1959 Quarter Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1959 Washington quarter is a 90% silver coin that gives collectors a double opportunity — it is worth its silver content on the low end, but extraordinary high-grade and proof examples have sold for over $17,000. The coin was struck during one of the strongest periods of American post-war growth, at a time when silver still flowed freely through everyday pockets.

Most worn examples you’ll find are worth their silver melt value, currently around $3.25–$3.75 per coin based on October 2025 silver prices. But a pristine MS67 example sold for $17,250 at Heritage Auctions in April 2012, and a DCAM Proof 69 commanded $11,750 in 2018. Knowing which type you have — and in what condition — is the key to unlocking that value.

 

1959 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what your 1959 quarters are worth based on type and condition – from pocket change finds to rare proof varieties that serious collectors hunt for:

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

Here’s the definitive ranking of the most valuable 1959 quarters based on actual auction results — and the results might surprise you!

The top of the leaderboard belongs to the 1959 DCAM PR69, which commanded $11,750 at auction. Deep Cameo (DCAM) — meaning the coin shows dramatic contrast between heavily frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields — is the rarest and most visually spectacular designation for proof coins. High-grade circulation strikes are close behind: both the 1959-D MS67 and the 1959 (no mint mark) MS67 have crossed four-figure territory at $14,950 and $17,250 respectively, both sold at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012.

PCGS CoinFacts confirms that the 1959 MS67 auction record of $17,250 was set at Heritage Auctions on that date. What makes these results particularly striking is that only three 1959 (no-mint mark) quarters have ever been graded MS67 by PCGS, despite the Mint having produced over 24 million of them. PCGS has graded around 600 examples at MS66 and just three at MS67 — a dramatic population wall that explains the record-setting prices at the very top.

 

History Of The 1959 Quarter

The Washington quarter was born in 1932 as a one-year commemorative coin to honor the 200th birthday of President George Washington, but public admiration for the design made it a permanent fixture. Preparations for the bicentennial celebration had begun years earlier, with a design competition launched in the late 1920s.

Laura Gardin Fraser won the official competition with her portrait design — but Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon bypassed her winning entry and selected sculptor John Flanagan’s competing design instead. Flanagan based his portrait of Washington on a 1785 bust by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, which remains the model for the coin’s obverse to this day.

By 1959, the Washington quarter was a well-established workhorse of American commerce, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at a weight of 6.25 grams — containing 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. It was one of the last periods in which everyday Americans carried genuine silver in their pockets. The Coinage Act of 1965 would end that era, replacing silver with a copper-nickel clad composition from 1965 onward.

The year 1959 carried its own historical weight as well. It was the year Alaska and Hawaii both entered the Union — making 1959 the last time a 49-star flag and then the 50-star flag were adopted. This is also why the date “1959” appears on two State Quarters from 2008: the Alaska quarter (showing a grizzly bear catching salmon) and the Hawaii quarter (showing King Kamehameha I). These are copper-nickel clad modern coins worth face value, not the silver Washington quarter discussed here.

The 1959 proof quarter was produced by the Philadelphia Mint as part of the annual proof set, which sold for $2.10 when originally issued. It was also historically significant as the first year the Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the Lincoln cent, making the complete 1959 proof set a milestone set for collectors. A total of 1,149,291 proof quarters were struck that year.

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 CoinValueChecker App instantly identifies varieties and current market values.

 

Key Features Of The 1959 Quarter

All American coins went through changes in design and composition during their lifetime. The Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter beginning in 1932, and all pieces minted before 1965 — including those struck in 1959 — contained 90% silver.

The Obverse Of The 1959 Quarter

The profile of George Washington on the obverse is a tribute to the first American President, based on Flanagan’s interpretation of Houdon’s 1785 bust. His left-facing profile occupies the central part of the coin.

In addition to the bust, you can read LIBERTY on the upper rim and the minting year “1959” along the lower portion. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is on the left side. The Philadelphia Mint did not place a mint mark on its coins in 1959, so a coin with no mark on the obverse was struck in Philadelphia.

The Reverse Of The 1959 Quarter

The reverse shows an eagle spreading both wings wide while tightly holding a bundle of arrows. Below are two crossed olive branches symbolizing peace.

On the upper rim is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM inscribed just below it. The denomination QUARTER DOLLAR runs along the lower rim. The Denver Mint’s “D” mark is located on the reverse, positioned just above the final word of the denomination — a subtle but important detail for identifying mint-mark varieties.

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

Here’s the fascinating story behind 1959 quarter survival rates — and why some are far scarcer than the mintage numbers suggest!

The mintage numbers tell one story, but survival rates reveal the real treasure hunt. Philadelphia produced 24,384,000 business strike quarters (no mint mark) — a relatively modest figure for the era, as Denver dominated production with over 62 million coins. The “D” mint quarters accounted for approximately 72% of all 1959 circulation quarters struck. CoinWeek numismatist Greg Reynolds has estimated that roughly four million of the original Philadelphia issue survive today, based on survival patterns typical of the period.

Regular circulation coins maintained survival rates of around 9.99%, reflecting their heavy use in commerce. PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes that the 1959-D “was saved by the roll in large quantities” by collectors, yet it remains “somewhat tougher to find in Gem condition than the earlier S-Mints.”

The proof varieties tell a completely different picture. From the same around 1.1 million proof mintage, survival rates plummet as quality increases. Regular proofs kept a decent 39.6% survival rate, but CAM proofs (those with frosted devices contrasting against mirrored fields) dropped to just 16.9%, and DCAM proofs crashed to only 3.13% survival. That tiny slice of surviving DCAM quarters — just approximately 36,000 coins from over a million minted — explains why they command such dramatic premiums at the highest grades.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Quarter Value

Determining your 1959 quarter’s value traditionally involves multiple steps: examining the mint mark under a magnifying glass, comparing wear patterns against grading standards, researching current silver prices, and consulting price guides — a time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge.

There’s now a simpler solution. CoinValueChecker App eliminates all this complexity. Just snap a photo of your coin, and instantly receive accurate valuations based on mint mark, condition, and real-time market data. Download CoinValueChecker 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)

Understanding these five distinct types is crucial for any 1959 quarter collector. The circulation coins (No Mint and D) are the workhorses of commerce, valued primarily for their silver content in lower grades but capable of reaching four-figure prices in gem condition.

Each type has different survival rates, values, and collector appeal. The progression from regular proof to CAM (Cameo — frosted devices against mirrored fields) to DCAM (Deep Cameo — the most dramatic version of that contrast) shows increasing rarity and dramatically higher premiums, making proper identification essential for maximizing your collection’s value.

 

1959 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1959 No Mint Mark quarter (Philadelphia) holds a unique position in Washington quarter collecting. Despite a mintage of 24,384,000 — modest by later standards — finding a pristine gem example is genuinely difficult, as PCGS has graded roughly 600 examples at MS66 but only three at MS67.

That extreme scarcity at MS67 is what produced the record: $17,250 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012 for a PCGS MS67 specimen — still the auction record for this issue as documented on PCGS CoinFacts. PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes this date is “fairly common in Gem condition” at MS65–MS66 but the population wall at MS67 makes those examples genuinely rare. Most circulated examples are worth their silver melt value ($3.25–$3.75 as of October 2025).

The auction records reveal just how volatile high-grade examples can be, with recent sales showing significant price swings based on market conditions and individual coin quality.

Current market activity data shows renewed collector interest, with trading volume fluctuations that suggest this date is gaining momentum among serious Washington quarter enthusiasts.

1959 Type B Reverse Quarter Value (FS-901)

The 1959 Type B Reverse Quarter (FS-901) represents one of the most intriguing varieties in the entire Washington quarter series. Beginning in 1956, the Philadelphia Mint introduced a modified reverse hub — called the Type B — that sharpened feather detail, deepened relief, and widened the gap between the letters in STATES. Normally used only for proof dies, a handful of these special hubs accidentally produced business strike coins that entered circulation.

To identify a Type B Reverse, look on the reverse at the word STATES in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: on a genuine Type B, there is a visible space between the E and the S. The E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering also appears bolder and has sharper relief than a standard Type A reverse. PCGS documents this variety under number 146068, with an auction record of $900 for an MS66+ at Heritage Auctions on February 22, 2018 — a significant premium over a standard 1959 Philadelphia example of the same grade.

Recent auction activity demonstrates steady collector recognition of this variety, with prices reflecting its established place in the Washington quarter collecting hierarchy.

Current market trends show consistent interest from variety collectors, indicating this FS-901 designation maintains solid demand among specialists who appreciate die differences.

 

1959-D Quarter Value

The 1959-D quarter represents Denver Mint production at its peak for the year, with over 62 million coins struck — making it the highest-mintage variety of 1959. Denver’s coins accounted for roughly 72% of all 1959 circulation quarters.

PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes that while the 1959-D “was saved by the roll in large quantities” by collectors of the era, it is still “somewhat tougher to find in Gem condition than the earlier S-Mints.” The Denver mint mark — a small “D” — is located on the reverse just above the word DOLLAR in QUARTER DOLLAR. Despite the large production run, the coin exhibits the same dramatic grade sensitivity as Philadelphia examples: the all-time auction record is $14,950 for an MS67 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012, the same sale that set the Philadelphia record.

Recent auction results demonstrate the volatile nature of high-grade examples, with identical grades showing significant price variations depending on market timing and individual coin appeal.

Market activity patterns reveal steady collector interest, with volume fluctuations indicating this date maintains solid demand among Washington quarter specialists.

 

1959 Proof Quarter Value

The 1959 Proof quarter was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the annual proof set, which sold for $2.10 per set when originally issued. A total of 1,149,291 proof quarters were produced — all struck using specially polished dies and planchets, then struck multiple times to achieve sharp details and mirror-like reflective fields.

The 1959 proof set was notable as the year the Lincoln Memorial reverse first appeared on the Lincoln cent, making it historically significant for set collectors. Standard proof examples without a cameo designation are readily available and start around $13–$28 in PR-65 condition. The proof quarter contained in a complete original 1959 proof set contributes to a set silver melt value of approximately $44.22 based on current silver prices.

Auction records demonstrate the relatively stable pricing structure typical of proof coins, with less dramatic value swings than their circulation counterparts.

Market activity data shows consistent collector demand, with trading patterns reflecting the steady appeal of proof coins among Washington quarter enthusiasts.

 

1959 CAM Quarter Value

The 1959 CAM (Cameo) quarter represents a special subset of proof coins featuring frosted design elements that contrast sharply against mirror-like fields. The CAM designation — assigned by grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — requires significant, clearly visible contrast between the raised design elements and the polished background.

This cameo effect was achieved when fresh dies produced coins with textured, frost-like surfaces on the raised portions while maintaining highly polished backgrounds. Because die surfaces wear down with use, the freshest dies from the beginning of the proof production run tend to produce the strongest cameo effect. With only about 195,000 surviving examples from the original proof mintage, CAM quarters occupy a middle tier in the 1959 proof hierarchy. Standard examples graded PR-68 CAM have sold for $823, as documented in the original auction records.

Auction results demonstrate the premium collectors place on this enhanced visual appeal, with CAM examples consistently outperforming regular proof counterparts.

Market activity trends show steady collector interest, reflecting the enduring appeal of these visually distinctive proof varieties among Washington quarter specialists.

 

1959 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1959 DCAM (Deep Cameo) quarter represents the pinnacle of proof coin production, featuring maximum contrast between deeply frosted design elements and brilliant mirror-like fields. PCGS defines Deep Cameo as brilliant proofs displaying deep, even frosting on design elements on both sides of the coin — the result requires near-perfect die conditions at the very start of the proof run.

DCAM coins were produced from the freshest dies before any wear could diminish the frosting effect. With only approximately 36,000 surviving examples from the original proof mintage — a 3.13% survival rate — these represent the rarest and most visually striking variety of 1959 proof quarters. The finest example certified, a PR69 DCAM, sold for $11,750 in 2018, making it the most valuable 1959 quarter of any variety. That single-point premium over a PR68 DCAM demonstrates the dramatic value cliff that exists at the very top of the grading scale.

Auction record data shows that high-grade, well-preserved Proof coins have achieved significant price appreciation.

Current market activity demonstrates strong collector demand, with trading patterns reflecting the premium status these Deep Cameo varieties hold in the Washington quarter collecting community.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1959 Quarter Error List

The following are key errors of the 1959 quarter that are actively sought after by collectors. Because mint marks in 1959 were still applied by hand rather than hub-punched as in later years, repunching and misalignment errors were more common than in modern coinage.

1. 1959-D RPM FS-501

The 1959-D RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) FS-501 is one of the most well-known varieties of the 1959-D quarter. RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark — an error where the hand-operated mint mark punch landed in slightly different positions on the die, leaving a visible doubled or shifted “D” on the coin.

To spot this error, flip your coin to the reverse and examine the “D” mint mark closely with a magnifying glass. Look for a faint second “D” image overlapping or slightly offset from the primary mark. In circulated grades, RPM FS-501 examples typically sell for $8–$40. In higher Mint State grades like MS-64 or MS-65, the same coin can fetch $100–$200 or more, since the doubling is most clearly visible on well-preserved surfaces.

2. 1959 DDO FS-101

The Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) FS-101 is a proof coin error caused by a misalignment during the hubbing process, which transferred the design twice onto the die in slightly different positions. DDO means the doubling was permanently introduced into the die itself — every coin struck from that die carries the same doubling, making it a true variety rather than a random error.

This error affects both regular Proof and Cameo Proof varieties of the 1959 quarter. To identify it, examine the obverse lettering — specifically the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date “1959.” Strong examples will show clear, visible separation between the doubled elements. In PR-63 to PR-65 grades, DDO FS-101 coins typically sell for $40–$80. A CAM example with strong doubling in PR-65 can reach $85–$90, making it one of the more desirable 1959 proof varieties.

3. 1959 Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike occurs when the coin blank is not properly seated in the press, causing the design to print toward one edge and leaving a blank crescent on the other side. For 1959 quarters, slight off-centers of 5–10% add modest curiosity value. More dramatic off-center examples with a fully visible date can be significantly more valuable. Because 1959 quarters are 90% silver, the base silver value adds an additional floor to any error coin’s worth.

4. 1959 Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error results from an improperly cut blank that leaves the coin with a missing curved or straight portion along its edge. On silver coins like the 1959 quarter, these clips are particularly easy to spot against the coin’s bright silver surfaces and are collected as numismatic curiosities. Genuine clips are identified by the “Blakesley effect” — a weakness in the rim on the opposite side from the clip. The silver content of clipped 1959 quarters adds to their floor value beyond the error premium.

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?

Most 1959 quarters are not considered rare in circulated grades — their value is primarily tied to the silver melt value of approximately $3.25–$3.75. However, high-grade uncirculated examples are genuinely scarce: PCGS has certified only three 1959 (no mint mark) quarters at MS67, despite a mintage of over 24 million. DCAM proof examples are rarer still, 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 1959 quarters with no mint mark. A worn circulated example is worth its silver melt value — roughly $3.25–$3.75 in October 2025. Uncirculated examples in lower MS grades (MS60–MS63) trade for around $9–$12. MS65 examples sell for $16–$30. The finest MS67 examples, of which only three exist in the PCGS population, have sold for up to $17,250 at Heritage Auctions.

4. Is The 1959 Quarter Silver?

Yes, absolutely. The 1959 Washington quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making it a genuine silver coin. It weighs 6.25 grams and contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. Based on silver spot prices in late 2025, the melt value is approximately $3.25–$3.75 per coin. Any circulated 1959 quarter you find is worth at least this silver melt value, which is far above its 25-cent face value.

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

The Type B Reverse (catalogued as FS-901) is a die variety where Philadelphia accidentally used a reverse hub normally reserved for proof dies, which had been introduced in 1956 with sharpened feather detail and deeper relief. You can identify it on the reverse by looking at the word STATES in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — a genuine Type B shows a visible space between the E and the S. The E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering also appears bolder and in higher relief than the standard Type A reverse. The auction record for this variety is $900 for an MS66+ at Heritage Auctions in 2018.

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

CAM stands for Cameo and DCAM for Deep Cameo — designations assigned by grading services like PCGS and NGC to proof coins that show frosted, white-looking raised design elements contrasting against deeply mirrored background fields. On a DCAM coin, this contrast is extremely dramatic, sometimes described as looking like a black-and-white photograph. Of the approximately 1.1 million 1959 proof quarters struck, only about 195,000 have a CAM designation and roughly 36,000 qualify as DCAM — about 3.13% of the original proof mintage.

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

This is a common source of confusion. The 2008 Alaska State Quarter and 2008 Hawaii State Quarter both carry the date “1959” because those states entered the Union that year. However, these are modern copper-nickel clad coins worth face value (or a small premium in uncirculated condition) — they are not silver and are not the 1959 Washington quarter discussed here. The actual silver 1959 Washington quarter was struck only at Philadelphia and Denver.

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

The 1959 annual proof set, which sold for $2.10 per set when originally issued, was historically significant because it was the first year the Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the Lincoln cent. The set’s complete silver melt value is approximately $44.22 based on late 2025 silver prices. A total of 1,149,291 proof sets were produced, each containing five coins: the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Franklin half dollar.

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

Washington quarters first begin to show wear on the cheek, hair curls, and the area above the ear on the obverse — these areas flatten first. On the reverse, the eagle’s breast feathers and the high points of the wing tips show wear earliest. A Mint State (MS) coin — graded MS60 through MS70 by grading services like PCGS and NGC — shows absolutely no wear and retains original luster. Compare the highest points under good lighting: a circulated coin will appear flat and gray on those high points, while an uncirculated coin retains its original silver brightness.

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

The “D” mint mark on a 1959-D quarter is located on the reverse side of the coin, just above the word DOLLAR in the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom. Philadelphia’s coins from 1959 have no mint mark at all — a blank reverse in that position identifies Philadelphia coins from this period. San Francisco produced no circulation quarters in 1959, only the proof coins, which also bear no mint mark since the “S” mark was not added to proof coins until 1968.