A 1957 quarter from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D”) is worth approximately $9.72 in circulated condition and $13 in uncirculated condition. Proof versions from San Francisco command around $150. While no major high-value errors are commonly reported for 1957 quarters, coins with notable minting errors like double die, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or repunched mint marks can be significantly more valuable to collectors. If you suspect your coin has an error, have it authenticated and professionally graded to determine its true market value.
Finding a 1957 quarter in your pocket change might seem ordinary, but understanding its true worth could surprise you. While these Washington quarters aren’t rare in the traditional sense, specific conditions and errors can push values well beyond face value. Whether you’ve inherited a collection or simply curious about that old quarter in your drawer, knowing the difference between a $10 coin and a potential $150+ specimen matters.
Understanding the 1957 Quarter Dollar Production
The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at two facilities in 1957: Philadelphia and Denver. Philadelphia struck 47,779,952 quarters without a mint mark, while Denver produced 77,924,160 coins bearing a “D” mint mark on the reverse, just above the “R” in “QUARTER DOLLAR.” Additionally, the Philadelphia facility created 1,247,952 proof coins specifically for collectors.
These quarters contain 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. At current silver prices, the melt value alone sits around $4.50 to $5.00, establishing a baseline floor for any 1957 quarter regardless of condition.
The composition makes these coins fundamentally different from modern clad quarters introduced in 1965. You can instantly identify a 1957 quarter by the solid silver edge—no copper core stripe visible like post-1964 quarters show.
Base Values: Philadelphia and Denver Strikes
Standard Circulated Specimens
Most 1957 quarters found in circulation today trade for $9.72 to $10.50, primarily driven by silver content plus a small numismatic premium. Coins showing moderate wear from everyday use fall into the Good-4 through Very Fine-20 grade range. Heavy scratches, dark toning, or rim damage keep values at the lower end.
Uncirculated Examples
Quarters that never entered circulation command higher premiums. An MS-60 grade specimen typically sells for $13 to $18, while MS-63 examples reach $22 to $28 at major dealers. The jump reflects superior eye appeal and sharper strike details.
| Grade | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D) |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 to VF-20 | $9.72 – $10.50 | $9.72 – $10.50 |
| AU-50 | $11.00 – $12.50 | $11.00 – $12.50 |
| MS-60 | $13.00 – $15.00 | $13.00 – $15.00 |
| MS-63 | $22.00 – $28.00 | $22.00 – $28.00 |
| MS-65 | $45.00 – $65.00 | $45.00 – $65.00 |
A notable sale through Heritage Auctions in January 2023 recorded an MS-66 1957-D quarter fetching $156, demonstrating strong collector demand for premium quality specimens.
Proof Quarters: The Premium Category
The 1957 proof quarter represents a different collecting category entirely. These mirror-like coins were struck multiple times on specially polished planchets using chrome-plated dies, creating extraordinary detail and reflective fields.
Standard proof specimens in PR-65 condition trade between $135 and $165. Deep cameo versions—where George Washington’s portrait shows heavy frost against glass-like backgrounds—can exceed $300 for PR-67 grades. A PR-68 deep cameo example sold for $420 at Stack’s Bowers in March 2023.
Proof quarters came in flat cellophane packaging inside cardboard boxes from the Mint. Original packaging adds $15 to $25 to the coin’s value, though most collectors prioritize the coin’s condition over the holder.
Error Varieties Worth Investigating
While 1957 quarters lack famous major errors like doubled dies found on other years, several minting mistakes create collectible premiums.
Off-Center Strikes
When the planchet doesn’t align properly with the dies, partial designs result. A 5% to 10% off-center error with full date visible typically brings $75 to $125. More dramatic 25% to 40% misalignments can reach $200 to $450, especially if the design retains strong aesthetic appeal. A 35% off-center 1957-D sold for $288 through GreatCollections in September 2022.
Clipped Planchets
These errors occur when the metal strip feeding the coining press overlaps, creating blanks with missing segments. Straight clips affecting 5% to 10% of the coin sell for $45 to $85. Curved clips are more common and bring $30 to $60. Dramatic clips removing 25%+ of the coin can exceed $150 for well-centered strikes.
Broadstrikes
Missing the retaining collar during striking causes quarters to spread beyond normal diameter. These distinctive errors measure 25 to 28 millimeters instead of the standard 24.3 millimeters. Depending on centering and overall appearance, broadstrikes command $65 to $175 from error collectors.
Die Cracks and Cuds
As dies age and crack, raised lines appear on struck coins. Small die cracks add minimal value—perhaps $5 to $15. However, major cracks extending across significant design elements can bring $40 to $100. Die cuds, where metal chips away creating blank raised areas, are scarcer and typically sell for $75 to $200 depending on size and location.
Repunched Mint Marks
Some 1957-D quarters show evidence of the “D” being punched twice in slightly different positions. While not dramatically valuable, clear repunched mint marks (RPM) add $15 to $45 for varieties documented in error references like the Cherrypickers’ Guide.
Grading Impact on Market Value
The difference between circulated and uncirculated grades dramatically affects selling prices. A worn 1957 quarter in Fine-12 condition shows obvious circulation marks—Washington’s hair details are worn smooth, and the eagle’s breast feathers lack definition. This coin sells for $9.72.
An About Uncirculated-50 specimen retains sharp details with only light friction on the highest points. Values jump to $11 to $12.50, reflecting minimal wear and strong eye appeal.
Once entering Mint State territory, subtle grade differences create significant value gaps. MS-63 coins show noticeable contact marks visible to the naked eye, typically on Washington’s cheek or the fields. These trade around $22 to $28.
MS-65 examples display sharp strikes with only minor marks visible under magnification. The substantial premium to $45 to $65 reflects their superior preservation. An MS-67 represents exceptional quality with virtually flawless surfaces—these rarely appear for sale but can exceed $350 when they do.
Professional grading through PCGS or NGC costs $20 to $35 per coin but proves worthwhile for specimens appearing MS-65 or better. The authentication and encapsulation typically adds 20% to 40% to the selling price compared to raw coins.
Maximizing Your Quarter’s Value
If you’ve identified a potentially valuable 1957 quarter, several steps help maximize your return.
Authentication First
For any coin you believe carries significant value—whether from high grade or errors—professional grading provides authentication and market credibility. Submit candidates through PCGS or NGC, using their economy service for coins valued under $300.
Photographing Errors
Clear, well-lit photographs help establish value for error coins. Use a smartphone camera with macro capability or a digital camera with close-up function. Photograph both sides plus detailed shots of the error feature. Natural daylight or full-spectrum LED lighting works best.
Market Timing
Silver prices fluctuate, affecting base values for all 1957 quarters. When silver trades above $26 per ounce, melt values increase proportionally. Consider this when deciding whether to sell to dealers versus waiting for stronger precious metals markets.
Selling Venues
Local coin dealers offer immediate payment but typically pay 70% to 85% of retail value. Online marketplaces like eBay reach broader audiences but involve fees around 13% and shipping logistics. Auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers work best for premium specimens grading MS-66+ or significant errors, though they charge 15% to 20% seller fees.
What Makes Your 1957 Quarter Special
Most 1957 quarters in average circulated condition will sell for $9.72 to $11, driven primarily by silver content. However, three factors create premium values: exceptional preservation reaching MS-65 or higher, proof specimens in original packaging, and legitimate minting errors documented through professional grading.
Check your quarters carefully under good lighting. Look for the “D” mint mark, examine strike quality, and search for error characteristics. Even common-date silver quarters deserve proper evaluation—that forgotten coin in your collection might fund a nice dinner or contribute meaningfully to your numismatic portfolio.
Start by sorting any 1957 quarters you own by mint mark and condition. Research current silver spot prices to understand baseline values, then compare your coins against the grading standards outlined here. When in doubt about a potentially valuable specimen, invest in professional authentication before selling.
How much is a 1957 silver quarter worth with no mint mark?
A 1957 quarter with no mint mark is a standard coin minted in Philadelphia and is worth between $9.50 and $12 in circulated condition, with the value increasing for uncirculated or high-grade coins. The value is primarily based on its 90% silver content, rather than its rarity, though specific errors or exceptionally well-preserved examples can be worth significantly more.
What makes a 1957 quarter valuable?
However, the fact of the matter is that Washington Quarters produced prior to 1965 are attractive to collectors because they were some of the last US coins to have been produced with silver.
Are quarters with D rare?
Among Washington quarters, the 1932-D sits at the very top of the rarity chart. Only two dates in the entire series were struck in quantities below one million, and both hail from 1932: 1932-D: 436,800 coins minted. 1932-S: 408,000 coins minted.
What is a 1957 No mint mark worth?
The 1957 no mint mark penny was produced in Philadelphia, with over 282 million coins minted. In circulated condition, it holds a modest value— typically a few cents above face value. However, uncirculated examples, especially with full red luster, can fetch up to $0.65 or more.