A standard 1959 quarter typically values between $2.50-$8 depending on condition, but rare errors can dramatically increase worth. Both Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver “D” quarters have similar base values in circulated condition, around $2.50-$3.00, while uncirculated examples fetch $8 or more.
Valuable errors include Type B Reverse variants ($500-$2,000), wrong planchet errors (over $3,000 in documented sales), and Double Die Obverse specimens (several hundred dollars). To assess your coin, check the mint mark below the reverse wreath, examine overall condition for wear and damage, and carefully inspect for error features like doubled lettering or off-center strikes that could significantly boost collector value.
That worn 1959 quarter sitting in your coin jar might be worth more than 25 cents—potentially much more. While most 1959 Washington quarters trade for $2.50 to $8 depending on condition, specific error varieties have sold for over $3,000 at auction. Understanding what separates a common circulated quarter from a valuable collectible can turn pocket change into serious profit.
Standard 1959 Quarter Values: Philadelphia and Denver Strikes
The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at two facilities in 1959: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). Philadelphia struck 24,384,000 quarters, while Denver produced 62,054,232 pieces. Despite the production difference, both varieties carry similar base values in today’s market.
For circulated examples showing normal wear from commerce, expect $2.50 to $3.00 regardless of mint mark. The silver content alone—90% silver, 10% copper composition—provides intrinsic melt value around $2.25 based on current precious metal prices.
Uncirculated specimens command higher premiums. A 1959 quarter grading MS-63 (Mint State 63) typically sells for $8 to $12. Better-preserved examples reach $25 to $40 in MS-65 condition. Exceptional MS-67 specimens have sold through Heritage Auctions for $150 to $300, though such pristine survivors remain scarce after six decades.
Grade-Based Pricing:
| Grade | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2.75 | $2.75 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $10 | $9 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $35 | $32 |
| Mint State (MS-67) | $250 | $225 |
Identifying Your 1959 Quarter: Mint Mark Location
The mint mark appears on the reverse (tails side) directly below the wreath and above the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.” A small “D” indicates Denver Mint production. The absence of any mint mark means Philadelphia struck the coin—the main U.S. Mint facility never used a “P” mint mark on quarters until 1980.
Check this location carefully under good lighting or magnification. The mint mark measures approximately 1mm in height and can be difficult to spot on heavily worn coins. Philadelphia quarters sometimes show a faint raised area where the mint mark would appear on Denver strikes, but this is simply part of the die design and doesn’t affect value.
The coin’s obverse features John Flanagan’s George Washington portrait facing left, with “LIBERTY” above, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, and the date “1959” to the right. The reverse displays an eagle with wings spread, perched atop a bundle of arrows with olive branches below.
Valuable Error Varieties to Search For
Error coins from 1959 represent where substantial value hides. Mint mistakes during production created several recognized varieties that collectors actively pursue.
Type B Reverse Error
The Type B reverse represents one of the most sought-after 1959 quarter errors. This variety displays a standard business strike obverse paired with a proof-style reverse die. The reverse shows sharper design details, squared rim characteristics, and superior luster compared to normal business strikes.
Authenticating Type B reverses requires expertise, as the differences can be subtle. Confirmed examples in MS-64 condition sell for $500 to $800. Higher grade MS-66 specimens have reached $1,200 to $2,000 at major auctions. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) both recognize and certify this variety.
Wrong Planchet Strikes
Wrong planchet errors occur when quarter dies strike a blank intended for a different denomination. A 1959 quarter struck on a dime planchet sold through Stack’s Bowers Galleries in January 2020 for $3,290. The smaller diameter (17.9mm versus the quarter’s normal 24.3mm) and reduced weight (2.5 grams versus 6.25 grams) make these errors immediately obvious.
Other wrong planchet combinations exist, including 1959 quarters struck on foreign planchets or experimental compositions. Each wrong planchet error is essentially unique, with values determined by the specific metal involved, strike quality, and overall eye appeal.
Doubled Die Obverse Varieties
Doubled die errors result from misalignment during the die production process, creating doubled design elements. On 1959 quarters, look for doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date digits, or “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The severity of doubling determines value significantly.
Minor doubled dies showing slight doubling visible only under magnification typically add $25 to $75 to a coin’s value. Dramatic doubled dies with obvious doubling to the naked eye can reach $300 to $600 in uncirculated grades. The 1959 DDO-001 variety (cataloged by hobbyist databases) shows strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and trades for $150 to $400 depending on grade.
Off-Center Strikes and Clipped Planchets
Off-center strikes happen when the planchet isn’t properly centered between dies during striking. A 10% off-center 1959 quarter retains minimal premium—perhaps $15 to $30. However, 20% to 50% off-center strikes showing a full date sell for $75 to $250. Dramatic 75% off-center examples can exceed $400.
Clipped planchets occur when the metal strip used to punch planchets overlaps, creating incomplete blanks. Straight clips (10-15% missing) typically bring $40 to $80. Curved clips and multiple clips increase values to $100 to $200 range.
Professional Grading and Authentication
For 1959 quarters potentially worth over $100, professional grading provides authentication and encapsulation that protects value. The two major third-party grading services—PCGS and NGC—charge $20 to $40 per coin for standard service tiers.
Professional grading assigns a numerical grade from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation. The holder (often called a “slab”) provides tamper-evident protection and includes the grade, variety attribution, and service certification number.
Grading standards follow the Sheldon Scale. Mint State coins (MS-60 through MS-70) show no wear from circulation. About Uncirculated (AU-50, AU-55, AU-58) display slight friction on highest points. Extremely Fine (EF-40, EF-45) through Good (G-4) describe progressively more worn circulated examples.
For error varieties, attribution by PCGS or NGC significantly impacts marketability. A raw (ungraded) coin claimed as a Type B reverse might sell for $200. The same coin certified by NGC as “Type B Reverse” in MS-64 commands $600 to $800 because the authentication removes buyer uncertainty.
Where to Sell High-Value 1959 Quarters
Multiple venues exist for selling valuable 1959 quarters, each with distinct advantages:
Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Great Collections specialize in numismatics. They charge 10-20% seller fees but reach serious collectors willing to pay strong prices. Best for coins worth $500+.
Online Marketplaces: eBay provides broad exposure but requires excellent photography and detailed descriptions. Buyer fees (12-15%) reduce net proceeds. Effective for coins valued $50 to $500 where auction house minimums don’t make sense.
Local Coin Dealers: Immediate payment but expect wholesale offers—typically 60-80% of retail value. Convenient for moderate-value pieces ($25 to $200) when quick cash matters more than maximum price.
Coin Shows: Direct access to multiple dealers and collectors creates competitive bidding. No selling fees if you rent your own table, though table costs run $50 to $150 per show day.
Building Your 1959 Quarter Collection
Whether you found one 1959 quarter or you’re actively collecting the series, start by examining every coin carefully under magnification. A 10x jeweler’s loupe costs $8 to $15 and reveals details invisible to naked eyes. Check mint marks, search for doubling, and examine edge reeding for irregularities.
Store valuable coins properly in non-PVC holders. Acidic plastic flips damage coins over time—choose Mylar, polyethylene, or professional coin holders. Never clean coins with abrasives or chemicals; even gentle cleaning dramatically reduces collector value.
The 1959 quarter represents an accessible entry point for Washington quarter collectors. With relatively affordable prices for common dates and exciting error varieties to discover, these coins combine historical significance with treasure hunt appeal. Check your change, examine inherited collections, and keep magnification handy—that next $3,000 error might be hiding in plain sight.
How much is a 1959 D quarter worth?
A 1959-D Washington quarter is worth its silver value, typically a few dollars above melt price, ranging from approximately $9.25 to $11.75 for circulated examples as of October 2025. However, in uncirculated condition, a 1959-D quarter is worth about $10, with very high grades (MS-67 and above) fetching much higher prices, such as $803 in MS-67.
Is the crossing the Delaware quarter rare?
No, the standard “Crossing the Delaware” quarter is not rare, but errors or coins in pristine, uncirculated condition can be valuable to collectors. The 2021 quarter featuring this design was minted in large quantities as a transitional coin, so most circulated versions are only worth face value.
What are the errors on a 1959 D penny?
Common errors on a 1959-D penny include a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) where the “D” is doubled or tripling, a Double Die Obverse (DDO) causing doubled lettering on the date and “LIBERTY,” laminations that appear as surface streaks, and off-center strikes where the coin isn’t struck perfectly in the center. Less common errors include wrong planchets (being struck on a dime or foreign coin blank) and die cracks, with a rare 1959 “mule” (a 1959-D obverse struck with a wheat reverse) also known.
Are D mint quarters worth anything?
Yes, some “D” quarters are worth more than face value, particularly those minted before 1965 (which are made of 90% silver) or quarters with minting errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes. Quarters from specific years, such as the 1964-D, 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf,” or 1976-D Bicentennial double die, can be valuable. To determine a quarter’s worth, check its date for pre-1965 silver content, inspect for minting errors with a magnifying glass, and examine its overall condition.