1959 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

1959 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $17,250. That record was a Grade 67 example sold through Heritage Auctions in April 2012. To find out what yours is worth, upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range. You can also scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what collectors are paying today.

 

1959 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what your 1959 quarters are worth by type and condition — from pocket change to proof varieties that serious collectors chase:

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 1959 Quarter Worth Money

The coin sitting at the very top? A 1959 (no mint mark) MS67 that brought $17,250 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012. Only three examples have ever graded MS67 at PCGS out of over 24 million struck. About 600 sit at MS66 — then the population just falls off a cliff. That wall is what drives five-figure prices.

Right behind it, a 1959-D MS67 sold for $14,950 at the same Heritage sale. And the top proof? A 1959 DCAM PR69 that hammered at $11,750. Deep Cameo means heavy frost on the devices against mirror fields — the most dramatic look a proof coin can have, and the hardest to find on 1959 quarters.

 

History Of The 1959 Quarter

The Washington quarter started in 1932 as a one-year commemorative for George Washington’s 200th birthday. The public loved it, so it stuck around. Laura Gardin Fraser actually won the design competition, but Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled her and picked John Flanagan’s portrait instead. Flanagan based his work on a 1785 bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon — still the model for the obverse today.

By 1959, this was a workhorse coin. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 6.25 grams, it carried 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. People were walking around with real silver in their pockets. The Coinage Act of 1965 ended that, switching to copper-nickel clad from 1965 onward.

Here’s a fun one: 1959 was the year both Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union. That’s why “1959” shows up on two 2008 State Quarters — the Alaska quarter (grizzly bear catching salmon) and the Hawaii quarter (King Kamehameha I). Those are modern clad coins worth face value, not the silver Washington quarter we’re talking about here.

The 1959 proof quarter came out of Philadelphia as part of the annual proof set, which cost $2.10 at the time. It was also the first year the Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the cent, making the complete 1959 proof set a milestone for set collectors. Total proof quarter production hit 1,149,291 pieces.

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

 

Is Your 1959 Quarter Rare?

For quick rarity checks on any quarters you find, our Coin Identifier and Value App instantly identifies varieties and current market values.

 

Key Features Of The 1959 Quarter

The Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty design in 1932. Every quarter struck before 1965 — including 1959 — is 90% silver.

The Obverse Of The 1959 Quarter

Washington’s left-facing profile dominates the center, based on Flanagan’s take on Houdon’s 1785 bust. LIBERTY runs along the upper rim, and “1959” sits at the bottom. IN GOD WE TRUST appears on the left side.

No mint mark on the obverse? That means Philadelphia. The Philly Mint didn’t use a mint mark on its coins in 1959.

The Reverse Of The 1959 Quarter

Flip it over and you’ll see an eagle with wings spread wide, gripping a bundle of arrows. Two crossed olive branches sit below, symbolizing peace.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs along the upper rim, with E PLURIBUS UNUM just beneath it. QUARTER DOLLAR runs along the bottom. Look right above the word DOLLAR — that’s where Denver placed its “D” mint mark. Small detail, big difference for your coin’s value.

Other Features of the 1959 Quarter

The 1959 quarter is round in shape with a reeded rim and composition that includes 90% silver. A diameter of 0.95669 inches (24.3 mm) and a thickness of 0.06889 inches (1.75 mm) are standard features for this coinage. Each coin weighs 0.20094 ounces (6.25 g) and has a silver weight of 0.18084 troy ounces (5.62 g).

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

 

1959 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Denver crushed Philadelphia in output this year — over 62 million D-mint quarters versus about 24.4 million from Philly. That means roughly 72% of all 1959 circulation quarters carry a “D” mint mark. Numismatist Greg Reynolds estimates around four million of the original Philadelphia coins survive today.

Circulation strikes had about a 9.99% survival rate. They got used hard. David Hall at PCGS CoinFacts points out the 1959-D “was saved by the roll in large quantities” by collectors, yet it’s still “somewhat tougher to find in Gem condition than the earlier S-Mints.”

The proof story is completely different. From roughly 1.1 million proofs struck, regular proofs held a 39.6% survival rate. CAM proofs drop to 16.9%. DCAM proofs? Just 3.13% — approximately 36,000 coins. That’s a completely different kind of rare, and it’s exactly why top-grade DCAMs command the biggest premiums.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Quarter Value

Figuring out your 1959 quarter’s value the old-fashioned way means checking the mint mark under magnification, comparing wear against grading standards, looking up silver prices, and cross-referencing price guides. That’s a lot of steps.

There’s a faster way. Coin Identifier and Value App handles all of it. Snap a photo of your coin and get a valuation based on mint mark, condition, and real-time market data. Download Coin Value Checker APP today for effortless, professional coin evaluation!

 

1959 Quarter Value Guides

1959 Quarter Types:

• 1959 No Mint Mark — Philadelphia
• 1959-D — Denver Mint
• 1959 Proof
• 1959 CAM (Cameo Proof)
• 1959 DCAM (Deep Cameo Proof)

The circulation coins (No Mint and D) trade near melt value in lower grades but can hit four figures in gem condition. The proof tiers — regular, CAM, and DCAM — get progressively rarer and more expensive. Telling them apart matters. A regular proof and a DCAM proof might look similar to a beginner, but the price gap is enormous.

 

1959 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

Only three coins. That’s how many 1959 Philadelphia quarters PCGS has graded MS67, out of a mintage of 24,384,000. About 600 sit at MS66, then the population just hits a wall.

That wall is why one MS67 brought $17,250 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012 — still the auction record per PCGS CoinFacts. David Hall calls this date “fairly common in Gem condition” at MS65–MS66, but MS67 is a different universe. Most circulated examples you’ll find are worth their silver melt value ($3.25–$3.75 as of October 2025).

High-grade examples can swing wildly in price depending on market timing and the specific coin’s eye appeal.

Recent trading volume suggests growing collector interest in this date among Washington quarter specialists.

1959 Type B Reverse Quarter Value (FS-901)

This is a great cherrypicking target. Starting in 1956, Philadelphia used a modified reverse hub — the Type B — with sharper feather detail and deeper relief. It was meant only for proof dies, but a few accidentally got used on business strikes.

Here’s how you spot one: flip to the reverse and look at the word STATES. On a genuine Type B, there’s a visible gap between the E and the S. The E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering also looks bolder and sits in higher relief than the standard Type A. PCGS catalogs this as variety number 146068. The auction record is $900 for an MS66+ at Heritage Auctions on February 22, 2018 — a serious premium over a standard 1959 Philly quarter in the same grade.

Variety collectors have given this one steady recognition, and prices reflect its established spot in the Washington quarter hierarchy.

Demand from die variety specialists keeps this FS-901 designation in solid standing.

 

1959-D Quarter Value

Over 62 million struck. That makes the 1959-D the most common quarter of the year by a wide margin — roughly 72% of all 1959 circulation quarters came from Denver.

Don’t let that fool you into thinking gems are easy to find. David Hall notes the 1959-D “was saved by the roll in large quantities” but is still “somewhat tougher to find in Gem condition than the earlier S-Mints.” The “D” sits on the reverse, right above DOLLAR. The all-time auction record? $14,950 for an MS67 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012 — the same sale that set the Philadelphia record.

Identical grades can sell for very different prices depending on when they hit the auction block and how the coin looks in hand.

Collector interest stays consistent, with this date holding solid demand among Washington quarter specialists.

 

1959 Proof Quarter Value

You could buy the entire 1959 proof set for $2.10 when it came out. A total of 1,149,291 proof quarters were struck that year — each one hit multiple times by specially polished dies on polished planchets for those sharp details and mirror fields.

Standard proofs without a cameo designation are easy to find. You’re looking at roughly $13–$28 in PR-65. I think these are underrated as a type coin — they’re affordable and look great in a set. The proof quarter’s silver content contributes to a complete 1959 proof set melt value of approximately $44.22 at current silver prices.

Proof pricing tends to be more stable than circulation strikes, without the dramatic swings you see at the gem level.

Steady demand from proof and set collectors keeps trading activity consistent.

 

1959 CAM Quarter Value

What’s the difference between a regular proof and a CAM? Frost. On a Cameo proof, the raised design elements have a white, frosty texture that pops against the mirror-like fields. PCGS and NGC both assign this designation, and it requires clearly visible contrast on both sides.

Fresh dies produce the strongest cameo effect. As a die strikes more coins, the frost wears off. So the earliest coins from a proof run get the best contrast. With only about 195,000 surviving examples from the original proof mintage, CAM quarters sit in the middle tier of the 1959 proof lineup. A PR-68 CAM has sold for $823 at auction.

CAM examples consistently outperform regular proofs at the same grade — you’re paying for that visual punch.

Collector demand for these visually distinctive proofs stays solid across the board.

 

1959 DCAM Quarter Value

Think of DCAM as CAM turned up to eleven. Deep Cameo means maximum frost against blazing mirror fields — the kind of contrast that makes a coin look almost like a black-and-white photograph. Everything had to go right: the die had to be brand new, the planchet perfectly polished.

Only about 36,000 survive from the original proof mintage. That’s a 3.13% survival rate. The top-pop PR69 DCAM sold for $11,750 in 2018. We think these are some of the most visually stunning coins in the entire Washington quarter series. The jump from PR68 to PR69 DCAM shows you just how steep the value cliff gets at the very top of the grading scale.

High-grade DCAMs have shown strong price appreciation over time.

Strong collector demand reflects the premium status these Deep Cameo varieties hold among Washington quarter collectors.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1959 Quarter Error List

Here are the 1959 quarter errors that collectors actively hunt. Since mint marks were still hand-punched in 1959, repunching and misalignment errors show up more often than on later coins.

1. 1959-D RPM FS-501

RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark. The hand-operated punch landed in slightly different positions on the die, leaving a doubled or shifted “D” on every coin struck from it.

Grab a loupe and flip to the reverse. Look at the “D” closely — you’re hunting for a faint second “D” overlapping or offset from the main one. In circulated grades, these run $8–$40. Jump to MS-64 or MS-65 and you’re looking at $100–$200 or more, since the doubling shows best on well-preserved surfaces.

2. 1959 DDO FS-101

This is a proof-only error. A misalignment during hubbing transferred the design twice onto the die in slightly different positions. Every coin from that die carries the same doubling — it’s a true variety, not a random strike issue.

Check the obverse lettering, especially IN GOD WE TRUST and the date “1959.” Strong examples show clear separation between the doubled elements. In PR-63 to PR-65, DDO FS-101 coins typically sell for $40–$80. A CAM example with strong doubling in PR-65 can reach $85–$90. Good cherrypicking opportunity if you’re sorting through raw proof coins.

3. 1959 Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike happens when the blank isn’t seated properly in the press. The design shifts toward one edge, leaving a blank crescent on the opposite side. Slight off-centers of 5–10% add modest value. Dramatic off-centers with a fully visible date? Those get expensive. The 90% silver content gives every 1959 error coin a built-in floor price.

4. 1959 Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet means the blank was cut improperly, leaving a missing curved or straight section along the edge. Easy to spot on silver coins — the bright surface makes clips obvious. To confirm it’s genuine, look for the “Blakesley effect” — a weak spot in the rim directly opposite the clip. Silver content adds to the floor value beyond whatever the error itself brings.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1959 Quarter?

Ready to turn your 1959 quarter knowledge into real profits? I’ve compiled the top-performing sales platforms and auction venues where these Washington quarter varieties consistently bring premium prices from serious collectors.

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

 

1959 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1959 Quarter Value

1. What Makes A 1959 Quarter Rare?

In circulated grades, most aren’t rare — you’re looking at silver melt value of approximately $3.25–$3.75. The rarity kicks in at the top of the grading scale. PCGS has certified only three 1959 (no mint mark) quarters at MS67 out of a mintage of over 24 million. DCAM proofs are even tougher, with a survival rate of just 3.13% from the original 1.1 million proof mintage.

2. Which 1959 Quarters Are More Valuable?

• The 1959 (no mint mark) MS67 — sold for $17,250 at Heritage Auctions, April 2012
• The 1959-D MS67 — sold for $14,950 at Heritage Auctions, April 2012
• The 1959 PR69 DCAM — sold for $11,750 in 2018
• The 1959 Type B Reverse FS-901 MS66+ — sold for $900 at Heritage Auctions, February 2018
• The 1959 PR68 CAM — sold for $823 in 2013
• The 1959-D MS65 Type B Reverse — sold for $541 in 2017

3. How Much Is The 1959 No Mint Mark Quarter Worth?

Philadelphia minted about 24.4 million with no mint mark. A worn example is worth silver melt — roughly $3.25–$3.75 in October 2025. Lower MS grades (MS60–MS63) trade for around $9–$12. MS65 runs $16–$30. At the top, only three MS67 examples exist in the PCGS population, and one sold for $17,250 at Heritage Auctions.

4. Is The 1959 Quarter Silver?

Yes. 90% silver, 10% copper. It weighs 6.25 grams with 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. Melt value runs approximately $3.25–$3.75 based on late 2025 silver prices. Every circulated 1959 quarter you find is worth at least that — well above the 25-cent face value.

5. What Is The Type B Reverse On The 1959 Quarter?

The Type B Reverse (FS-901) happened when Philadelphia accidentally used a proof reverse hub on business strike dies. This hub, introduced in 1956, had sharper feather detail and deeper relief. Look at STATES on the reverse — a genuine Type B shows a visible gap between the E and the S. The E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering also appears bolder and in higher relief than the standard Type A. The auction record is $900 for an MS66+ at Heritage Auctions in 2018.

6. What Does CAM and DCAM Mean On A 1959 Proof Quarter?

CAM means Cameo. DCAM means Deep Cameo. Both describe the frost-to-mirror contrast on proof coins — frosted, white-looking raised devices against deeply mirrored fields. DCAM has the most dramatic contrast, almost like a black-and-white photograph. From roughly 1.1 million 1959 proof quarters, about 195,000 earned a CAM designation and only about 36,000 qualify as DCAM — just 3.13% of the original proof mintage.

7. Are There 1959 Quarters Worth Money From The “Alaska Quarter” Or “Hawaii Quarter”?

Common mix-up. The 2008 Alaska and Hawaii State Quarters both show “1959” because that’s when those states joined the Union. But those are modern copper-nickel clad coins worth face value. They’re not silver and they’re not the 1959 Washington quarter discussed here.

8. What Was Special About The 1959 U.S. Proof Set?

It was the first year the Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the cent, making it a milestone set. Originally sold for $2.10, with 1,149,291 sets produced. Each set contained five coins: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Franklin half dollar. Complete set silver melt value runs approximately $44.22 at late 2025 prices.

9. How Do I Tell A Circulated 1959 Quarter From A Mint State One?

Check the high points first. On the obverse, wear shows up on Washington’s cheek, hair curls, and above the ear. On the reverse, look at the eagle’s breast feathers and wing tips. A Mint State coin (MS60–MS70) shows zero wear and keeps its original luster. Hold it under good light — a circulated coin looks flat and gray on those high points, while an uncirculated one retains its original silver brightness.

10. Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1959-D Quarter?

Flip to the reverse. The “D” sits just above the word DOLLAR in QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom. No mark in that spot? That’s a Philadelphia coin. San Francisco didn’t strike circulation quarters in 1959 — only proofs, which also carry no mint mark since the “S” wasn’t added to proofs until 1968.