1953 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Last week, a collector discovered something unexpected while sorting through an old coin jar. That ordinary-looking 1953 quarter wasn’t so ordinary after all—it was worth significantly more than its 25-cent face value, simply because it had survived seven decades in remarkable condition.

Here’s the thing about 1953 quarters that most people miss: they’re not just old coins gathering dust in your grandmother’s jewelry box. They’re the last generation of silver quarters before America changed everything, making them quietly valuable in ways that surprise even seasoned collectors.

Take the 1953 DCAM quarter, for instance—while most circulated 1953 quarters typically fetch around their silver melt value, a pristine deep cameo proof specimen can command an estimated value upward of $1,200, demonstrating how condition and variety dramatically transform an ordinary quarter into a serious collector’s piece.

 

1953 Quarter Value By Variety

The 1953 Washington quarter was produced at three mint facilities, creating distinct varieties that collectors value differently based on mintage figures and survival rates.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1953 Quarter Worth Money

The 1953 quarter series represents one of the most compelling collecting opportunities in the Washington quarter lineup, with values ranging from modest premiums to extraordinary five-figure sums.

Leading the hierarchy is the 1953 Deep Cameo PR69, commanding an impressive $15,600, followed by the rare 1953 DDO FS-101 in PR68 at $7,638. Error varieties like the 1953-D/S overmintmark demonstrate significant collector demand at $5,875, while high-grade business strikes from San Francisco and Denver mints show strong performance in the $4,000-$5,000 range.

The proof varieties showcase the dramatic impact of cameo designations, with Deep Cameo examples commanding substantial premiums over their standard proof counterparts. What makes this year particularly attractive is the combination of low mintage figures, surviving population scarcity, and the technical excellence of both business strikes and proof coins.

 

History of the 1953 Quarter

The 1953 quarter represents a significant milestone in American coinage history, being one of the last silver quarters before the composition change in 1965. This Washington quarter maintained the 90% silver, 10% copper composition that had been standard since 1932.

The coin features John Flanagan’s iconic design of George Washington on the obverse, created to commemorate the first president’s 200th birthday in 1932. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing American strength and freedom.

The 1953 quarter was minted at three facilities, making it notable for collectors:

• Philadelphia Mint: 18,664,920 coins (no mint mark)
• Denver Mint: 14,016,000 coins (D mint mark)
• San Francisco Mint: 4,148,000 coins (S mint mark)

The San Francisco version is particularly sought after due to its lowest mintage, making it the scarcest of the three varieties. This was during the post-World War II economic expansion when silver coinage was still economically viable.

By 1965, rising silver prices forced the U.S. Mint to switch to a copper-nickel clad composition. This transition makes all 1953 quarters valuable today, containing approximately 0.18 troy ounces of silver each. The 1953 quarter thus represents the end of an era in American silver coinage, combining historical significance with intrinsic precious metal value.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is your 1953 Quarter rare?

For collectors looking to assess the rarity of their Washington quarters, tools like our CoinValueChecker App provide instant access to comprehensive rarity rankings and current market valuations.

 

Key Features of the 1953 Quarter

The obverse of the 1953 quarter

The obverse showcases John Flanagan’s masterful portrait of George Washington, featuring the first president in left-facing profile. Washington’s classical features are rendered with fine detail, showing his powdered hair tied back in the 18th-century style.

The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the upper rim, while “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears at the bottom. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned to the left of Washington’s profile, and “LIBERTY” runs along the left edge. The date “1953” is prominently displayed at the bottom right.

The reverse of the 1953 quarter

The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, clutching a bundle of arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, symbolizing America’s preparedness for war and desire for peace.

The eagle’s breast features a shield with vertical stripes. Above the eagle’s head, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) appears on a flowing banner.

Other features of the 1953 quarter

The coin measures 24.3mm in diameter with a reeded edge containing 119 reeds. It weighs 6.25 grams and consists of 90% silver and 10% copper. Mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) appear on the reverse below the eagle when present, while Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1953 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The Chart reveals fascinating insights into how original production numbers translate to today’s collectible availability.

The Denver mint dominated production with an impressive 56,112,400 coins, followed by Philadelphia’s 18,536,120 and San Francisco’s 14,016,000. However, survival rates tell a dramatically different story that directly impacts collector value.

Business strike coins show remarkably low survival rates, with only 9.99-10.00% of original mintages remaining in collectible condition. The proof coins present an entirely different scenario: while all proof varieties shared the same 128,800 mintage, their survival rates vary dramatically.

Regular proofs maintain a strong 62.11% survival rate with 80,000 coins, while Cameo proofs drop to 14.75% (19,000 coins). The most striking disparity appears with Deep Cameo proofs, where only 875 coins survive—a mere 0.68% survival rate.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know your 1953 Quarter Value

To determine your 1953 quarter’s value, check the mint mark (no mark for Philadelphia, ‘D’ for Denver, or ‘S’ for San Francisco) and assess its condition. Values typically range from $6-9 for circulated coins to $70+ for high-grade uncirculated pieces.

You can consult online price guides, visit coin dealers, or get professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC. For a quick and convenient valuation, try the CoinValueChecker App, which helps you instantly estimate your coin’s worth based on its characteristics.

 

1953 Quarter Value Guides

1953 Quarter Categories:

• 1953 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia)
• 1953-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1953-S Quarter (San Francisco)
• 1953 Proof Quarter
• 1953 Cameo Proof Quarter
• 1953 Deep Cameo Proof Quarter

The 1953 quarter encompasses six distinct categories, each with dramatically different value propositions for collectors and investors.

Business strike coins from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco represent the circulating coinage, with values primarily driven by silver content and condition. However, the proof issues tell a completely different story, where surface quality and cameo contrast create exponential value differences.

Regular proofs offer entry-level collectibility, while Cameo proofs command significant premiums. Deep Cameo proofs represent the pinnacle of 1953 quarter collecting, with their mirror-like fields and heavily frosted devices creating some of the most valuable examples in the Washington quarter series.

Understanding these categorical distinctions is essential for accurate valuation and informed collecting decisions.

 

1953 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1953 No Mint Mark Quarter holds a unique position in Washington quarter collecting as the Philadelphia Mint’s contribution to the final year of 90% silver quarters before the 1965 composition change.

What makes this coin particularly special is its moderate mintage of 18.5 million pieces combined with a survival rate of just over 10%, creating genuine scarcity in higher grades.

Unlike its Denver and San Francisco counterparts, the Philadelphia issue carries no mint mark, following the traditional practice for the primary U.S. Mint facility. The coin’s silver content and historical significance as part of the last silver quarter series make it highly sought after by both collectors and precious metal investors.

The Auction Record Chart reveals the dramatic price appreciation potential for high-grade examples of this seemingly common coin.

Market Activity data demonstrates sustained collector interest and trading volume throughout recent months, indicating strong demand fundamentals for this key date silver quarter.

 

1953-D Quarter Value

The 1953-D Quarter stands out as the highest mintage coin in the 1953 Washington quarter series, with Denver producing over 56 million pieces—more than triple Philadelphia’s output. Despite this substantial production, the coin maintains collectible significance due to its 90% silver composition and its role as the final year of silver quarters.

What makes the 1953-D particularly interesting to collectors is the paradox between its common status in lower grades and extreme rarity in top conditions. The “D” mint mark, located below the eagle on the reverse, distinguishes it from its Philadelphia counterpart, and specimens with exceptional preservation command surprising premiums due to the coin’s heavy circulation and subsequent wear.

The Auction Record Chart illustrates how condition dramatically transforms this common date into a valuable collectible, with gem examples reaching astronomical prices.

Market Activity trends show consistent collector engagement and robust trading volumes, reflecting the coin’s dual appeal to both silver stackers and numismatic enthusiasts.

 

1953-S Quarter Value

The 1953-S Quarter represents the scarcest business strike in the 1953 Washington quarter series, with San Francisco producing only 14.016 million coins—significantly fewer than Denver’s massive 56 million output. This lower mintage, combined with the coin’s 90% silver composition and West Coast circulation patterns, creates genuine collecting opportunities for discerning numismatists.

The “S” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse immediately identifies this San Francisco issue, and its relative scarcity compared to other 1953 quarters makes it particularly appealing to collectors seeking key dates within the final silver quarter series. Despite being from a major mint facility, the 1953-S maintains better collectible fundamentals due to its more restrained production numbers.

The Auction Record Chart demonstrates how this mintage advantage translates into consistently strong performance across all grade levels compared to its counterparts.

Market Activity data reflects sustained collector interest and healthy trading patterns, indicating recognition of the coin’s superior position within the 1953 quarter family.

 

1953 Proof Quarter Value

The 1953 Proof Quarter represents a significant milestone as one of the final silver proof coins before the U.S. Mint’s composition change in 1965. With only 128,800 proofs struck at Philadelphia, this coin showcases the mint’s finest craftsmanship through mirror-like fields and sharp frosted devices.

What makes the 1953 proof particularly special is its dual significance as both a collectible numismatic treasure and a 90% silver bullion piece. The proof’s pristine surfaces and meticulous striking quality create stunning visual contrast that highlights Washington’s portrait and the heraldic eagle design.

Unlike business strikes that suffered from circulation wear, these proofs were carefully preserved by collectors from day one, maintaining their original brilliance and detail across seven decades.

The Auction Record Chart reveals how condition sensitivity dramatically affects values, with even minor imperfections significantly impacting market prices.

Market Activity data demonstrates consistent collector interest and steady trading volume, reflecting the enduring appeal of these premium silver proof quarters.

 

1953 Proof Cameo (CAM) Quarter Value

The 1953 Proof Cameo Quarter represents a significant step up in rarity and desirability from regular proof coins, featuring enhanced visual contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. While sharing the same 128,800 mintage as all 1953 proofs, only approximately 19,000 examples achieve the coveted Cameo designation, representing just 14.75% of the original proof production.

The CAM designation requires a specific level of contrast where Washington’s portrait and the eagle appear heavily frosted against deeply mirrored backgrounds, creating a stunning three-dimensional effect that collectors prize.

This visual drama, combined with the coin’s 90% silver composition and historical significance as part of the final silver proof series, makes it a cornerstone piece for serious Washington quarter collectors.

The Auction Record Chart illustrates how the Cameo designation transforms value potential, with dramatic price increases in higher grades compared to regular proofs.

Market Activity trends show strong and consistent collector engagement, reflecting the specialized appeal of these premium contrast examples.

 

1953 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM) Quarter Value

The 1953 Proof Deep Cameo Quarter stands as one of the most coveted coins among collectors, distinguished by its exceptional contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that create a stunning cameo effect.

This particular year’s proof production was limited, making surviving examples increasingly rare, especially those that have maintained their deep cameo designation through professional grading services. The coin represents a pinnacle of mid-20th century U.S. Mint craftsmanship, with its sharp strike and pristine surfaces exemplifying the technical excellence achieved during this era of proof coinage production.

The auction record chart demonstrates the coin’s remarkable appreciation trajectory, with values showing significant growth across different grade levels.

Market activity data reveals sustained collector interest and strong trading volume, reflecting the enduring appeal of this numismatic treasure.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1953 Quarter Error List

The 1953 quarter series produced several notable error varieties that have captivated collectors for decades.

These minting anomalies range from doubled dies to overmintmarks, each telling a unique story of the production process gone awry. Error coins from this year are particularly sought after due to the combination of their scarcity and the technical precision required to identify them properly.

1. 1953-D DDR (FS-801) Errors

This doubled die reverse variety displays prominent doubling on the eagle’s breast feathers and wing details, creating a distinctive shadow effect that’s easily visible under magnification. The doubling extends to portions of the lettering around the rim, particularly noticeable in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

As one of the more dramatic doubled die varieties in the Washington quarter series, the FS-801 commands significant premiums, especially in higher grades where the doubling characteristics remain sharp and well-defined.

2. 1953-D/S OMM (FS-601) Errors

The overmintmark variety features a Denver “D” mintmark struck over an original San Francisco “S,” creating a fascinating glimpse into the mint’s die preparation process. Under close examination, traces of the underlying “S” are visible, particularly in the curved portions that extend beyond the “D” overlay.

This error occurred when dies originally prepared for San Francisco production were later modified for Denver use, making it a significant variety for collectors interested in minting process anomalies.

3. 1953-D/D D/ Inverted D (FS-501) Errors

This unusual variety shows a Denver mintmark that was initially punched inverted (upside down) and then corrected with a properly oriented “D” punched over it. The result creates a distinctive appearance where portions of the inverted mintmark are visible around the edges of the correct one.

The error represents a quality control oversight during the die preparation stage and stands as one of the more unusual mintmark varieties in the Washington quarter series.

4. 1953 DDO (FS-101) Errors

Found exclusively on proof strikes, this doubled die obverse shows clear doubling on Washington’s profile, particularly visible in the hair details and facial features. The variety is especially prized when found in cameo or deep cameo proof strikes, where the contrast enhancement makes the doubling even more dramatic.

Since it only appears on proof coins, surviving examples are inherently scarce, making this one of the most valuable doubled die varieties in the 1953 quarter series.

5. 1953 Re-engraved TF (FS-901) Errors

The 1953 Re-engraved TF (FS-901) variety features re-engraving of the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse, where the original feather details were strengthened or corrected during die preparation. This creates subtle but distinct differences in the feather formation that are diagnostic for this proof-only variety.

Found primarily in cameo proof strikes, this technical variety appeals to specialists who appreciate the nuanced details of die preparation and the mint’s efforts to achieve perfection in proof production.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to sell Your 1953 Quarter?

Several reputable platforms offer excellent opportunities to sell your 1953 quarter, including major auction houses, certified coin dealers, online marketplaces, and specialized numismatic forums depending on your coin’s grade and rarity.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1953 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about the 1953 Quarter

1. How much is a 1953 quarter worth?

A 1953 quarter’s value starts at $6.70 in silver melt value due to its precious metal content. Common circulated examples are worth $6-7, while uncirculated coins range from $133-$1,618 depending on mint mark.

Proof coins command premiums from $43 for regular proofs to $2,991 for Deep Cameo examples. The highest recorded sale reached $15,600 for a PR69 Deep Cameo.

2. What’s special about a 1953 quarter?

The 1953 quarter represents one of the last silver quarters before the 1965 composition change, making it historically significant. It features 90% silver composition with 0.18084 oz of silver content.

The year produced notable varieties across three mint facilities, including rare error coins and proof strikes with exceptional cameo contrast. Its combination of silver content and collectible value makes it particularly appealing to both investors and numismatists.

Is a 1953 quarter pure silver?

No, a 1953 quarter is not pure silver. It contains 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which was the standard for U.S. quarters from 1932-1964. This composition provides durability while maintaining significant precious metal content. The coin weighs 6.25 grams total, with approximately 0.18 troy ounces of actual silver content, giving it substantial intrinsic value beyond its numismatic worth.