1979 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1979 Washington Quarter holds a unique place in American numismatic history as the last year Philadelphia quarters were struck without a “P” mint mark. Starting in 1980, Philadelphia finally began adding its “P” to coins — closing a nearly 50-year tradition of anonymous Philadelphia issues.

That seemingly small detail makes 1979 quarters genuinely transitional. Most circulated examples are worth only face value today, but the story gets far more interesting in higher grades. A pristine no-mint-mark example sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022, a Denver quarter fetched $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014, and the proof varieties from San Francisco offer their own collecting opportunities — particularly the rarer Type 2 “Clear S” variety with its Deep Cameo finish.

 

1979 Quarter Value By Variety

This value chart displays current market pricing for all 1979 Quarter varieties across different condition grades. Mint marks and proof types significantly impact collector values in today’s numismatic marketplace.

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 1979 Quarter Worth Money

The 1979 Quarter market proves that even billion-coin production runs can produce genuine condition rarities that reward patient collectors.

The top results highlight a pattern worth understanding: MS-68 examples — “Mint State 68,” meaning a virtually perfect uncirculated coin — are almost impossibly rare for clad coins with this much circulation history. A single 1979 no-mint-mark MS-68 sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022, demonstrating the dramatic premium the finest survivors command.

The 1979-D in MS-67 achieved $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. That price for a coin with a 489-million mintage shows how condition, not rarity at birth, drives modern coin values. The proof coins and error varieties round out the list, confirming that multiple pathways exist to value within this single year.

 

History Of The 1979 Quarter

The 1979 quarter arrived at a fascinating and turbulent moment in American history. The nation was gripped by stagflation — a brutal combination of high inflation and economic stagnation — along with an energy crisis that put Americans in long gas lines and rattled public confidence.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. Mint was under enormous pressure to produce coins. Philadelphia and Denver together struck over one billion quarters in 1979, a figure that would have seemed extraordinary just a decade earlier when the introduction of clad coinage was still being refined.

Here is a historical detail that surprises many collectors: not all of those 515 million “Philadelphia” no-mintmark quarters were actually made in Philadelphia. According to numismatic researcher Walter Breen, approximately 22,672,000 of the 1979 no-mintmark issues were struck at the West Point Mint in New York, which was quietly supplementing Philadelphia’s output during the coin shortage. These West Point-struck quarters carry no distinguishing mark of any kind — making them visually identical to their Philadelphia counterparts and impossible to separate today. The U.S. Mint deliberately kept this secret to prevent collector hoarding.

The year 1979 was also the last full year before the Philadelphia Mint added the “P” mint mark to its circulating coinage. That change came in 1980 for all denominations except the cent. It was a decision that effectively ended decades of “anonymous” Philadelphia production — and makes 1979 a clear closing chapter of that era.

The San Francisco Mint struck only proof coins in 1979 — no circulation strikes. It produced 3,677,175 proof sets, but mid-year introduced a new, sharper mint mark punch. This created the famous Type 1 versus Type 2 distinction that variety collectors actively pursue today.

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

 

Is Your 1979 Quarter Rare?

Use our Coin Value Checker App to instantly assess the rarity ranking and market activity level of any quarter in your collection.

 

Key Features Of The 1979 Quarter

Understanding the key physical features of the 1979 quarter will help you identify varieties and spot errors worth money.

The Obverse Of The 1979 Quarter

The obverse — or “heads” side — of the 1979 quarter carries a left-facing portrait of George Washington. This design was created by sculptor John Flanagan in 1932, modeled after a famous 1785 bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

“LIBERTY” curves along the top of the coin, the year 1979 sits at the bottom, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of Washington’s neck. The mint mark — a “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco — is found on the obverse, tucked just behind Washington’s ponytail ribbon. Philadelphia quarters have no letter here, which is their defining characteristic for the 1979 year and all prior years.

The Reverse Of The 1979 Quarter

The reverse — or “tails” side — shows a heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, perched on a bundle of thirteen arrows representing the original states. An olive branch below the eagle symbolizes peace. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs across the top, followed by the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — Latin for “From the many, one.” “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears along the bottom rim.

The 1979 reverse uses the Heraldic Eagle design that returned to the quarter in 1977, after the special Bicentennial drum-and-torch reverse of 1975–1976. This is the same reverse used through 1998, giving the 1979 quarter a design that is familiar to nearly every American.

Other Features Of The 1979 Quarter

The 1979 Washington quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad construction: a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin measures 24.30 millimeters in diameter, weighs exactly 5.67 grams, and has a reeded (ridged) edge.

An important note for identification: there are no 1979 silver quarters from official U.S. Mint production. All 1979 quarters — including the San Francisco proofs — are clad copper-nickel. Any 1979 quarter being sold as “silver” should be viewed with skepticism unless thoroughly authenticated.

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

 

1979 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage and survival data for the 1979 quarter reveals the brutal impact of the early 1980s recession on coin preservation. Philadelphia and Denver each maintained about 35% survival rates despite combined production exceeding one billion pieces.

Both business-strike varieties show identical 35% survival rates, reflecting how heavily these coins circulated during the economic turbulence of the Carter and early Reagan years. The combined figure means roughly 650 million of the original billion-plus examples have been lost, worn beyond collectibility, or otherwise removed from the numismatic pool.

The San Francisco proofs survive at much higher rates because they were purchased and preserved by collectors who never spent them. The 3,677,175 total proof mintage is a tiny fraction of the business-strike output — yet proof examples are comparatively easy to find in top condition today because of intentional preservation.

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

 

The Easy Way To Know Your 1979 Quarter Value

Determining your 1979 Quarter’s value comes down to three things: which mint made it, what grade it’s in, and whether it has any notable errors or proof varieties. Circulated examples are worth face value; it’s the higher grades and special characteristics where real value emerges.

For grading purposes, focus on Washington’s cheekbone and the detail in his hair above the ear — these are the first areas to show wear. On the reverse, check the sharpness of the eagle’s breast feathers. A coin with flat, worn high points is circulated; one with full original luster and sharp detail is a candidate for professional grading.

The Coin Value Checker App provides instant professional grading, real-time valuations across all varieties, and accurate rarity rankings — delivering comprehensive assessment results within seconds.

 

1979 Quarter Value Guides

• 1979 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia / West Point)
• 1979-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter (San Francisco — Filled S)
• 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter (San Francisco — Clear S)

The 1979 Washington Quarter series encompasses four distinct collectible categories. Philadelphia and West Point produced over 515 million no-mintmark business strikes, while Denver contributed approximately 489 million pieces bearing the “D” designation. San Francisco focused exclusively on collector proofs in two distinct types that affect value significantly.

While business strikes are common due to massive mintages, high-grade survivors are genuine condition rarities. The Type 1 and Type 2 proof varieties provide a range of collecting options from affordable proof specimens to premium Deep Cameo examples — and the FS-501 variety designation for the Type 2 adds a layer of numismatic documentation that serious collectors specifically seek.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark quarter is Philadelphia’s entry in what became the final year of anonymous P-mint quarter production. With over 515 million coins struck — a figure that includes approximately 22,672,000 pieces quietly produced at the West Point Mint — this is one of the highest-mintage Washington quarters ever made.

Despite that enormous mintage, the MS-68 grade represents a genuine condition rarity. The single finest known 1979 No Mint Mark quarter graded MS-68 sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Only one PCGS-graded MS-68 example is known to exist, which pushes estimates for that coin as high as $10,000 if it appeared at auction today. MS-67 examples are far less dramatic but still worth $825 or more.

For collectors, the most accessible premium targets are MS-65 through MS-66 range examples. These offer genuine quality at more reasonable prices and serve as excellent entry points for Washington quarter registry collecting.

Historical auction records demonstrate the market’s recognition of exceptional preservation quality in these high-mintage Philadelphia quarters:

Current market activity patterns reflect steady collector interest in securing premium examples of this historically significant transitional-year quarter:

 

1979-D Quarter Value

The 1979-D quarter bears the small “D” mint mark just behind Washington’s ponytail ribbon, identifying it as a product of the Denver Mint. Denver contributed approximately 489,789,780 pieces — slightly fewer than Philadelphia — making this the second most common 1979 Quarter variety.

Like the Philadelphia issue, the 1979-D is common in circulated grades but a genuine rarity in the highest mint state grades. The auction record for a 1979-D quarter is remarkable: a coin graded MS-67 — meaning “Mint State 67,” representing near-perfect preservation — sold for $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. That’s a striking premium for a coin with nearly 490 million siblings.

A confirmed 1979-D with a Filled D mint mark error — where grease clogged the die, creating a blobby, closed “D” — sold for $284 at Stack’s Bowers in 2023 (MS-64) and $520 at Heritage Auctions the same year (MS-65). This specific error is more documented and graded than the original article covered, and it represents a real premium over standard examples.

Auction performance data reveals the premium that collectors consistently place on exceptional condition examples from this high-volume Denver production:

Market trading patterns demonstrate reliable collector demand for quality specimens of this condition-sensitive Denver quarter:

 

1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter is the “Filled S” variety — struck with a worn, older mint mark punch that produced a blurry, closed-looking “S” with thick, mushy serifs. Under magnification, the interior curves of the letter appear filled in rather than open, which is the Type 1’s most reliable diagnostic feature.

“DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo — the highest visual quality designation given to proof coins by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). It means the raised design elements (called “devices”) display brilliant, snow-white frosting, while the flat background areas (the “fields”) look like polished black mirrors. Only the finest proof coins earn this designation.

The Type 1 was produced during the first part of 1979 before the San Francisco Mint switched to a new punch. A PR-70 DCAM Type 1 — a perfect proof with Deep Cameo contrast — sold for $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2003. While values have softened at the top grades as certified populations have grown, DCAM examples in PR-69 remain actively sought by variety collectors who want both die variety recognition and superior eye appeal.

Historical auction records demonstrate the consistent premiums these visually spectacular Deep Cameo specimens achieve:

Current market activity patterns reflect sustained collector enthusiasm for these exceptional contrast-effect quarters:

 

1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter is the “Clear S” variety — introduced mid-1979 when the San Francisco Mint replaced its worn mint mark punch with new, sharper equipment. The difference is immediately visible: the Type 2 “S” has clean, crisp curves with distinct open loops and thin, elegant serifs, compared to the mushy, filled appearance of the Type 1 punch.

Because the Type 2 punch was only used from mid-1979 through year-end, fewer Type 2 proofs were struck than Type 1 examples — making the Type 2 the rarer and more sought-after of the two. A perfect PR-70 DCAM Type 2 sold for $495 at Heritage Auctions in 2003, slightly above the Type 1’s $403 record that same year.

The Type 2 also carries the date positioned farther from the rim than the Type 1, creating additional field space that further distinguishes the two varieties under magnification. Collectors who want to confirm a Type 2 identification should examine both the mint mark shape and the date position together.

Historical auction performance data reveals how the marketplace values these specialized Type 2 Deep Cameo varieties:

Current market activity demonstrates the growing recognition among collectors of these distinct die variety characteristics:

1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Quarter carries the “FS-501” designation from the Fivaz-Stanton reference system — popularly known as the Cherrypickers’ Guide, which is the standard reference book for U.S. coin varieties. The “FS” prefix and number formally catalog and authenticate this specific variety in numismatic literature, placing it in the mint mark variety category (FS-501 through FS-699) that dedicated collectors actively document and pursue.

What this means in practical terms: a coin with an FS designation has been officially recognized by the numismatic community as a distinct, collectible variety. The FS-501 number transforms the 1979-S Type 2 from simply a “nicer-looking S” into a documented piece of minting history — one that specifically records the moment the San Francisco Mint modernized its punch technology mid-year.

For variety collectors, the FS-501 catalog number adds a layer of collecting legitimacy and trackability. It connects the coin to a published reference, which in turn supports market premiums over standard Type 2 examples. Combined with the Deep Cameo finish, this is the most collectible proof quarter variant from 1979.

Current market activity reflects the intense competition among advanced collectors pursuing these officially cataloged and authenticated variety designations:

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1979 Quarter Errors List

With over one billion 1979 quarters struck across three mints, minting errors were inevitable during this high-pressure production year. If your coin looks unusual, you could be holding something genuinely valuable.

Here are the documented 1979 Quarter errors worth money — including several with specific, verified auction results:

1. 1979 Struck Through Grease Quarter Error

Struck-through errors happen when a foreign object — in this case, lubricating grease from the minting machinery — gets between the die and the planchet (the blank metal disk). The grease blocks part of the design from transferring onto the coin, resulting in weak, missing, or blurry details.

On a 1979 quarter, this might show up as a soft or missing portion of Washington’s portrait, a faint or absent mint mark, or indistinct lettering. The degree of the strike-through determines the value. Coins with this error can fetch up to $75 depending on the size of the affected area and the coin’s overall condition.

2. 1979 Off-Center Strike Quarter Error

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly centered between the dies before striking. The result is a coin where Washington’s portrait and the reverse eagle appear shifted toward one side, with a blank crescent of unstruck metal visible elsewhere.

The more dramatic the misalignment, the more valuable the coin. A 1979 quarter that is 10% to 20% off-center can fetch $25 to $30. If you find one that’s 50% off-center and still shows a visible, complete date, that coin could be worth over $200 — making it by far the most visually dramatic of all 1979 quarter errors.

3. 1979 Missing Clad Layer Quarter Error

The 1979 quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad sandwich. In rare cases, one of the outer metal layers fails to bond properly to the copper core before striking, leaving that side of the coin with a copper-colored appearance instead of the expected silver-white tone.

A 1979-P quarter missing its obverse clad layer sold for $80 in MS-64 condition. Values for this error typically range from $25 to $100 depending on how much of the layer is missing and the coin’s grade.

4. 1979-D Filled Mint Mark Quarter Error

The Filled D error is specific to Denver-minted 1979 quarters. It happens when grease, dirt, or debris fills the “D” mint mark cavity in the die, causing the mint mark to strike as a blobby, closed shape with little or no open interior space — similar in appearance to the Type 1 Filled S on the San Francisco proofs.

This is one of the most specifically documented 1979 quarter errors with verified recent sales. A confirmed 1979-D Filled D example graded MS-64 sold for $284 at Stack’s Bowers in 2023, while an MS-65 example sold for $520 at Heritage Auctions in the same year. Minor examples with partial fills trade for $50 to $150 in uncirculated grades.

5. 1979 Double Curved Clip Quarter Error

A clipped planchet error occurs when the blanking punch that cuts coin blanks from metal strips overlaps a previously punched area, removing a curved section from the blank’s edge. A “double curved clip” means this happened twice on the same planchet, leaving two distinct smooth, curved indentations on the coin’s rim.

This is a visually dramatic and desirable error. A 1979 Philadelphia quarter with a double curved clip error graded MS-65 sold for $500. Single clip errors are also documented and typically range from $20 to $500 depending on the size and prominence of the clip.

6. 1979 Struck Through Staple Quarter Error

When a metal staple accidentally enters the coin press, it can become trapped between the die and the planchet during the strike. The result is a small, staple-shaped indentation pressed into the coin’s surface — a permanent and verifiable record of the accident. A 1979-D quarter struck through a staple in MS-65 condition sold for approximately $330 in 2015, confirming strong collector interest in visually identifiable struck-through error coins.

7. 1979 Wrong Planchet Quarter Error

One of the most dramatic error types occurs when a quarter design is accidentally struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination. A 1979 quarter struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet — which is slightly smaller and lighter than a proper quarter planchet — has been confirmed and sold in Extra Fine (XF) grade for $184 at Heritage Auctions. These errors are rare, visually striking, and require professional authentication to confirm.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1979 Quarter?

Found a valuable 1979 quarter and ready to sell? Selecting the right platform will help you maximize your return and connect with collectors who recognize the value in these coins.

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

 

1979 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1979 Quarter

1. Is A 1979 Quarter Worth Anything?

Most circulated 1979 quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, the story changes dramatically in higher grades and for specific varieties. A 1979 no-mint-mark example graded MS-68 sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022, and an MS-67 Denver example fetched $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. Proof varieties, Type 2 “Clear S” coins, and error coins can all command significant premiums above face value.

2. Why Do 1979 Quarters Have No “P” Mint Mark?

The Philadelphia Mint did not place a “P” mint mark on circulating quarters until 1980. Before that change, Philadelphia coins were simply issued without any mint mark — a tradition going back decades. The 1979 quarter is therefore the last year in which Philadelphia’s quarter production was “anonymous.” Starting with 1980 issues, a small “P” began appearing on the obverse behind Washington’s ponytail, where the “D” appears on Denver coins.

3. Did The West Point Mint Make 1979 Quarters?

Yes — and this surprises most collectors. According to numismatic researcher Walter Breen, approximately 22,672,000 of the 1979 no-mintmark quarters were actually struck at the West Point Mint in New York, not in Philadelphia. The West Point Mint was quietly supplementing Philadelphia’s output during the coin shortage. However, these coins carry absolutely no distinguishing marks and are visually identical to Philadelphia-made examples. They cannot be separated today, making this a fascinating historical footnote rather than a collectible distinction.

4. What Is The Difference Between 1979 Type 1 And Type 2 Proof Quarters?

Both are San Francisco proof quarters, but they were struck with different mint mark punches. Type 1 (Filled S) was made early in 1979 using a worn, older punch that produced a blurry, closed-looking “S.” Type 2 (Clear S) was introduced mid-year with a new, sharper punch that created a crisp, open “S” with thin, elegant serifs. The Type 2 is rarer because it was only struck for part of the year. A PR-70 DCAM Type 2 sold for $495 at Heritage Auctions in 2003, while the Type 1 in the same grade sold for $403 that same year.

5. What Does DCAM Mean On A 1979 Quarter?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — the highest visual quality designation awarded by PCGS to proof coins. An NGC equivalent is called “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM). A DCAM coin displays brilliant white frosted design elements (devices) against a deeply mirrored, black-mirror background (fields). Only the finest proof coins with the strongest, most dramatic contrast earn this designation. The DCAM designation on a 1979-S quarter significantly increases its value compared to a standard proof example.

6. What Is The Most Valuable 1979 Quarter Ever Sold?

The most valuable confirmed 1979 quarter sale is the no-mint-mark (Philadelphia) example graded MS-68 that sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Only one PCGS-graded MS-68 example is known to exist for this variety, making it an extreme rarity despite the 515-million mintage. An MS-67 Denver quarter sold for $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014 — another impressive result that underscores the premium condition rarity commands.

7. What 1979 Quarter Errors Are Worth The Most Money?

The most valuable documented 1979 quarter errors include: the Filled D mint mark error (MS-65 example sold for $520 at Heritage Auctions in 2023), the double curved clip error (MS-65 example sold for $500), the struck-through staple error (MS-65 example sold for approximately $330 in 2015), a wrong planchet example struck on a nickel planchet (XF grade sold for $184 at Heritage Auctions), and dramatic off-center strikes (50% off-center examples with visible dates can exceed $200). Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before buying or selling any error coin.

8. Is There A 1979 Silver Quarter?

No. The U.S. Mint did not officially produce any silver 1979 quarters. All 1979 quarters — including the San Francisco proofs — are made of copper-nickel clad. The silver quarter era ended in 1964 when rising silver prices forced the switch to clad composition. Some San Francisco proof sets from later years (like 1992 and beyond) contain silver proof quarters, but 1979 is strictly a clad year. Any coin being sold as a “1979 silver quarter” should be weighed carefully — a genuine clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, and a silver quarter would weigh 6.25 grams.

9. Should I Get My 1979 Quarter Professionally Graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worth the expense only when the potential grade and value justify the cost. PCGS and NGC submission fees start at approximately $30–$50 per coin, plus shipping, which means the coin’s value needs to exceed this investment. For 1979 quarters, professional grading makes sense if: the coin appears to be MS-66 or higher (where even small grade differences translate to big value jumps), the coin has a documented mint error, or the coin is a 1979-S proof that might grade PR-69 or PR-70 DCAM. For a typical circulated or low-grade uncirculated example worth $5, grading costs would far outweigh any potential gain.

10. How Can I Tell If My 1979 Quarter Has A Filled D Or Filled S Error?

Both the Filled D and Filled S errors are identified by examining the mint mark under magnification — a jeweler’s loupe at 5x to 10x magnification is ideal. On a genuine Filled D error, the “D” mint mark will appear blobby or closed, with little to no open interior space, rather than looking like a clean, open letter. On a Type 1 “Filled S” proof, the “S” looks thick-serifed and mushy with closed loops. Be aware that worn, post-mint damage to a normal coin can sometimes create a similar appearance. Professional authentication confirms whether the fill is from grease in the die (a true error) or simply a result of wear. A confirmed Filled D in MS-65 recently sold for $520 at Heritage Auctions in 2023, so authentication is worth pursuing for strong candidates.