The 1979-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn, circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in your pocket change today are only worth their face value, certain rare specimens and errors can command a significant premium among dedicated coin collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS64) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65 – MS66) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $150.00+ |
History and Specifications of the 1979-D Quarter
The 1979-D Washington Quarter was minted during an era of massive production at the Denver Mint. By the late 1970s, the United States Mint was churning out billions of coins to keep up with the demands of a growing economy and the prevalence of vending machines. Because these coins were made for general circulation, they are composed of a copper-nickel “clad” sandwich rather than the 90% silver used before 1965.
If you are curious about a coin you just found, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common 1979-D and a rare variety in seconds. The Denver Mint version is identified by the small “D” mint mark located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
The design remains the classic work of sculptor John Flanagan, which debuted in 1932 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth. While hundreds of millions were struck, finding one in pristine condition is becoming increasingly difficult. Many people use CoinHix to keep track of their finds, as the app provides real-time updates on market trends for clad coinage.
Determining the 1979-D Washington Quarter Value by Condition
Condition is the most critical factor when determining if your 1979-D quarter is worth more than twenty-five cents. Most quarters you find in your spare change jar are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dents, and flattened details from being passed from person to person. These coins generally do not have any collector value above their face value unless they possess a major mint error.
Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade coins, where 1 represents a coin so worn you can barely see the date, and 70 represents a perfect coin. For the 1979-D, the real value begins at Grade MS65 (Mint State 65). At this level, the coin must have its original “mint luster”—that shiny, frosty look it had the day it was born—and very few distracting marks.
You can find a detailed breakdown of 1979-D Washington Quarter prices by grade to see how a slight jump in quality can double or triple the price. For example, an MS67 graded coin is significantly rarer than an MS66 because the copper-nickel surfaces of the 1970s quarters were prone to “bag marks” from bumping into other coins at the mint.
| Grade | Market Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $2 – $4 |
| MS65 | $10 – $15 |
| MS66 | $25 – $45 |
| MS67 | $150 – $325 |
Special 1979-D Quarter Errors to Look For
While standard 1979-D quarters are common, error hunters look for the “diamonds in the rough.” Errors occur during the manufacturing process and can turn a mundane coin into a high-value treasure. One of the most common errors for this era is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not properly aligned with the dies, resulting in a partial image.
Another interesting anomaly is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the coin’s circular edge is missing because the metal sheet was fed incorrectly. Broadstrikes, where the coin is struck without its retaining collar and appears larger and flatter than usual, are also sought after. If you suspect you have an error, CoinHix can provide visual comparisons to help you verify your discovery.
Don’t ignore “Die Cracks” or “Die Chips.” Because the minting dies in 1979 were often used past their prime, small cracks would form, leaving raised lines of metal on the coin’s surface. While small cracks don’t add much value, large, dramatic ones can attract buyers on auction sites. Always check the current 1979 quarter value for error coins before spending them at the grocery store.
Comparing the 1979-D to the 1979-P and 1979-S
To fully understand the 1979-D’s place in your collection, it helps to compare it to its siblings from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints. In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint produced quarters with no mint mark (often called 1979-P), while the San Francisco Mint produced “Proof” coins specifically for collectors. Proof coins are struck twice on polished blanks, giving them a mirror-like finish.
The 1979-S Proof Quarter is particularly famous because it comes in two varieties: Type 1 (Filled S) and Type 2 (Clear S). The Type 2 “Clear S” has a much more distinct and sharp mint mark and is generally worth more than the standard 1979-D. Denver-minted coins (the D) were high-volume workhorses, which is why the “D” is so common in the western United States.
Using an app like CoinHix allows you to catalog these different versions digitally. Modern collectors enjoy the challenge of finding a “Full Mint Set” from 1979, including the P, D, and both types of S quarters. While the 1979-D doesn’t have the “Type 1 vs Type 2” mystery of the Proof coins, its value in top-tier condition remains competitive.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Mintage (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| None (P) | Circulation | 515 Million |
| D (Denver) | Circulation | 489 Million |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Only | 3.6 Million |
Tips for Selling Your 1979-D Washington Quarter
If you believe you have found a 1979-D Washington Quarter worth money, your next step is to protect it. Fingerprint oils can damage the surface of a coin, so handle it only by the edges or wear cotton gloves. For coins that appear to be in “Gem Mint State” (very shiny with no scratches), you might consider having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.
However, be aware that grading costs money—often $20 to $50 per coin. It only makes sense to grade a 1979-D if you are certain it will receive a grade of MS67 or higher. For most people, selling through local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay is the best route. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos under good lighting to show off the coin’s detail.
Before you sell, verify everything. Use tools to check recent sold listings so you don’t get underpaid. Most 1979-D quarters are “pocket change,” but for that lucky person with a perfectly preserved specimen, the payday can be surprisingly good. Keep an eye out for that “D” mark and the original mint luster!
FAQ
Q: Is the 1979-D Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the 1979-D quarter is a “clad” coin, meaning it is made of a core of pure copper with outer layers consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Silver quarters were discontinued after 1964.
Q: Why is my 1979-D quarter worth only 25 cents?
A: Because nearly half a billion were minted, the 1979-D is extremely common. Only coins in exceptional, uncirculated condition or those with rare mint errors carry a premium value for collectors.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D quarter is a rare error?
A: Look for anomalies like double images (doubled die), missing parts of the design, or a coin that isn’t perfectly round (off-center strike). Using a magnifying glass or a coin identifier app is the best way to spot these subtle details.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1979 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the right side of the coin’s front (obverse), just behind George Washington’s neck. A “D” stands for Denver, and an “S” stands for San Francisco (usually only on Proof coins). If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.