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

1979 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $1,440. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range right away. You can also scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what buyers are actually paying right now.

 

1979 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what each 1979 quarter variety is selling for right now across different grades.

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

A single 1979 no-mint-mark MS-68 sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Think about that — over a billion of these were struck, and one coin in near-perfect shape brought almost $1,500. That’s what “condition rarity” looks like in the modern clad series.

The 1979-D in MS-67 hit $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. With 489 million minted, it’s not the birth rarity that matters here — it’s surviving 40+ years without bag marks or handling damage. Proof coins and error varieties fill out the rest of the list, so there’s more than one way to find value in this date.

 

History Of The 1979 Quarter

The 1979 quarter came out during a rough stretch. Stagflation was hammering the economy — high inflation, stagnant growth, and gas lines that stretched around the block. Public confidence was shaky.

The Mint responded by cranking out coins. Philadelphia and Denver combined for over one billion quarters in 1979. That would’ve been unthinkable just a decade earlier when clad coinage was still finding its footing.

Here’s a detail that catches most collectors off guard: not all of those 515 million “Philadelphia” no-mintmark quarters actually came from Philadelphia. Numismatic researcher Walter Breen documented that approximately 22,672,000 were struck at the West Point Mint in New York. West Point was quietly helping Philadelphia keep up with demand. These coins carry no distinguishing marks whatsoever — they’re visually identical to Philly strikes and impossible to separate today. The Mint kept it quiet on purpose to prevent collector hoarding.

1979 was also the last full year before Philadelphia started adding the “P” mint mark to circulating coinage. That change hit in 1980 for all denominations except the cent. So 1979 closes the book on decades of “anonymous” Philadelphia production.

San Francisco struck only proof coins in 1979 — no circulation strikes. The Mint produced 3,677,175 proof sets, but switched to a new, sharper mint mark punch partway through the year. That mid-year change created the Type 1 vs. Type 2 split that variety collectors chase today.

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

 

Is Your 1979 Quarter Rare?

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

 

Key Features Of The 1979 Quarter

Knowing what to look for on your 1979 quarter helps you spot varieties and errors that are actually worth money.

The Obverse Of The 1979 Quarter

The obverse — the “heads” side — shows George Washington facing left. John Flanagan designed this portrait in 1932, basing it on a famous 1785 bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

“LIBERTY” curves along the top, 1979 sits at the bottom, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears left of Washington’s neck. Look behind the ponytail ribbon for the mint mark — “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco. No letter there? That’s your Philadelphia (or possibly West Point) coin, and that blank spot is the defining feature for 1979 and all earlier years.

The Reverse Of The 1979 Quarter

Flip it over and you’ll see a heraldic eagle with wings spread, perched on a bundle of thirteen arrows for the original states. An olive branch below the eagle stands for peace. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs across the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” sits beneath it, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” runs along the bottom rim.

This Heraldic Eagle reverse returned to the quarter in 1977 after the special Bicentennial drum-and-torch design of 1975–1976. The same reverse ran through 1998, so it’s one of the most familiar coin designs in American pockets.

Other Features Of The 1979 Quarter

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

One important point: there are no 1979 silver quarters from official U.S. Mint production. Every 1979 quarter — including San Francisco proofs — is clad copper-nickel. If someone’s selling a “1979 silver quarter,” be skeptical unless it’s been properly authenticated.

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

 

1979 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia and Denver each show about 35% survival rates. That means roughly 650 million of the original billion-plus coins are gone — worn out, lost in couch cushions, or tossed into jars and forgotten during the economic turbulence of the late Carter and early Reagan years.

Both business-strike varieties share that identical 35% survival rate, which tells you how heavily these coins circulated. To put it another way, for every three quarters struck in 1979, two are effectively gone from the collectible supply.

San Francisco proofs survive at much higher rates because collectors bought them, put them in cases, and never spent them. The 3,677,175 total proof mintage is tiny compared to business strikes — yet top-condition proofs are easier to find today precisely because people took care of them.

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

 

The Easy Way To Know Your 1979 Quarter Value

Figuring out your 1979 quarter’s value comes down to three things: which mint made it, what grade it’s in, and whether it has any errors or proof varieties. Circulated examples are worth face value. The real money shows up in higher grades and special characteristics.

For a quick grade check, look at Washington’s cheekbone and the hair detail above his ear — those wear first. On the reverse, check the eagle’s breast feathers. Flat, mushy high points mean circulated. Full original luster with sharp detail? That coin might be worth sending in for professional grading.

The Coin Identifier and Value 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)

You’ve got four collectible categories for 1979. Philadelphia and West Point produced over 515 million no-mintmark business strikes, Denver added approximately 489 million with the “D” mark, and San Francisco made collector proofs in two distinct types.

Business strikes are common in lower grades. High-grade survivors are a completely different kind of rare. The Type 1 and Type 2 proof split gives you options from affordable proof specimens to premium Deep Cameo examples, and the FS-501 designation on the Type 2 adds documented variety status that registry set collectors specifically target.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

Most people assume a coin with 515 million siblings can’t be worth much. They’re right — until you hit MS-67 and above, where the price jumps are staggering. This is Philadelphia’s final year without a “P” mint mark, and the mintage includes approximately 22,672,000 pieces quietly struck at West Point.

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 exists, which pushes estimates as high as $10,000 if it came to auction today. MS-67 examples still bring $825 or more.

Your best shot at an affordable premium coin? Look in the MS-65 to MS-66 range. These offer real quality without the five-figure price tags, and they’re solid entry points for Washington quarter registry collecting.

Here’s what these Philadelphia quarters have brought at auction:

Current market activity for this transitional-year quarter:

Market activity score: 46/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 50 (Jul 2026).

 

1979-D Quarter Value

Can a coin with 489,789,780 mintage sell for over $1,000? It already has. Look for the small “D” behind Washington’s ponytail ribbon — that’s your Denver coin, the second most common 1979 variety.

An MS-67 example sold for $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. That’s a wild premium for a coin you can pull from a roll for a quarter. But in MS-67, everything had to go right — clean planchet, perfect strike, no contact marks from 40 years of handling.

There’s also a Filled D mint mark error worth knowing about. Grease clogged the die cavity, making the “D” look blobby and closed. A confirmed MS-64 sold for $284 at Stack’s Bowers in 2023, and an MS-65 brought $520 at Heritage Auctions the same year. I think this error is underappreciated — it’s well-documented and still cherrypickable in raw rolls.

Auction results showing the premium top-grade Denver coins command:

Trading activity for the 1979-D:

Market activity score: 46/100 as of Sep 2026 — down 1 point from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 50 (Aug 2026).

 

1979-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter Value

Grab a loupe and look at the “S” mint mark. If the interior curves look filled in — thick, mushy serifs with closed loops — you’ve got a Type 1. This “Filled S” came from a worn, older punch that San Francisco used during the first part of 1979.

“DCAM” means Deep Cameo, the highest visual quality grade PCGS gives a proof coin. Snow-white frosted devices against jet-black mirror fields. Not every proof earns it. Only the sharpest contrast coins get the DCAM label.

A PR-70 DCAM Type 1 sold for $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2003. Values at the top grades have softened as more coins get slabbed, but PR-69 DCAM examples still draw steady interest from variety collectors who want both the die variety recognition and strong eye appeal.

Auction history for these Deep Cameo Type 1 proofs:

Market activity for the Type 1 DCAM:

Market activity score: 50/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1979-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter Value

Why does the Type 2 cost more than the Type 1? Fewer were made. Mid-1979, San Francisco swapped in a new, sharper mint mark punch. The “S” on a Type 2 has clean, crisp curves with distinct open loops and thin, elegant serifs — night-and-day difference from the mushy Type 1.

A perfect PR-70 DCAM Type 2 sold for $495 at Heritage Auctions in 2003, edging out the Type 1’s $403 record from that same year. The scarcity gap between the two types keeps the Type 2 as the more sought-after coin.

One more identification tip: the date sits farther from the rim on the Type 2, creating more field space. Check both the mint mark shape and the date position together to confirm what you’ve got.

Auction results for the Type 2 Deep Cameo variety:

Market activity for the Type 2 DCAM:

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Quarter Value

The “FS-501” comes from the Fivaz-Stanton numbering system — that’s the Cherrypickers’ Guide, the go-to reference for U.S. coin varieties. The FS-501 number slots this into the mint mark variety category (FS-501 through FS-699) and gives it official recognition in numismatic literature.

What does that mean for you? A coin with an FS designation has been formally cataloged as a distinct collectible variety. It’s not just “a nicer-looking S” anymore — it’s a documented piece of minting history recording the moment San Francisco upgraded its punch technology mid-year.

We think this is the most collectible proof quarter from 1979. The FS-501 catalog number supports market premiums over standard Type 2 examples, connects the coin to a published reference, and gives registry set collectors something specific to chase. Pair that with the Deep Cameo finish and you’ve got the top-tier 1979 proof quarter.

Market activity for the FS-501 variety:

Market activity score: 38/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 46 (Nov 2025).

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1979 Quarter Errors List

Over a billion 1979 quarters across three mints — mistakes were bound to happen. If your coin looks off, it might be worth real money.

Here are the documented 1979 quarter errors with verified auction results:

1. 1979 Struck Through Grease Quarter Error

Grease from the minting press gets trapped between the die and the planchet (the blank metal disk). That grease blocks part of the design from transferring, leaving weak, missing, or blurry details on the finished coin.

On a 1979 quarter, you might see a soft or missing section of Washington’s portrait, a faint mint mark, or mushy lettering. The bigger the affected area, the more it’s worth. These can bring up to $75 depending on how dramatic the strike-through is and the coin’s overall condition.

2. 1979 Off-Center Strike Quarter Error

This happens when the planchet isn’t centered between the dies before the strike. You get Washington’s portrait shifted to one side with a blank crescent of unstruck metal on the other. Hard to miss.

The more dramatic the shift, the bigger the premium. A 1979 quarter that’s 10% to 20% off-center runs $25 to $30. Find one that’s 50% off-center with a complete, readable date? That could top $200. It’s the most visually striking error type for this year.

3. 1979 Missing Clad Layer Quarter Error

The 1979 quarter is a copper-nickel sandwich. Sometimes one of the outer nickel layers doesn’t bond properly to the copper core before striking. The result? One side of the coin looks copper-colored instead of the usual silver-white.

A 1979-P quarter missing its obverse clad layer sold for $80 in MS-64 condition. Values 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

This one’s specific to Denver coins. Grease, dirt, or debris fills the “D” cavity in the die, so the mint mark strikes as a blobby, closed shape with little or no open interior — similar to the Type 1 Filled S on San Francisco proofs.

This is one of the best-documented 1979 errors with solid recent sales. A confirmed MS-64 sold for $284 at Stack’s Bowers in 2023. An MS-65 brought $520 at Heritage Auctions the same year. Partial fills in uncirculated grades trade for $50 to $150. Definitely worth cherrypicking for in raw rolls.

5. 1979 Double Curved Clip Quarter Error

A clipped planchet error happens when the blanking punch overlaps a previously punched area on the metal strip, cutting a curved chunk off the blank’s edge. “Double curved clip” means it happened twice on the same planchet — two distinct smooth, curved indentations on the rim.

Eye-catching and desirable. A 1979 Philadelphia quarter with a double curved clip graded MS-65 sold for $500. Single clips are also documented, ranging from $20 to $500 depending on size and prominence.

6. 1979 Struck Through Staple Quarter Error

A metal staple gets into the press and lands between the die and planchet during the strike. The result is a small, staple-shaped indentation pressed permanently into the coin’s surface. A 1979-D quarter struck through a staple in MS-65 condition sold for approximately $330 in 2015. Collectors love these because the cause of the error is immediately identifiable.

7. 1979 Wrong Planchet Quarter Error

This is the showstopper. A quarter design gets struck on a planchet meant for a different denomination. A 1979 quarter struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet — smaller and lighter than a proper quarter blank — has been confirmed. It sold in Extra Fine (XF) grade for $184 at Heritage Auctions. These are rare, visually obvious, and need 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 interest: 33,960 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. 12-month peak: 36,850 (Jan 2026).

*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 examples? Just 25 cents. But grade matters enormously here. A no-mint-mark MS-68 sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022, and a Denver MS-67 fetched $1,078 at GreatCollections in 2014. Proof varieties, Type 2 “Clear S” coins, and error coins can all bring serious premiums.

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

Philadelphia didn’t put a “P” on circulating quarters until 1980. Before that, Philly coins just went out blank — no mint mark at all. That tradition went back decades. The 1979 quarter is the last year of anonymous Philadelphia quarter production. Starting in 1980, a small “P” appeared behind Washington’s ponytail, right where the “D” sits on Denver coins.

3. Did The West Point Mint Make 1979 Quarters?

Yes, and most collectors don’t know this. According to numismatic researcher Walter Breen, approximately 22,672,000 of the 1979 no-mintmark quarters were actually struck at West Point in New York. The facility was quietly helping Philadelphia meet demand during the coin shortage. But these coins carry no distinguishing marks — they’re identical to Philadelphia strikes and can’t be separated today. Interesting history, but not a collectible distinction.

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

Both come from San Francisco, but they used different mint mark punches. Type 1 (Filled S) was struck early in 1979 with a worn, older punch — the “S” looks blurry and closed. Type 2 (Clear S) came mid-year with a new, sharper punch — crisp curves, open loops, thin serifs. The Type 2 is rarer because it was only produced 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 top visual quality designation PCGS gives proof coins. NGC calls it “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM). You’re looking at brilliant white frosted devices against deeply mirrored, black-glass fields. Only proofs with the strongest contrast earn it, and the DCAM label on a 1979-S quarter adds real value over a standard proof.

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

The no-mint-mark (Philadelphia) MS-68 that sold for $1,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Only one PCGS-graded MS-68 exists for this variety — a true top-pop coin despite the 515-million mintage. The Denver MS-67 at $1,078 from GreatCollections in 2014 is the runner-up.

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

The big ones: Filled D mint mark error (MS-65 sold for $520 at Heritage Auctions in 2023), double curved clip (MS-65 sold for $500), struck-through staple (MS-65 sold for approximately $330 in 2015), wrong planchet on a nickel blank (XF sold for $184 at Heritage Auctions), and dramatic off-center strikes (50% off-center with visible dates can exceed $200). Get PCGS or NGC authentication before buying or selling any error coin.

8. Is There A 1979 Silver Quarter?

No. Every 1979 quarter — including San Francisco proofs — is copper-nickel clad. Silver quarters ended in 1964. Some later San Francisco proof sets (1992 and beyond) include silver proof quarters, but 1979 is strictly clad. If someone’s selling a “1979 silver quarter,” weigh it. A genuine clad quarter is 5.67 grams; a silver quarter would be 6.25 grams.

9. Should I Get My 1979 Quarter Professionally Graded?

Only if the potential value justifies the cost. PCGS and NGC submissions run approximately $30–$50 per coin plus shipping. For 1979 quarters, grading makes sense if the coin looks MS-66 or higher, has a documented mint error, or is a 1979-S proof that might grade PR-69 or PR-70 DCAM. A typical circulated example worth $5? You’d lose money sending it in.

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

You need magnification — a 5x to 10x jeweler’s loupe works great. On a genuine Filled D, the “D” looks blobby and closed with little or no open interior space. On a Type 1 “Filled S” proof, the “S” has thick serifs and closed loops. Watch out though — regular post-mint wear can mimic a similar look. Professional authentication confirms whether the fill came from grease in the die (a true error) or just normal wear. Worth pursuing for strong candidates — a confirmed Filled D in MS-65 sold for $520 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.