The 1939 quarter’s value ranges from $8 for circulated coins to over $2,250 for pristine uncirculated specimens, depending on condition, mint mark, and errors. Circulated quarters typically fetch $8-$19.50, while uncirculated versions vary significantly: Philadelphia mint coins reach $13-$2,250+, Denver mint pieces span $13-$12,000+, and San Francisco mint examples range from $20 to hundreds of dollars. The rare 1939-D/S overmintmark variety commands $550-$1,250. Error coins like doubled die obverse or die cracks increase value substantially. All 1939 Washington quarters contain 90% silver, providing baseline melt value even for worn specimens.
That quarter sitting in your grandfather’s coin jar might be worth more than 25 cents—potentially much more. The 1939 Washington quarter represents a fascinating era in American numismatics, with values ranging from $8 for well-worn examples to over $12,000 for pristine specimens. Understanding what separates an $8 coin from a $12,000 treasure involves knowing mint marks, grading standards, and which errors can multiply value exponentially.
What Makes the 1939 Quarter Special
The 1939 Washington quarter was struck during the coin’s second year of production, following its 1932 debut commemorating George Washington’s 200th birthday. All 1939 quarters contain 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. This silver content alone establishes a baseline melt value—currently around $3.50 to $4.50 depending on silver spot prices—meaning even heavily worn examples hold intrinsic worth.
Three mints produced quarters in 1939: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Philadelphia struck 33,548,795 pieces, Denver produced 7,092,000, and San Francisco minted 2,628,000. These production numbers significantly impact rarity and value, with the San Francisco issue being the scarcest in terms of mintage.
Philadelphia Mint Quarter Values (No Mint Mark)
Philadelphia quarters from 1939 carry no mint mark, appearing on the reverse below the eagle and above the denomination. Their value progression demonstrates how condition dramatically affects price:
Grade-Based Value Table:
| Grade | Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good – heavy wear, details visible | $8 – $9 |
| F-12 | Fine – moderate wear, clear details | $10 – $12 |
| XF-40 | Extremely Fine – light wear on high points | $13 – $16 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated – traces of wear | $18 – $22 |
| MS-60 | Mint State – no wear, many marks | $28 – $35 |
| MS-63 | Choice – minimal marks, good luster | $45 – $75 |
| MS-65 | Gem – few marks, excellent luster | $125 – $250 |
| MS-67 | Superb – virtually perfect | $800 – $2,250 |
A Heritage Auctions sale in January 2023 recorded an MS-67 Philadelphia 1939 quarter selling for $2,280. The dramatic jump from MS-65 to MS-67 reflects the scarcity of truly exceptional examples. Most circulated Philadelphia quarters hover between $8 and $19.50, making them accessible entry points for new collectors.
Denver Mint Quarter Values (D Mint Mark)
The 1939-D quarter presents more complexity and higher potential values. With approximately 7 million struck, Denver quarters appear less frequently than Philadelphia issues but more commonly than San Francisco examples. The “D” mint mark appears on the reverse beneath the eagle.
1939-D Value Progression:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $8 – $10 |
| F-12 | $11 – $14 |
| XF-40 | $15 – $20 |
| AU-50 | $22 – $30 |
| MS-60 | $35 – $50 |
| MS-63 | $75 – $150 |
| MS-65 | $300 – $650 |
| MS-67 | $3,500 – $12,000 |
An exceptional MS-67 Denver quarter sold through Stack’s Bowers in March 2023 for $11,400, reflecting the extreme rarity of high-grade examples. Most collectors encounter circulated 1939-D quarters valued between $8 and $25.
The Denver mint also produced the famous 1939-D/S overmintmark variety, discussed in detail below under errors and varieties.
San Francisco Mint Quarter Values (S Mint Mark)
Despite having the lowest mintage at 2,628,000 pieces, 1939-S quarters don’t always command premiums over Denver issues in lower grades. This counterintuitive pricing occurs because many San Francisco quarters entered circulation in the West Coast, where coin collecting was less prevalent, resulting in fewer saved specimens but also fewer high-grade survivors.
1939-S Value Chart:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $8 – $10 |
| F-12 | $12 – $15 |
| XF-40 | $16 – $22 |
| AU-50 | $24 – $32 |
| MS-60 | $40 – $60 |
| MS-63 | $90 – $175 |
| MS-65 | $350 – $750 |
| MS-67 | $4,000 – $9,500 |
A PCGS MS-67 1939-S quarter achieved $8,400 at a Great Collections auction in September 2022. In circulated grades from Good through Extremely Fine, expect values between $8 and $22—similar to other mint marks despite lower mintage.
Errors and Valuable Varieties Worth Hunting
The 1939 quarter series contains several significant errors and varieties that can dramatically increase value beyond standard grades.
1939-D/S Overmintmark: This is the most famous variety, occurring when a San Francisco die (with S mint mark) was repunched with a Denver D mint mark. Under magnification, portions of the underlying S remain visible beneath the D. Values range from $550 in Good condition to $1,250 in Extremely Fine grades, with uncirculated examples commanding $2,500 to $6,000. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential, as this variety is frequently counterfeited.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Several minor doubled die varieties exist for 1939 quarters, primarily affecting the date and “LIBERTY” inscription. These show slight doubling visible under magnification. Minor DDO varieties add $50 to $200 to base values in uncirculated grades. Major DDO varieties (less common) can command $400 to $800 premiums.
Die Cracks and Cuds: Die cracks appear as raised lines on coins from damaged dies. Simple die cracks add minimal value ($5 to $25), but major cracks through lettering or dramatic “cuds” (die breaks creating raised blobs) can add $75 to $300 depending on size and location. A 1939 quarter with a major cud through Washington’s head sold for $425 in AU-50 condition at Heritage Auctions in 2022.
Off-Center Strikes: Quarters struck off-center with date visible command premiums: 5-10% off-center adds $40 to $100, 20-30% off-center brings $150 to $400, while 50%+ off-center (with full date) can reach $600 to $1,200.
Clipped Planchets: Coins struck on planchets with clips (missing metal sections) vary in value by clip size. Small clips (5-10% missing) add $30 to $75, while dramatic clips (25%+ missing) bring $150 to $400.
Wrong Planchet Errors: Extremely rare errors include 1939 quarters struck on dime planchets (smaller, lighter) or foreign planchets. These errors command $2,000 to $8,000 when authenticated.
How to Identify Your Mint Mark and Grade
Mint marks appear on the reverse, directly below the eagle and above the quarter dollar denomination. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe with at least 5x magnification. Philadelphia quarters show no mint mark in this location—just empty space.
Grading requires examining wear on specific design elements. On the obverse, check Washington’s hair above the ear, cheekbone details, and the high points of the hair wave. On the reverse, examine the eagle’s breast feathers, leg details, and wing feathers. Uncirculated coins show no wear on these high points under magnification, while circulated examples display smoothing and loss of detail.
For coins potentially worth over $100, professional grading through PCGS or NGC costs $20 to $50 but provides authentication, accurate grading, and protective slabbing that facilitates selling. A self-graded “MS-65” might actually grade MS-63, representing a several-hundred-dollar difference for premium dates.
Authentication and Where to Sell
Authentication becomes critical for high-grade coins (MS-65+), rare varieties like the 1939-D/S, and error coins. Counterfeit overmintmarks and added mint marks exist in the marketplace. Professional grading services use microscopy and weight/dimension verification to confirm authenticity.
When selling, circulated common-date 1939 quarters ($8 to $30 value) sell easily to local coin dealers, typically at 70-80% of retail value. For coins worth $100 to $500, online marketplaces like eBay reach broader audiences but involve fees of 12-15% total. Premium specimens exceeding $500 benefit from consignment to major auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or Great Collections, which charge 10-20% but attract serious collectors willing to pay full market value.
Building Value Through Preservation
Proper storage preserves and protects value. Never clean coins—cleaning removes microscopic surface detail and destroys numismatic value, often reducing worth by 50% or more. Store quarters in individual holders (2×2 cardboard flips or plastic capsules) in a cool, dry environment. Avoid PVC-containing plastic holders, which emit chemicals damaging coin surfaces over time.
Handle coins by edges only, as fingerprints contain oils and acids that cause spotting and toning issues reducing grade and value. For valuable specimens, consider archival-quality albums or safe deposit box storage. Insurance specifically covering numismatic value (not just metal content) protects significant collections—standard homeowner’s policies typically limit coin coverage to $1,000 to $2,000 total.
The 1939 quarter represents an accessible entry into Washington quarter collecting while offering potential for significant discoveries. Whether you’re evaluating inherited coins or actively hunting varieties, understanding the interplay between mint marks, condition, and errors separates routine pocket change from meaningful numismatic treasures. Check those old coin jars carefully—that tarnished quarter might fund your next vacation.
What is the error on the 1939 quarter?
1939 P Die Crack 25 Cent Washington Quarter Coin Error. Die crack on the obverse starting above the front of the nose extending down below “ In God We Trust” Acquired from an Estate.
Is a 1939 quarter worth any money?
A 1939 quarter’s value depends heavily on its condition, mint mark, and any errors or rare varieties, ranging from about $8 for a worn circulated coin to over $2,250 for a high-grade, uncirculated specimen. Circulated 1939 quarters are typically worth between $8 and $19.50, while uncirculated versions can be much more valuable. The 1939-D quarter has a wider value range, and special varieties like the 1939-D/S overmintmark can be worth between $550 and $1,250.
Which quarter is worth $1,000,000?
1976 Bicentennial Quarter : Some sources claim a Bicentennial quarter in perfect condition could be worth $1 million, while a different, rarer coin is reportedly valued at $4.2 billion, which is likely an error in the source. 1796 Quarter : A 1796 quarter sold for $1.74 million in 2022, making it the most valuable quarter to date. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter : This is another valuable quarter in the collectibles market. 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters : These are also considered valua…
How much is a 1939 No mint Nickel worth?
A 1939 no-mint mark nickel is worth about $0.25 to $1.50 in good condition, but can be worth much more if it’s in uncirculated condition ($8 to $15 or higher). The value depends heavily on its condition, with worn coins having lower value than those that look new. A 1939 nickel without a mint mark was produced at the Philadelphia mint and is a common coin from the second year of the Jefferson nickel series.