Finding a 1979 quarter in your pocket change might seem ordinary, but certain varieties and mint errors can transform this common coin into a collector’s prize worth far more than face value. While most 1979 quarters circulate at their standard 25-cent value, specific mint marks, pristine preservation grades, and manufacturing errors create opportunities for significant returns. Understanding what separates a typical quarter from a valuable specimen requires knowing where to look and what makes collectors willing to pay premium prices.

Breaking Down 1979 Quarter Values by Mint Location

The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at three facilities in 1979, each leaving distinct markers that dramatically affect collector value. Philadelphia struck 515,708,000 quarters without any mint mark, Denver produced 489,789,000 coins bearing the “D” designation, and San Francisco created 3,677,175 proof specimens marked with an “S.” These production numbers tell only part of the value story.

Philadelphia quarters from 1979 carry no mint mark on the obverse, positioned where other years might show a small letter near Washington’s portrait. In circulated condition showing typical wear from commerce, these coins trade at face value or slightly above, typically 25 to 50 cents. The real value emerges in uncirculated condition. A 1979-P quarter graded MS-63 by Professional Coin Grading Service commands approximately $3 to $5, while MS-65 examples reach $12 to $18 at auction. The finest known specimen, graded MS-67, sold through Heritage Auctions in 2022 for $432.

Denver mint quarters display a small “D” on the obverse and follow similar value patterns to their Philadelphia counterparts. Circulated examples remain at face value, while uncirculated grades begin accumulating premiums. An MS-63 Denver quarter typically sells for $4 to $6, with MS-65 specimens bringing $15 to $22. The population reports from major grading services show fewer high-grade Denver quarters survive compared to Philadelphia strikes, creating slightly stronger demand among registry set collectors.

San Francisco proof quarters represent an entirely different category. These coins never entered circulation, instead being specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets. The mirror-like fields and frosted devices create the distinctive proof appearance. A standard 1979-S proof in PR-65 condition values around $8 to $12, while deep cameo specimens (PR-65 DCAM) command $15 to $20. The highest grades bring substantial premiums, with PR-69 DCAM examples selling for $45 to $65 and the rare PR-70 DCAM reaching $150 to $200 based on recent auction results.

Identifying the Filled Mintmark Error

Among 1979 quarter varieties, the filled “D” mintmark stands as the most discussed and misunderstood error. This variety occurs when metal flows into the mintmark during the striking process, partially or completely obscuring the “D” designation. The result resembles a Philadelphia quarter without a mintmark, but careful examination reveals traces of the Denver punch beneath the filled metal.

Authentication presents the primary challenge with filled mintmark quarters. Legitimate examples show specific diagnostic characteristics: metal flow lines radiating from where the “D” should appear, slight depression in the filled area, and consistent striking pressure across the surrounding field. Counterfeiters attempt to simulate this error by grinding away mintmarks or filling them with epoxy, creating deceptive pieces that fool inexperienced collectors.

Professional authentication through PCGS or Numismatic Guaranty Company becomes essential for any filled mintmark quarter valued above $100. These services examine the coin under magnification, checking metal consistency and flow patterns that distinguish genuine errors from alterations. A confirmed 1979-D filled mintmark quarter in MS-64 condition sold through Stack’s Bowers in 2023 for $284, while an MS-65 example brought $520 at a Heritage auction the same year.

The actual value depends heavily on how completely the mintmark fills and the overall grade. Partially filled examples where the “D” remains partially visible typically sell for $50 to $150 in uncirculated grades MS-60 to MS-63. Completely filled specimens in the same grade range command $150 to $300. The finest examples, graded MS-65 or higher with complete fills, can exceed $500 to $800 depending on current market demand and collector interest in die varieties.

Recognizing Proof Coin Variations Worth Premium Money

San Francisco proof quarters from 1979 include two distinct types that serious collectors differentiate based on subtle design elements. Type 1 proofs feature a clear “S” mintmark with sharp, well-defined edges, while Type 2 specimens show a mintmark with slightly filled serifs, created when the mint modified their punching process mid-year. This technical variation creates meaningful price differences in the highest grades.

Type 1 proof quarters in PR-69 DCAM condition typically sell for $45 to $60 based on PCGS population reports showing approximately 1,200 examples at this grade level. Type 2 proofs, being scarcer with only about 800 certified at PR-69 DCAM, command $65 to $90 for the same grade. The distinction becomes most valuable at the PR-70 DCAM level, where Type 1 examples bring $150 to $180, while Type 2 specimens can reach $200 to $250 when they appear at auction.

Deep cameo designation significantly impacts proof quarter values. Standard proof coins without the cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields sell for considerably less than their deep cameo counterparts. A 1979-S proof in PR-67 without cameo designation values around $4 to $6, while the same grade with deep cameo brings $12 to $18. This three-fold price difference reflects collector preference for the most visually striking examples with maximum frost and mirror contrast.

Toning also affects proof quarter values, though opinions divide among collectors. Some seek pristine, untoned specimens with original mint luster, while others pay premiums for attractive rainbow toning acquired through decades of storage in original mint packaging. A beautifully toned 1979-S proof in PR-68 DCAM with concentric circles of blue, gold, and magenta sold for $125 in 2023, approximately double the value of an untoned example in the same grade.

Other Manufacturing Errors That Increase Collection Value

Beyond filled mintmarks, several other striking errors appear on 1979 quarters and attract collector attention. Off-center strikes occur when the planchet fails to align properly with the dies during striking, creating a coin with partial design and blank planchet visible. A 1979 quarter struck 10 percent off-center with full date visible typically sells for $35 to $60, while more dramatic 20 to 30 percent off-center errors bring $75 to $150. Extremely off-center strikes showing 50 percent or more displacement can reach $200 to $400 depending on eye appeal and whether all critical design elements remain visible.

Double die errors on 1979 quarters remain scarce but valuable when authenticated. These errors occur when the die receives multiple impressions during the hubbing process, creating doubled design elements. Most reported 1979 doubled dies show minor doubling on lettering or date digits, visible only under magnification. A confirmed minor doubled die in MS-63 condition sells for $40 to $80, while more dramatic examples with doubling visible to the naked eye can bring $150 to $300. No major doubled die varieties exist for 1979 quarters comparable to famous errors from other years.

Clipped planchet errors happen when the metal strip feeding the blanking press overlaps, causing the punch to cut an incomplete circle. Straight clips removing 5 to 10 percent of the planchet typically add $15 to $35 to a quarter’s value, while curved clips or multiple clips increase values to $40 to $80. The most dramatic clipped planchet errors, removing 25 percent or more of the coin, can reach $100 to $200 if the date and mintmark remain clear.

Strike-through errors occur when foreign material falls between the die and planchet during striking. Common strike-through errors involving cloth fibers or grease add modest premiums of $10 to $25, while more dramatic examples with struck-through wire or other objects can bring $50 to $150. Authentication remains critical, as post-mint damage often mimics strike-through characteristics.

How Grading Standards Transform Quarter Values

Professional grading dramatically affects 1979 quarter values, particularly for uncirculated specimens where condition differences of one or two grade points create substantial price variations. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 to 70, with circulated coins grading Good-4 through About Uncirculated-58, and mint state coins starting at MS-60 and reaching MS-70 for perfect specimens.

For 1979 quarters, the critical grade thresholds occur at MS-63, MS-65, and MS-67. An MS-63 quarter shows noticeable bag marks and contact points but maintains strong luster and eye appeal. These commonly trade for $3 to $6 depending on mintmark. MS-65 examples display only minor contact marks visible under magnification, with strong original luster and good strike quality. Values jump to $12 to $22 at this level. MS-67 quarters show virtually no defects even under 5x magnification, commanding $200 to $500 based on recent auction results.

The population reports published by PCGS and NGC reveal scarcity at higher grades that drives collector demand. For 1979-P quarters, PCGS has graded approximately 12,000 examples at MS-65, but only 450 at MS-66, and fewer than 50 at MS-67 or higher. This dramatic population drop explains why MS-67 examples bring 15 to 20 times the value of MS-65 coins despite appearing similar to untrained eyes.

Strike quality varies considerably among 1979 quarters, affecting grade assignment and value. Well-struck examples show full detail on Washington’s hair curls, complete separation in the eagle’s breast feathers, and sharp definition on all lettering. Weakly struck coins may grade lower due to apparent wear that actually represents incomplete metal flow during striking. Collectors pursuing registry sets specifically seek well-struck examples, creating premium demand for quarters combining high technical grades with superior strike characteristics.

Smart Strategies for Selling Your 1979 Quarters

When you’ve identified a potentially valuable 1979 quarter, choosing the right selling approach maximizes returns. For common circulated examples worth face value to a few dollars, selling to local coin dealers provides quick liquidity without fees or shipping costs. Dealers typically pay 70 to 80 percent of retail value for coins they can easily resell, making this approach practical for lower-value pieces.

Uncirculated quarters grading MS-63 or higher warrant professional certification before selling. The $35 to $50 grading fee from PCGS or NGC adds credibility that increases selling prices by $50 to $200 or more, depending on the final grade assigned. Certified coins sell more easily through online marketplaces and achieve higher prices because buyers trust third-party authentication over raw coin claims.

Online auction platforms including eBay and Heritage Auctions provide access to national collector bases willing to pay premium prices for scarce varieties and high-grade examples. Heritage charges seller fees ranging from 10 to 20 percent depending on lot value but attracts serious collectors who bid competitively for quality material. A 1979-S proof in PR-69 DCAM might bring $45 locally but could reach $65 to $75 through Heritage’s specialized numismatic auctions.

Timing affects selling success, particularly for proof coins and errors. The coin market experiences seasonal patterns, with strongest demand typically occurring in January through April when tax refunds provide discretionary income and collectors rebuild collections after holiday spending. Summer months often see softer demand and lower prices. Error coins perform best when featured in specialized error coin auctions where advanced collectors compete for unusual material.

Building Your 1979 Quarter Collection Systematically

Collectors approaching 1979 quarters have several strategies depending on budget and interest level. A basic approach involves acquiring one example from each mint facility: a circulated Philadelphia quarter, a Denver quarter, and a proof San Francisco specimen. This three-coin set costs approximately $10 to $15 and provides representation of all 1979 production varieties.

Advanced collectors pursue high-grade examples across all mint marks, seeking MS-65 or better specimens with strong eye appeal and superior strikes. This approach requires budgets of $50 to $100 per coin but creates a set with genuine long-term appreciation potential as high-grade populations remain limited. Registry set collectors compete through PCGS and NGC platforms, where ranking systems reward those assembling the finest-graded sets in various categories.

Error specialists focus on acquiring authenticated varieties including filled mintmarks, off-center strikes, and other manufacturing anomalies. Building a comprehensive error collection requires patience, as genuine errors appear infrequently in the marketplace. Budget $200 to $500 annually for adding quality error coins to a specialized collection, with returns depending on future collector demand for variety material.

Type collectors incorporating one high-quality example of each major design series find 1979 quarters readily available and affordable compared to earlier Washington quarters from the 1930s and 1940s. A single MS-66 example with strong strike and eye appeal serves this purpose well, costing $40 to $80 and representing the design type without requiring multiple specimens.

Where to Find Professional Authentication and Current Market Prices

Authenticating valuable 1979 quarters requires professional services equipped with proper equipment and expertise. PCGS and NGC stand as the two most respected third-party grading companies, with submissions accepted through their websites or authorized dealers. Standard grading turnaround runs 20 to 30 business days and costs $35 to $50 per coin, while express services completing within 5 to 10 business days charge $75 to $100.

Local coin shows provide opportunities to meet dealers who accept submissions and consolidate them for grading services, saving individual shipping costs. Many dealers charge minimal handling fees of $5 to $10 per coin for this service while providing preliminary opinions on whether grading makes economic sense based on likely grade outcomes.

Current market prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and precious metal values, making regular price research essential. The PCGS Price Guide and NGC Coin Explorer provide free online access to market values based on actual auction results and dealer trading. These databases update monthly, reflecting recent sales and current market conditions. Heritage Auctions maintains a searchable archive of past auction results, offering insight into what specific 1979 quarter varieties actually realize when offered to serious collectors.

For error coins and unusual varieties, consulting with specialists yields better results than general grading service opinions. Organizations including the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America maintain expert referral lists and publish regular price guides for error material. These specialists provide authentication services and market valuations specifically for error coins that general grading services may not fully appreciate.

Your 1979 quarter collection deserves proper storage protecting the coins while allowing occasional viewing and enjoyment. Certified coins come in sealed holders requiring no additional protection, while raw uncirculated examples need individual capsules preventing contact damage. Track your collection inventory using specialized software or spreadsheets recording purchase prices, current values, and certification numbers for insured specimens. This documentation supports insurance claims and helps identify collection gaps worth filling as opportunities arise.