The 1959-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade mint state examples. Whether you just found one in a jar of change or inherited a small collection, these classic silver coins carry value far beyond their twenty-five-cent face value.
Understanding the Silver Content and Market Value of the 1959-D Quarter
For many everyday Americans, the most exciting part of finding a 1959-D Washington Quarter is the metal it is made of. Unlike the quarters minted today, which are made of copper and nickel, coins from 1959 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if the coin is heavily worn or scratched, it still has a “melt value” based on the current price of silver bullion.
If you are curious about your pocket change, the easiest way to check is with CoinHix, an app that helps you identify mint marks and errors instantly. In today’s market, the silver alone makes these coins worth significantly more than $0.25. However, the numismatic value—what collectors are willing to pay—often exceeds the silver price.
For coins that look nearly new, the 1959-D Washington Quarter price guide for mint state grades shows that values climb quickly as the condition improves. Most circulated coins will sell to local coin shops for a price tied to the spot price of silver, but “Denver” mint coins are historically popular among collectors building sets of 1950s American coinage.
How the D Mint Mark and Mintage Numbers Affect Rarity
The “D” on your 1959 quarter stands for the Denver Mint. In 1959, the Denver facility produced 62,737,020 of these quarters. While this might sound like a huge number, it is actually a moderate mintage compared to later years in the 1960s. This moderate supply ensures that while the coin isn’t “rare” in a historical sense, it is sought after in high-quality conditions.
When examining your coin, look at the reverse (the back side) under the eagle’s wreath. If you see a small “D,” you have a Denver strike. If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia. Generally, the Denver coins from this specific year are very common in lower grades, but finding one that hasn’t been scratched or dulled by decades of hands is the real challenge.
If you aren’t sure if your coin has the right mark, use CoinHix to zoom in and verify the minting location. Many people mistakenly overlook the small details that differentiate a $6 coin from a $60 coin. Collectors often pay a premium for Denver coins with “Full Breast Feathers” on the eagle, a sign of a very sharp and strong strike from the dies at the mint.
Grading Your 1959-D Washington Quarter for Maximum Profit
Condition is everything in coin collecting. Professional graders use a 1-70 scale to determine a coin’s quality. A coin rated “Good” might have heavy wear where Washington’s hair is smooth, while an “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” coin will look just like it did the day it left the Denver Mint, with a shimmering finish called “luster.”
According to the latest data on current 1959 Washington Quarter market trends, coins in MS65 condition are quite affordable, but once you reach MS67, the price jumps into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Most people finding coins in old piggy banks will have “Circulated” coins, which are graded between Fine and About Uncirculated.
To get a better idea of where your coin fits, look at the high points of the design: Washington’s cheekbone and the hair above his ear. If these areas are flat and shiny, the coin has been in circulation. If you see fine lines of hair and a frosty texture, you might have a high-value specimen on your hands. Always handle these coins by the edges so the oils from your fingers don’t damage the silver surface.
Average Market Prices for the 1959-D Quarter
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to receive for a 1959-D Washington Quarter based on its condition. Please note that these prices fluctuate based on the daily price of silver and collector demand.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $5.50 – $8.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $9.00 – $12.00 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $400 – $1,500+ |
Valuable Errors to Look for on your 1959 Denver Quarter
While standard 1959-D quarters are valuable for their silver, “error” coins are where the real money is hiding. Mint errors occur when something goes wrong during the manufacturing process, creating a unique piece that collectors crave. One of the most common things to look for is a “Re-punched Mint Mark” (RPM). This happens when the “D” stamp was struck twice, sometimes slightly offset.
Other errors include “Double Die” strikes, where the lettering or the date looks like it has a faint shadow or a second layer. You should also keep an eye out for “Off-Center” strikes, where the image isn’t perfectly centered on the silver blank. These errors can increase the value of a regular silver quarter from $10 to $100 or more.
If you think you see something strange on your coin, like a double “1959,” don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use the CoinHix app to take a high-resolution photo. The app can help you determine if the “error” you see is a genuine mint mistake or just damage that happened while the coin was in someone’s pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a 1959-D quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted in 1959, including those from the Denver (D) mint, are made of 90% silver. This makes them significantly more valuable than the copper-nickel quarters produced from 1965 to today.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1959-D quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. Look directly below the center of the wreath that the eagle is sitting on. A “D” indicates it was made in Denver, while no mint mark means it was made in Philadelphia.
Q: How can I tell if my 1959-D quarter is worth more than its silver weight?
A: If the coin has a very shiny, mirror-like finish, shows no signs of wear on Washington’s hair, or features a clear mint error like doubling, it is likely worth a “collector premium” above its base silver value.
Q: Should I clean my old silver quarters to make them worth more?
A: No! You should never clean old coins. Collectors prefer the natural patina or tarnish that forms over time. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily detect, which can reduce the coin’s value by 50% or more.
