1979 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1979 Washington Quarter stands as a transitional milestone in numismatic history, marking the last year quarters were issued without a “P” mint mark from the Philadelphia Mint.

This seemingly minor detail represents the close of a classic era when P-mint issues were “anonymous,” making 1979 quarters significant as collectors recognize them as the end of a traditional period.

While most circulated examples trade at face value of $0.25, the historical significance becomes evident in higher grades—with no mint mark quarters reaching $8.00 in MS condition, Denver issues commanding $12.33, and the scarce Type 2 DCAM proofs valued at $7.60, reflecting collector appreciation for this pivotal transitional year.

 

1979 Quarter Value By Variety

This comprehensive value chart displays current market pricing for all 1979 Quarter varieties across different condition grades, illustrating how 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 reveals impressive value potential that defies the year’s reputation as a common, high-mintage issue, with exceptional specimens achieving remarkable auction prices that demonstrate how condition rarity drives modern numismatics.

The top performers showcase the dramatic premium gap between circulated examples and gem-quality survivors, with MS-68 specimens leading at over $1,400—proving that even billion-coin production runs can yield scarce high-grade examples.

This data contradicts the common assumption that late-1970s quarters lack investment potential, instead revealing how economic turmoil and heavy circulation created genuine condition rarity that today’s market increasingly recognizes and rewards.

For collectors seeking to explore the most profitable opportunities beyond this economically significant year, the comprehensive guide 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarters Worth Money reveals the highest-achieving specimens from all dates and mint marks, providing essential insights into the most rewarding numismatic investment strategies across the entire Washington quarter series.

 

History of the 1979 Quarter

The 1979 quarter emerged during a pivotal moment in American economic history, as the nation grappled with stagflation, energy crises, and mounting inflation that would define the late Carter era.

While Americans waited in gas lines and watched interest rates soar, the U.S. Mint quietly produced over 860 million quarters across three facilities, desperately trying to meet circulation demands in an economy where coins were disappearing into hoarding and vending machines.

What makes the 1979 quarter fascinating isn’t just its economic backdrop, but how it represents the maturation of modern copper-nickel coinage technology.

By 1979, the Mint had perfected the clad composition introduced in 1965, producing quarters with consistent strikes and improved die life. The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities struck business strikes and proofs with remarkable technical precision compared to the experimental years of the late 1960s.

The real story lies in what collectors missed at the time. While numismatists focused on silver coins and classic dates, 1979 quarters were entering circulation by the hundreds of millions, most destined for decades of heavy use.

Today, as vintage coin collecting explodes and younger collectors embrace post-silver issues, these once-overlooked quarters are being rediscovered—especially high-grade examples that somehow escaped the circulation grinder of the early 1980s recession.

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

 

Is your 1979 Quarter rare?

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

 

Key Features of the 1979 Quarter

Let’s now look at the features of the 1979 quarter. Understanding these attributes will come in handy when identifying 1979 quarters worth money.

The Obverse of the 1979 Quarter

The obverse is the top side of a coin, also known as the head.

On a 1979 quarter, the left-facing profile of George Washington takes up most of the space on the obverse. The president looks straight ahead, his hair styled in a low ponytail tied with a ribbon.

The word LIBERTY appears at the top around the coin’s inner rim, while the year date, 1979, is shown at the bottom.

You will see the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST impressed on the coin’s surface on the left side, positioned in line with Washington’s neck area.

The Reverse of the 1979 Quarter

When you turn over the coin on the reverse or tail side, you are met with a more complex design. The major image is a left-facing American eagle with its wings spread out wide.

The bird is perched on a bundle of arrows representing strength and readiness to defend. Below are olive branches tied together, symbolizing peace and unity.

Our country’s name appears boldly at the top along the inner rim, followed by the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, which means “Out of many, one.”

The coin’s denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, is shown at the bottom along the inner rim.

Other Features of the 1979 Quarter

Business strike 1979 Washington quarters are made of a pure copper center and an outer clad comprising 75% copper and 25% nickel.

This coin measures 24.30 millimeters in diameter and weighs 5.67 grams. The 1979 clad quarter features a reeded edge with denticles around the rim.

The mints in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco struck Washington quarters in 1979. You can identify where a quarter was struck by the mint mark P, D, or S; the mint mark appears on the obverse next to the President’s ponytail ribbon.

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

 

1979 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1979 quarter mintage and survival analysis reveals compelling preservation patterns during this high-production year in American coinage history.

Philadelphia and Denver business strikes demonstrate remarkably consistent survival characteristics, both maintaining identical 35% survival rates despite their massive original mintages of over 515 million and 489 million pieces respectively. This uniform survival rate suggests similar circulation patterns and preservation habits during the late Carter era, when economic uncertainty led to widespread coin hoarding and usage.

The combined business strike production exceeded one billion quarters, yet only about 352 million examples remain in collectible condition today, highlighting the extensive circulation these coins endured during the economic turbulence of 1979-1981.

The San Francisco proof varieties show incomplete survival data in current records, reflecting the specialized nature of these collector-focused specimens and ongoing research into their precise preservation statistics. The survival distribution clearly illustrates the dominance of business strikes in today’s market availability.

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 worth requires evaluating three essential factors: mint mark presence (none for Philadelphia, D for Denver, S for proofs), condition assessment focusing on Washington’s cheek and hair details plus eagle breast feathers, and proof type identification (Type 1 filled “S” versus Type 2 clear “S”). While circulated examples remain at face value, mint state specimens command premiums—Denver quarters reaching $12.33 and Type 2 DCAM proofs hitting $7.60.

The CoinValueChecker 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)
• 1979-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter (San Francisco)
• 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter (San Francisco)

The 1979 Washington Quarter series encompasses four distinct categories, reflecting the U.S. Mint’s impressive production capacity during a period of economic turbulence and high inflation.

Philadelphia struck over 515 million business strike quarters without mint marks, while Denver contributed approximately 489 million pieces bearing the “D” designation, creating a combined circulation total exceeding one billion coins to meet demands during the Carter-era economic crisis. San Francisco focused exclusively on collector-quality proof production, striking two distinct types with subtle but important differences that variety specialists actively pursue.

While business strikes remain common due to massive mintages, the Type 1 and Type 2 proof varieties offer collecting opportunities across different budget levels, providing options from affordable proof specimens to premium deep cameo examples for serious numismatists.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark Quarter represents Philadelphia’s massive production response during one of America’s most challenging economic periods, with over 515 million pieces struck to combat coin shortages amid Carter-era stagflation.

This coin showcases the Philadelphia Mint’s role as the nation’s primary quarter producer during an era when Americans were hoarding coins due to economic uncertainty and rising inflation. While extremely common due to extensive circulation during the early 1980s recession, the 1979-P quarter’s historical significance lies in representing the peak of late-1970s minting technology and the Mint’s struggle to maintain adequate circulation during economic turmoil.

Most examples entered immediate circulation and saw heavy use as the economy declined, making gem-quality specimens surprisingly scarce. The coin’s importance extends beyond its abundance, marking a period when the U.S. Mint operated under intense pressure to supply commerce during unprecedented economic challenges.

Historical auction records demonstrate the market’s recognition of exceptional preservation quality in these high-mintage Philadelphia quarters from this economically turbulent year.

Current market activity patterns reflect steady collector interest in securing premium examples of this accessible yet historically significant late-1970s quarter.

 

1979-D Quarter Value

The 1979-D Quarter represents Denver’s substantial contribution to combating coin shortages during the Carter-era economic crisis, with approximately 489 million pieces bearing the distinctive “D” mint mark.

This coin showcases the Denver Mint’s crucial role in meeting nationwide circulation demands during a period of stagflation, energy shortages, and widespread economic uncertainty. The “D” mint mark, positioned near Washington’s ponytail, identifies quarters from the Denver facility that served the western United States during this challenging economic period.

While abundant due to massive production, the 1979-D quarter’s significance lies in representing the Mint’s coordinated response to unprecedented circulation demands during late-1970s inflation.

Most examples entered immediate circulation and endured heavy use as Americans struggled with economic hardship, making high-grade specimens increasingly valuable as collectors seek well-preserved representatives from this historically important production year.

Auction performance data reveals the premium that collectors consistently place on exceptional condition examples from this high-volume Denver production during the economic turmoil period.

Market trading patterns demonstrate reliable collector demand for quality specimens of this accessible yet condition-sensitive Denver quarter from the stagflation era.

 

1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter showcases the distinctive “Near Date” variety, where the date sits noticeably closer to the rim than its Type 2 counterpart. This Type 1 features the original mint mark punch with a filled-in, blob-like “S” that appears less defined and more rounded – a telltale characteristic that variety collectors specifically seek.

The Type 1’s most diagnostic feature lies in the mint mark itself: under magnification, the “S” exhibits a distinctly different shape with thicker serifs and a more closed appearance compared to the clearer, more open “S” punch used on Type 2 examples starting mid-year. This die variety resulted from the San Francisco Mint’s use of an older, worn mint mark punch during early 1979 production.

Beyond the mint mark, Type 1 specimens often display slightly different die polishing patterns in the fields, particularly noticeable around Washington’s bust and the eagle’s breast feathers. The Deep Cameo effect on Type 1 examples tends to be more pronounced due to the earlier die state, with the heavily frosted devices creating exceptional contrast against the chrome-like mirrors.

These technical distinctions, combined with the Type 1’s lower mintage window (produced only in early 1979), make DCAM examples particularly coveted among variety specialists who prize the combination of die variety recognition and superior eye appeal.

Historical auction records demonstrate the consistent premiums these visually spectacular deep cameo specimens achieve across different market conditions and economic cycles.

Current market activity patterns reflect sustained collector enthusiasm for these exceptional contrast-effect quarters from the stagflation era’s proof production.

 

1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter features the distinctive “Clear S” mint mark variety, introduced mid-year when the San Francisco Mint began using a new, sharper punch. This Type 2’s most diagnostic feature is its crisp, well-defined “S” with thin, elegant serifs and an open interior loop – dramatically different from the filled-in, blob-like “S” of Type 1 specimens.

The Type 2 variety shows the date positioned noticeably farther from the rim, creating more field space between the date digits and the coin’s edge. Under magnification, the “S” mint mark exhibits clean, sharp edges with distinct separation between the upper and lower curves, lacking the mushy, worn appearance of the Type 1 punch.

Additionally, Type 2 dies often display different polishing patterns, particularly visible in the fields around LIBERTY and the date area, where the die preparation created subtly different flow lines. The Clear S variety became the standard for all subsequent San Francisco proof coinage, making the 1979 Type 2 a transitional piece marking the mint’s shift to improved punch technology.

While Type 2 quarters are more common than Type 1 (produced from mid-1979 through year’s end), DCAM examples remain highly desirable. The combination of the Clear S variety markers and deep cameo contrast creates a compelling collectible that represents both technical excellence and numismatic history – the moment when the San Francisco Mint modernized its mint mark punches for the new decade ahead.

Historical auction performance data reveals how the marketplace values these specialized Type 2 deep cameo varieties compared to their Type 1 counterparts.

Current market activity demonstrates the growing recognition among collectors of these distinct die variety characteristics and their collecting significance.

1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Quarter represents a pivotal moment in U.S. Mint history, bearing the Cherrypickers’ Guide catalog designation that officially recognizes this transitional variety in numismatic literature.

The FS-501 designation marks this coin’s inclusion in the Fivaz-Stanton reference system, placing it within the prestigious mintmark variety category (501-699) that serious collectors actively pursue. This Type 2 features the revolutionary “Clear S” mintmark – a dramatic improvement introduced mid-1979 when frustrated San Francisco Mint officials finally replaced their worn, blob-producing punch with crisp new equipment.

The transformation was immediate and striking: where Type 1 coins displayed mushy, filled loops that barely resembled an “S,” this Type 2 FS-501 showcases sharp, elegant serifs with distinct separation between the upper and lower curves. The date sits noticeably farther from the rim, creating harmonious field spacing that enhances the coin’s overall aesthetic appeal.

What makes the FS-501 designation particularly significant is its recognition in the Cherrypickers’ Guide – the variety collector’s bible – formally documenting this mintmark evolution for posterity. Combined with the Deep Cameo effect’s heavily frosted devices against mirror-like fields, these quarters represent the moment when the San Francisco Mint stepped boldly into modern precision, abandoning decades of deteriorating punch technology.

For variety specialists, the FS-501 catalog number transforms this from merely a Type 2 proof into a documented piece of minting history, capturing the exact moment when American proof coinage embraced clarity over tradition.

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 quarters struck in 1979 across three mints, minting errors are inevitable during this high-production year.

If you come across an odd-looking 1979 quarter error, you might be the lucky owner of an error coin that’s potentially worth much more than face value.

Here are some 1979 quarter errors worth money you should look out for:

1.  1979 Struck Through Grease Quarter Error

Struck-through errors happen when a foreign object gets between the die and the planchet during the minting process.

As a result of the foreign object, the design is not fully transferred onto the planchet, resulting in a blurry coin that may sometimes miss details, such as the mint mark or parts of Washington’s profile.

Grease from the minting machine may sometimes come between the planchet and die, resulting in a struck-through error on the coin with weak or missing design elements.

A 1979 quarter with a struck-through error can fetch as much as $75, but you can expect more if the coin is generally in good condition.

2. 1979 Off-Center Strike Quarter Error

Off-center errors are those in which the design elements, such as Washington’s bust on the obverse or the eagle on the reverse, are placed away from the center.

In this case, the design may appear more to the right, left, or toward the top or bottom of the planchet. The more dramatic the off-center percentage, the higher the value.

You can expect between $80 and $120 if you own such a coin, depending on the degree of the off-center strike.

3. 1979 Clad Plating Quarter Error

The 1979 quarter comprises a copper-nickel cladding, with nickel giving the coin its characteristic silver appearance. In some instances, though, the nickel layer may be missing due to a minting error.

The absence of the nickel layer will leave the coin looking copper-colored, dull, and different from normal quarters on the affected areas. This certainly makes for an interesting coin that’s highly desirable among error collectors.

Such an error coin is valued at between $25 and $40, depending on how extensive the missing nickel plating is.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Quarter ?

Now that you understand the value potential of your 1979 quarters, selecting the right selling platform will help you maximize your return and connect with collectors who recognize the hidden opportunities in these Carter-era coins before the broader market catches up.

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 the 1979 quarter worth anything?

Most 1979 Washington quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, a 1979 quarter might be valuable if it’s in exceptional mint state condition (MS-65 and above), has minting errors, or is a proof variety from San Francisco. High-grade business strikes can fetch hundreds of dollars, while proof deep cameo specimens can be worth premium prices depending on their grade and type variety.

2. Is a 1979 coin rare?

Generally, 1979 Washington quarters are not rare due to the massive mintage of over one billion coins struck across three mints. However, finding them in pristine mint state condition is challenging since most entered circulation during the economic turmoil of the early 1980s. Proof varieties and error coins from 1979 can be considered scarce in the collector market.

3. What are 1979 dollar coins made of?

1979 quarters (not dollars) are made of a copper-nickel clad composition, consisting of a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition was adopted in 1965 when silver was removed from circulating quarters due to rising precious metal prices.