That 1956 quarter sitting in your drawer might be worth more than 25 cents—potentially much more. While most 1956 Washington quarters fetch $9.50 to $12 in circulated condition, uncirculated specimens have sold for up to $3,500. The difference lies in understanding mint marks, grading standards, and specific errors that transform pocket change into valuable collectibles. Whether you’ve inherited a coin collection or stumbled upon an old quarter, knowing what separates a $10 coin from a $1,000+ treasure can make all the difference.

Understanding Your 1956 Quarter’s Mint Mark

The mint mark appears on the reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers. This tiny letter identifies where the United States Mint struck your coin, and it significantly impacts value.

The 1956 Philadelphia quarter carries no mint mark at all. The Philadelphia Mint produced 44,144,000 quarters that year, making these the most common variety. Despite this high mintage, pristine examples still command impressive prices. A Philadelphia quarter grading MS-67 (Mint State with exceptional eye appeal) sold through Heritage Auctions in 2023 for $2,880.

The 1956-D quarter, struck at the Denver Mint, shows a small “D” below the eagle. Denver produced 32,334,500 quarters in 1956—still a substantial number, but notably fewer than Philadelphia. Collectors often find Denver quarters with slightly better strike quality, which explains why top-grade examples sometimes edge out their Philadelphia counterparts in value.

For context, no San Francisco quarters were produced in 1956, as that facility temporarily halted quarter production during this period. Any 1956 quarter marked with an “S” would be a counterfeit or misattributed coin.

The Grade Makes the Money: Condition Breakdown

Grading determines whether your quarter is worth $10 or $1,000. Professional grading services like NGC and PCGS use the Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect).

Circulated Grade Values (1956 Philadelphia):

• Good (G-4): $9.50 – Washington’s profile barely visible, date readable
• Fine (F-12): $10.25 – Major details visible but worn flat
• Extremely Fine (EF-45): $11.50 – Light wear on highest points, details sharp
• About Uncirculated (AU-58): $18 – Trace of wear on cheekbone and eagle’s breast

Uncirculated Grade Values (1956 Philadelphia):

• MS-60: $22 – No wear but numerous contact marks
• MS-63: $35 – Moderate contact marks, acceptable luster
• MS-65: $145 – Few small marks, strong luster
• MS-66: $425 – Very few marks, excellent eye appeal
• MS-67: $2,880 – Nearly flawless, exceptional surfaces

The 1956-D quarters follow similar pricing, though MS-67 examples have reached $3,500 at major auctions. The dramatic price jump from MS-66 to MS-67 reflects genuine rarity—NGC has certified fewer than 50 quarters from 1956 in MS-67 grade, and only three in MS-68.

When examining your quarter, focus on Washington’s cheekbone and hair details on the obverse, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. These high points show wear first. Any visible smoothing or loss of detail indicates circulation, dropping the coin into lower grade categories.

Error Varieties That Increase Value

Manufacturing errors transform common quarters into sought-after varieties. The 1956 quarters exhibit several documented errors, with the doubled mint mark being most notable.

1956-D/D Repunched Mint Mark: The Denver Mint occasionally struck the “D” mint mark twice in slightly different positions. This doubled mint mark (abbreviated D/D or RPM for “repunched mint mark”) appears as a shadow or outline around the primary “D”. A 1956-D/D quarter in MS-63 condition sold on eBay in 2024 for $29.95, while an MS-65 example fetched $87 through Great Collections.

The repunching occurred when mint employees manually punched each mint mark into working dies. If the punch slipped or the die shifted between strikes, the second impression landed slightly off from the first. Under 5x magnification, you’ll see notching, doubling, or a secondary outline on affected coins.

Off-Center Strikes: These errors happen when the blank planchet isn’t properly centered in the striking press. A 1956 quarter struck 10% off-center sold for $125 in 2023, while a dramatic 30% off-center example reached $340. The value increases with the percentage off-center, provided the date remains fully visible. A 50% off-center strike with complete date can exceed $600.

Die Cracks and Cuds: As dies age, they develop cracks that appear as raised lines on finished coins. A significant die crack through Washington’s portrait on a 1956 Philadelphia quarter sold for $45 in EF condition. Die cuds—where a piece of the die breaks away, creating a raised blob on the coin—are more valuable. A 1956-D quarter with a major cud covering part of the date brought $215 at auction.

Broadstrikes: When the retaining collar fails to contain the planchet during striking, the coin spreads beyond its normal diameter. These broadstruck quarters measure larger than the standard 24.3mm diameter. A 1956 broadstrike measuring 26mm sold for $68 in AU condition.

Clipped Planchets: If the blank planchet was punched from metal that overlapped a previous punch, it creates a curved clip in the finished coin. A 1956-D quarter with a 15% curved clip traded for $95 in MS-62 grade.

What Collectors Actually Pay: Recent Market Data

Auction results provide concrete evidence of real-world values, cutting through inflated online listings and wishful thinking.

Heritage Auctions documented these verified sales over the past 18 months:

A 1956 Philadelphia MS-68 specimen—the finest known to PCGS—hammered at $9,400 in January 2024. Only one coin has achieved this grade from Philadelphia, making it essentially unique. The MS-67 tier contains roughly 45 certified examples, with typical prices between $2,200 and $3,200 depending on eye appeal and toning.

For Denver quarters, an MS-67+ specimen (the plus designation indicates exceptional quality for the grade) reached $3,760 in November 2023. Standard MS-67 examples without the plus range from $2,800 to $3,500. The MS-66 tier, where several hundred certified examples exist, typically sells between $380 and $550.

eBay’s sold listings reveal the circulated market reality. Average circulated 1956 quarters (grades VF-30 to EF-45) consistently sell for $10 to $14 in bulk lots. Individual coins marketed with quality photos fetch $12 to $18. The raw (ungraded) uncirculated market shows wider variance—coins advertised as “brilliant uncirculated” sell anywhere from $25 to $85, depending largely on the seller’s photography skills and reputation rather than the coin’s actual grade.

This highlights why professional grading matters for valuable coins. A raw quarter you believe grades MS-65 might actually grade MS-63 (worth $35) or MS-66 (worth $425). The $35 to $50 grading fee pays for itself on any coin potentially worth over $100.

Spotting Counterfeits and Altered Coins

The 1956 quarter market includes fraudulent material you should recognize. Common deceptions include added mint marks, artificially toned coins, and counterfeit error varieties.

Added Mint Marks: Some unscrupulous sellers engrave a “D” onto Philadelphia quarters, hoping to capture the premium for Denver coins. Genuine mint marks show consistent depth and style matching other quarters from that mint and year. Added mint marks typically appear too deep, too shallow, or slightly misplaced compared to authentic examples. Under 10x magnification, look for tool marks or scratches around the mint mark area. Authentic mint marks punch cleanly into the die, creating sharp edges, while added marks often show irregular edges or disturbed fields around the letter.

Questionable Toning: Natural toning develops gradually over decades, creating layers of color following the coin’s topography. Artificial toning (often called “doctoring”) uses chemicals or heat to simulate age. Artificially toned quarters show unnatural color patterns—bright neon tones, perfectly circular color bands, or colors that don’t follow the coin’s contours. In 2023, NGC rejected approximately 8% of submitted 1956 quarters for “questionable toning,” effectively removing them from the certified market.

Fabricated Errors: With doubled mint marks selling at premiums, counterfeiters create fake varieties. A genuine repunched mint mark shows specific characteristics documented by variety specialists. The primary reference, Wexler’s RPM files, catalogs each legitimate variety with detailed photos. Compare suspected errors against these references before assuming you’ve found a valuable variety. Crude attempts at creating doubled mint marks using engraving tools or multiple strikes from hand-held punches appear irregular and lack the specific doubling patterns of authentic mint errors.

Getting Your Quarter Professionally Graded

Professional grading transforms a “probably uncirculated” quarter into a definitively certified MS-65 specimen, dramatically improving marketability and often revealing hidden value.

Submit to NGC or PCGS when your coin appears uncirculated or shows potential errors. Both services charge $22 to $50 per coin depending on service level and turnaround time. PCGS offers a “value plus” service at $25 per coin with 45-business-day turnaround, suitable for most collector needs. NGC’s “NGC Core” service costs $22 per coin with similar timing.

The process involves shipping your coin in protective packaging (both services provide detailed shipping instructions). Graders examine the coin under magnification, assign a numerical grade, authenticate it, and seal it in a tamper-evident holder with a label showing the grade, variety, and unique certification number. This “slabbing” process protects the coin and provides instant credibility to buyers.

Only submit coins you genuinely believe grade MS-64 or higher, or those with clear errors. A circulated quarter grading EF-45 worth $12 makes no financial sense to grade at $25. However, a potentially MS-66 quarter worth $425 absolutely justifies the grading fee. The certification often returns more than the submission cost.

Before shipping valuable coins, photograph them thoroughly and insure the package for full value. Both NGC and PCGS offer insurance during the grading process, but shipping insurance protects your coins in transit. Ship via USPS Registered Mail for maximum security and tracking.

Maximizing Your Return When Selling

Once you understand your quarter’s value, choosing the right selling venue determines your actual return. Different channels suit different coins.

Local Coin Shops: Convenient for circulated quarters worth $10 to $30. Expect offers around 60-80% of retail value—they need margin to resell. A quarter worth $15 retail might fetch $10 to $12 from a dealer. This makes sense for quick sales of common material, but significantly undervalues rare pieces.

Online Marketplaces: eBay works well for coins worth $30 to $500, though you’ll pay approximately 13% in combined fees (10% final value fee plus 3% payment processing). The massive buyer pool often produces fair prices. Use clear photos showing both sides, close-ups of the mint mark, and accurate descriptions. Graded coins consistently sell for 15-25% more than equivalent raw coins.

Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Great Collections specialize in certified coins worth $500+. They charge 15-20% seller’s fees but access serious collectors willing to pay premium prices. The previously mentioned $9,400 MS-68 quarter sold through Heritage, likely netting the seller around $7,500 after fees—far exceeding what any dealer would offer.

Direct to Collectors: Online forums like the Coin Community Forum and Collectors Universe connect buyers and sellers. Selling directly eliminates middleman fees, but requires building reputation and handling transactions yourself. This route works best for experienced collectors with established track records.

Building Value Through Proper Storage

How you store your quarter directly impacts its future value. Even slight mishandling can drop an MS-65 coin worth $145 to MS-63 condition worth $35.

Never clean your coins. Ever. What appears as tarnish to non-collectors represents natural toning that enhances value to experienced buyers. Cleaning removes microscopic metal from the surface, creating hairline scratches visible under magnification. Grading services designate cleaned coins with a “Details” grade, effectively cutting value in half or more.

Store uncirculated quarters in individual holders designed for coins. Cardboard 2×2 holders with Mylar windows cost about $0.15 each and provide adequate protection. For high-grade coins worth $100+, use airtight capsules costing $1-3 each. These prevent environmental exposure that causes toning or spotting.

Handle coins by their edges only, never touching the faces. Skin oils contain acids and salts that chemically react with copper and nickel (the quarter’s composition), creating fingerprint-shaped toning or corrosion over time. Wear cotton gloves when handling valuable uncirculated pieces.

Store holders in a stable environment—avoid attics, basements, or anywhere with temperature or humidity fluctuations. A climate-controlled space maintains the coin’s condition indefinitely. Many collectors use safety deposit boxes for coins worth over $500.

Finding More Valuable 1956 Quarters in the Wild

While most 1956 quarters in circulation have been picked over, opportunities still exist for patient searchers.

Bank rolls remain a viable source. Request quarter rolls from multiple banks, focusing on institutions in older neighborhoods where long-time customers might be depositing inherited coins. A collector in Ohio reported finding an uncirculated 1956-D in a bank roll in 2023—likely from an estate dispersed by heirs unaware of numismatic value.

Estate sales and yard sales occasionally yield collections assembled decades ago, before 1956 quarters gained significant premiums. Many families liquidate inherited coins at face value or slightly above, unaware that uncirculated specimens command substantial prices. The doubled mint mark variety particularly flies under the radar, as casual sellers rarely examine coins under magnification.

Coin shows provide opportunities to buy directly from other collectors, often at prices below retail but above dealer wholesale offers. This middle ground benefits both parties. Bring a jeweler’s loupe to examine potential purchases for mint marks, errors, and condition details.

Strategic Collecting: Completing a 1956 Set

Many collectors build date sets including both Philadelphia and Denver issues in matching grades. A matched pair of MS-65 quarters from both mints costs approximately $290 total, while an MS-66 pair runs about $850.

This strategy makes sense for several reasons. Matched sets appeal to completionist collectors, potentially commanding premiums when sold together. The aesthetic appeal of two coins with identical grades and comparable toning creates a cohesive collection that stands out in the marketplace.

For budget-conscious collectors, assembling a type set with one high-grade 1956 quarter provides an affordable entry into collecting Washington quarters. At $145 for an MS-65 example, the 1956 represents excellent value compared to key dates from the 1930s or 1940s where similar grades cost thousands.

Your Next Steps With That 1956 Quarter

Pull out that quarter and check the reverse for a “D” mint mark below the eagle. If present, examine it under magnification for any doubling or repunching—that $29 doubled mint mark might be sitting in your collection. Even without errors, assess the condition carefully. Does Washington’s hair show full detail? Are the eagle’s breast feathers completely defined? If the surfaces appear mark-free with original mint luster, consider professional grading. The difference between “probably nice” and “certified MS-65” transforms a $20 hunch into a $145 reality. Check completed eBay sales for coins matching your piece’s condition, photograph it thoroughly from multiple angles, and decide whether to sell now or hold for long-term appreciation. Either way, you now understand exactly what determines your 1956 quarter’s true market value.