarter dollar, you might be wondering how much it’s worth. The answer depends on a few factors, including the condition of the coin and whether it’s a regular issue or a special commemorative edition. Comparing your coin to similar ones that have sold recently is a good way to get an idea of its value.
- Uncirculated 1979 D quarter graded MS 65 by PCGS sold for $5.25.
- Uncirculated 1979 no mint mark quarter graded MS 65 by PCGS managed to sell for $7.50.
- A 1979 S proof Type I quarter graded PR 69 sold for $5.50.
- A 1979 S proof Type II quarter with the same grade sold for $16.37.
If you think you might have a valuable quarter, have it appraised and graded by professionals. The value of your coin will be based on its condition, striking, and luster. Mint state coins are the most valuable, followed by About Uncirculated coins. Coins that have been circulated will be worth less, but there are still many collectors who are interested in these types of quarters.
With a little effort, you can determine whether your quarter is a valuable collector’s item or just a pocket change souvenir. However, the best way to go about that is to have the coin appraised by a professional.
1979 Quarter Error List: Rare Quarters Worth Looking For
Any coin collector knows that mistakes happen. Sometimes a die will crack, or a planchet will be misaligned. These imperfections can create errors that are highly coveted by collectors.
Struck on a Wrong Planchet
Some 1979 quarters found to have been struck on a wrong planchet. But how does something like this happen?
The first step of coin production is the blanking process, in which plates cut out circular blanks from a larger sheet of metal. The blanks are then fed into a coining press, where they are struck by dies bearing the device and date for the coin. One possible explanation is that the blanking plates were not changed between denominations.
Of course, this is just one theory – we may never know for sure how this error occurred. However, what we do know is that these quarters are now highly sought-after by collectors. A quarter struck on a Jefferson nickel recently sold for $184, while a quarter struck on a 5c planchet sold for around $200. So if you come across one of these quarters in your change, be sure to hold onto it – it could be worth more than you think!
Off-Center Strike
This error occurs when the coin is struck by the die outside of the normal alignment, resulting in an off-center image. The value of the coin depends on how far off-center the image is, with more severe errors fetching higher prices. In some cases, a quarter can be struck multiple times, resulting in a triple-struck coin. A recent example of this sold for $747.50.
Curved Clips
Curved clips are a type of error that can occur during the minting process. If the blank planchet (the metal disk that is used to create a coin) is not centered correctly in the coining die, it can become misshapen when the die strikes it. This results in a coin with curved clips on one or both sides. While this error may seem minor, it can actually have a significant impact on the value of a coin.
Curved clips are relatively rare, and a coin with this error graded MS 65 (Mint State, or uncirculated) recently sold for $21. So, while it may be tempting to dismiss a coin with curved clips as being simply imperfect, it could actually be quite valuable.
Broadstruck
In 1979, the U.S. Mint struck a small number of quarters that were not properly centered on the planchet, or blank piece of metal. As a result, these coins have an unusual appearance, with the design appearing off-center. While most examples of this error are found in lower grades, one coin sold for $49 in MS 63 condition.
How Much is a 1979 Canadian Quarter Worth?
The Canadian quarter is a beautiful coin that features the bust of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a left-facing Caribou head on the reverse. The Caribou, also known as the reindeer, is an indigenous species of North America that is widely revered for its strength and beauty. The image on the Canadian quarter captures the majesty of this powerful animal, and is a fitting tribute to the country’s natural heritage.
The phrase “ELIZABETH II D.G. REGINA” appears on the obverse, while the text on the reverse reads “CANADA” and “1979”, the year of issue. The Canadian quarter is a stunning coin that is sure to be cherished by collectors for years to come. But how much is a 1979 Canadian quarter worth? Let’s take a look at the price chart!
Condition |
Value |
Circulated |
$0.18 |
MS 60 |
$0.44 |
MS 63 |
$0.90 |
MS 65 |
$7.67 |
MS 66 |
$64 |
PL 64 |
$0.73 |
PL 67 |
$15.70 |
1979 Canadian quarter price chart in USD
As you can see, a circulated Canadian quarter is only worth its face value which is $0.18 in USD. However, it can be worth more depending on the grade and type of strike.
In mint condition, the coin can be worth anywhere from $0.44 to $64, depending on the grade. MS 60 is the lowest mint grade, and therefore the least valuable, while MS 66 is the highest grade and commands a much higher price.
For example, a quarter in MS 60 grade is worth $0.44, while a quarter in MS 63 grade is worth $0.90. The biggest values are for quarters in MS 65 grade, which are worth $7.67, and MS 66 grade, which are worth $64.
On the other hand, proofs can be worth anywhere from $0.73 to $15.70. Proof quarters are specially minted coins that are made for collectors. They typically have a higher level of detail and shine than regular quarters.
Are Canadian Quarters Worth Collecting?
The answer is a resounding yes! Canadian quarters are very popular with collectors for a number of reasons. First of all, they are beautiful coins. The designs on Canadian quarters are simply stunning, and they make for a very impressive collection.
Secondly, Canadian quarters are also quite valuable. While their face value is only 25 cents, they can actually be worth a lot more than that. Finally, Canadian quarters will likely be worth more in the future. This makes them highly sought-after by collectors, and as a result, they can be quite valuable.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a coin collection, then you should definitely consider adding some Canadian quarters to your collection. You won’t be disappointed!
5 Most Valuable 1979 Quarters Ever Sold
| 5 Most Valuable 1979 Quarters | ||||
| No. | Type | Condition | Sold Date | Price |
| 1 | 1979 25C | MS68 | Aug 28, 2022 | $1,440.00 |
| 2 | 1979 25C Washington Quarter Dollar | Struck On a Struck 5C | Jul 5, 2022 | $750.00 |
| 3 | 1979 25C Washington Quarter | Triple Struck, Third Strike 40% Off Center–MS66 | Jun 3, 2006 | $747.50 |
| 4 | 1979-D 25C | MS67 | Jan 8, 2017 | $705.00 |
| 5 | 1979-D 25C Washington Quarter | Obverse Struck Thru & Retained Staple — MS65 | Oct 6, 2021 | $660.00 |
1. 1979 25C MS68 Sold on Aug 28, 2022 for: $1,440.00
2. 1979 25C Washington Quarter Dollar — Struck On a Struck 5C Sold on Jul 5, 2022 for: $750.00
3. 1979 25C Washington Quarter–Triple Struck, Third Strike 40% Off Center–MS66 Sold on Jun 3, 2006 for: $747.50
4. 1979-D 25C MS67 Sold on Jan 8, 2017 for: $705.00
5. 1979-D 25C Washington Quarter — Obverse Struck Thru & Retained Staple — MS65 Sold on Oct 6, 2021 for: $660.00
FAQ
What is a 1979 quarter made out of?
A 1979 quarter is made out of a copper-nickel alloy. This alloy is strong and resistant to wear, making it an ideal material for coins. The color of a copper-nickel quarter is a silver-white, with a hint of gold. Copper-nickel quarters were first minted in 1979, and they remain in production today. Thanks to their durability, these quarters are a popular choice for collectors.
How can you tell if a quarter has no mint mark?
Mint marks are small letters that indicate where a coin was minted. For 1979 quarters, the mint mark is usually located on the obverse side of the coin, behind George Washington’s neck. If there is no mint mark, that means the coin was minted in the Philadelphia Mint. Coins minted in other locations will have a mint mark, such as “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco.
Is a quarter with no mint mark rare?
A quarter with no mint mark is actually quite common – in 1979, for example, 518,708,000 coins were minted without a mint mark. By contrast, those quarters minted with a “D” and “S” mark are much less common. So if you come across one of these quarters, don’t expect to get rich quick – it’s probably not as rare as you might think.
What is the 1979 D quarter value?
The D 1979 quarter is worth between $0.30 and $0.85 in circulated condition and $6.65 in uncirculated condition. The 1979 D quarter is a relatively common coin, so it is not worth as much as some other quarters. A letter “D” indicates it was minted in the Denver Mint.
Final Thoughts
If you’re lucky enough to have found a 1979 quarter, you might be wondering how much it’s worth. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as straightforward as we would like it to be. Coin values depend on the condition of the coin and whether it’s circulated or uncirculated.
A circulated coin is typically worth between $0.30 and $0.85, while an uncirculated coin can fetch $6.65 or more. Proof coins, which were specially minted for collectors, are generally worth $11-$13. So, if you’ve found a 1979 quarter, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look! Who knows, you might have a small fortune on your hands.
