The 1959-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. For most casual hunters, finding one of these in a jar of old change means you have discovered a piece of 90% silver history that is worth significantly more than its twenty-five-cent face value.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good / Very Good (Worn) | $5.50 – $6.50 |
| Fine / Extremely Fine | $7.00 – $9.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS64) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $500 – $1,500+ |
Why the 1959-D Washington Quarter is Still Popular
If you have just discovered a 1959 quarter with a small “D” on the back, you are likely holding a “junk silver” treasure. In the late 1950s, the United States Mint was still producing quarters with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Because today’s quarters are made of nickel and copper, these older versions are highly sought after for their precious metal content alone. If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference between silver and clad, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between common pocket change and valuable silver relics instantly.
The Denver Mint (represented by the “D” mint mark) produced a whopping 62,534,248 quarters in 1959. While this sounds like a massive number, millions were melted down during the 1960s and 1980s when silver prices spiked. This makes well-preserved specimens surprisingly scarce. Collectors often use tools like CoinHix to keep track of their silver holdings, as the “melt value” changes daily based on the commodities market. As of now, the silver content alone ensures that even the most beat-up 1959-D quarter will never be worth just 25 cents again.
To truly understand your coin’s potential, you must look beyond the silver. High-grade examples that have never been spent at a grocery store or vending machine carry a significant premium. These “Mint State” coins are the ones that drive auction prices into the thousands. By checking a comprehensive 1959-D silver quarter price list, you can see how a slight increase in quality can lead to a massive jump in market value.
Identifying the 1959-D Mint Mark and Features
The most important feature to look for on your 1959 quarter is the mint mark. On Washington quarters minted between 1932 and 1964, the mint mark is located on the reverse (the back) of the coin. Look directly below the wreath that the eagle is sitting on. If you see a small “D,” the coin was minted in Denver. If the area is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia. Generally, the Denver coins from this year are slightly more common than Philadelphia issues, but they are equally popular among silver stackers.
Design-wise, the 1959-D Washington Quarter features the classic portrait of George Washington designed by John Flanagan. The silver composition gives the coin a distinct “ring” when dropped on a hard surface, a sound that is much higher-pitched than modern quarters. However, don’t drop your coins too often—any scratches or “bag marks” can reduce the grade. If you are struggling to see the details, the CoinHix app allows you to zoom in on high-resolution photos to compare your coin to known high-grade examples.
The “D” mint mark is often small and can be worn down on heavily circulated coins. If the coin is very dirty, do not grab a brush and scrub it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives is the fastest way to destroy its collector value. A cleaned silver quarter is often worth only its weight in silver, whereas an original, “toned” coin could be worth much more. Check the latest fair market value for 1959 silver quarters before deciding whether to sell or keep your find.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Mark Location | Reverse, below the wreath |
Grading Your 1959-D Silver Quarter
Grading is the process of determining how much wear and tear a coin has suffered. For the 1959-D Washington Quarter, grading is the difference between a $6 coin and a $600 coin. Most “found” coins fall into the “Circulated” category. These coins have been in pockets, cash registers, and jars for decades. You will notice that George Washington’s hair details are smoothed out and the eagle’s feathers on the back are missing their crisp lines.
If you are lucky enough to find a coin that looks brand new, it is categorized as “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS). These coins still have their “mint luster,” which is a frosty glow that appears to rotate around the coin when you turn it under a light. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 1-70 scale. A 1959-D quarter in MS67 is an elite rarity. For everyday collectors, using CoinHix can help you estimate whether your coin is a “Good,” “Fine,” or “Uncirculated” specimen without needing to pay for professional certification immediately.
| Grade | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | Heavy wear, outlines visible but no detail. |
| Fine (F12) | Some hair details visible; eagle’s breast is flat. |
| Extremely Fine (EF40) | Light wear on high points; sharp overall. |
| Mint State (MS65) | No wear, strong luster, few distracting marks. |
Rare Errors and Varieties to Look For
While most 1959-D quarters are valued for their silver or their grade, some contain “errors” that make them worth a fortune to specialists. Errors occur during the minting process and are often unique. One common error type is the “Die Crack,” where the metal stamp used to create the coin breaks, leaving a raised line of metal on the finished quarter. Another is the “Re-punched Mint Mark” (RPM), where the “D” was stamped twice, creating a shadowed appearance.
Another interesting variety for 1959 is the “Type B Reverse.” Originally intended for proof coins (which are made specifically for collectors), some of these specialized dies were used to strike regular quarters for circulation. On a Type B Reverse, there is more space between the “E” and “R” in “QUARTER,” and the leaf details are much sharper. Finding a 1959-D with a Proof-style reverse can add a significant premium to the price.
If you think you see something strange on your coin, like a double image or a missing letter, take a clear photo. Collectors often share these photos on forums or use apps to identify specific die varieties. A significant error can turn a standard silver quarter into a centerpiece for a collection. Always keep an eye out for off-center strikes or coins that look like they were struck on the wrong metal “planchet,” as these are the “holy grails” of error collecting.
Current Market Trends for Silver Quarters
The value of the 1959-D Washington Quarter is heavily influenced by the spot price of silver. Each quarter contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that even if the coin has no collector value, it will always be worth 0.1808 times the current price of silver per ounce. When silver prices rise, the “floor” price for these quarters rises too. This makes them a popular “inflation hedge” for regular people who want to own a little bit of precious metal.
In the collector (numismatic) market, the 1959-D has remained stable. Because it is not a “key date” (like the 1932-D or 1932-S), it is affordable for most people completing a set. This constant demand from set-builders keeps prices for mid-grade coins healthy. For those looking to invest, the highest-graded coins (MS67 and above) are the ones that see the most appreciation over time, as they are truly rare survivors from the 1950s.
If you are thinking about selling your 1959-D quarter, you have several options. Local coin shops will usually pay you the silver melt value or slightly above for circulated coins. For higher-end coins, online auctions or specialized coin platforms are better for reaching collectors willing to pay for quality. Regardless of where you sell, knowing the exact current value of your silver quarters is essential to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is every 1959-D quarter made of silver?
A: Yes, all quarters minted by the United States in 1959, including those from the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (no mint mark) mints, are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The U.S. did not switch to the modern copper-nickel “clad” composition until 1965.
Q: How can I tell if my 1959-D quarter is valuable without a professional?
A: Start by looking at the condition. If the coin looks brand new and shiny (not cleaned), it could be worth $30 to $100. If it looks like it has been used in stores, it is worth mainly its silver weight (usually $5-$7 depending on the silver market). You can use a coin app to compare your coin’s details to photos of different grades.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1959-D Washington Quarter?
A: The mint mark is found on the reverse (back) side of the coin. Look at the eagle in the center; directly beneath the eagle and the bundle of arrows, above the words “QUARTER DOLLAR,” you will see a small “D.”
Q: Should I clean my 1959 silver quarter to make it look better?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin loss up to 50% or more of its numismatic value. Even if a silver coin is black or toned, collectors prefer its original “skin” over a shiny, scrubbed surface.
Q: Are there any 1959 quarters worth thousands of dollars?
A: Yes, but they are extremely rare. A 1959-D quarter graded MS67+ or MS68 by a professional service can sell for over $1,500 at auction. These coins must be essentially perfect, with no scratches, full luster, and a very sharp strike.