The 1979-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in pocket change today are only worth twenty-five cents, certain rare specimens and errors can fetch a significant premium from collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.35
About Uncirculated (AU50+)	$0.50 – $1.50
Mint State (MS63)	$3.00 – $8.00
Gem Mint State (MS65+)	$25.00 – $150.00+

History and Significance of the 1979-D Washington Quarter

By 1979, the United States Mint was in full production mode, striking billions of coins to meet the needs of a growing economy. The 1979-D Washington Quarter was produced at the Denver Mint, identified by the small “D” mint mark located on the obverse side. This era of coinage followed the massive Bicentennial celebration of 1976, returning to the classic eagle reverse design.

If you have stumbled upon a handful of old change, you might wonder if these common-looking quarters have hidden value. Many Americans use a top coin identifier app to quickly check if their coins have rare mint errors or high-grade potential. The 1979-D isn’t made of silver; it is a copper-nickel clad coin, meaning its “melt value” is quite low.

However, the historical context of late 70s coinage is interesting for collectors. These coins were workhorses of the American economy, used in vending machines, laundromats, and arcade games. Because they were so heavily circulated, finding one in pristine, “brand new” condition is actually quite difficult, which is where the real value lies for modern numismatists. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common circulated coin and a rare mint state treasure.

Determining the 1979-D Quarter Value by Grade

When assessing the price, the most important factor is the “grade” or the physical condition of the coin. Most 1979-D quarters you find in your spare change jar will be “Circulated,” showing scratches, smoothed-out details on Washington’s hair, and a dull luster. These are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents.

To truly see a return on investment, you need to look for “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins. These are coins that never made it into public hands and were preserved in rolls or mint sets. Collectors use a 1-70 scale to grade coins, and for the 1979-D, the price jumps significantly once you reach MS65. You can check the current 1979-D Washington Quarter MS prices to see how much a high-grade specimen sells for at auction.

Even subtle differences in the luster or the number of “bag marks” (small nicks from hitting other coins at the mint) can change a coin’s value from $5 to $50. If you are unsure about the grade, the CoinKnow app provides visual guides to help you compare your coin against professional standards, ensuring you don’t spend a valuable coin accidentally.

Grade	Designation	Estimated Price
MS63	Choice Uncirculated	$5.00
MS65	Gem Uncirculated	$18.00
MS66	Premium Gem	$45.00
MS67	Superb Gem	$150.00+

Identifying 1979-D Washington Quarter Errors

Error coins are the “holy grail” for many casual hunters. An error occurs when something goes wrong during the minting process, resulting in a unique appearance. For the 1979-D Washington Quarter, several known errors can drastically increase the value of an otherwise boring coin. Common errors include “Off-Center strikes,” where the design isn’t perfectly centered on the metal disk.

Another popular error is the “Double Die,” which happens when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a doubled appearance on letters or numbers. While 1979-D double dies are less famous than the 1955 penny, they are still highly sought after. Finding a “Clipped Planchet”—where a piece of the coin is missing—is another way to turn a quarter into a $20 to $50 prize.

Before you dismiss your change, look closely at the edges and the inscriptions. If you see something “funky,” it might be worth a professional look. You can find comprehensive 1979 quarter error value information online to help identify these rare variations. Using an app like CoinKnow allows you to take a photo of the error and see if similar errors have sold recently.

The Denver Mint Mark: Why the ‘D’ Matters

In 1979, quarters were minted in three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The 1979-D quarter was produced in massive quantities—over 515 million coins were struck in Denver alone. Because the mintage was so high, the coin is not considered rare in a general sense.

However, the Denver Mint is known for producing coins with slightly different strike qualities than Philadelphia. Collectors often try to complete “Date and Mint Mark” sets, which keeps demand for the Denver coins steady. Even though there are millions of them, many were lost to the Wear and tear of daily commerce, making the 1979-D an essential part of any modern coin collection.

The “D” is located on the right side of the obverse, just behind Washington’s ponytail. If you see a “P” or no mark at all, it was made in Philadelphia. If you see an “S,” it is a proof coin meant for collectors. Knowing these differences is key to understanding the market value of your specific 1979 coin.

Mint Mark	Strike Type	Mintage
D (Denver)	Business Strike	515,708,000
None/P (Philly)	Business Strike	518,835,000
S (San Francisco)	Proof	3,677,175

Tips for Selling Your 1979 Washington Quarters

If you believe you have a valuable 1979-D Washington Quarter, your first step should be to protect its condition. Never clean a coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes can create microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Even a dirty coin is worth more than a cleaned one in the eyes of a professional collector.

To sell your coin, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they need to make a profit, so they might offer you 60-70% of the actual retail value. Online marketplaces like eBay are excellent for getting “true” market value, but you have to handle shipping and fees. For high-value error coins or top-grade MS67 specimens, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions are the way to go.

Before selling, use CoinKnow to get an estimate of the current market trends. This way, you go into any negotiation with the knowledge of what your coin is actually worth. Remember, the market for modern clad quarters is specialized, so finding the right buyer who appreciates “eye appeal” and “strike quality” is essential for getting the best price.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1979-D Quarters

FAQ

Q: Does the 1979-D Washington Quarter contain any silver?

A: No, the 1979-D quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. It consists of an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The U.S. Mint stopped making quarters for circulation out of 90% silver in 1964.

Q: What is the most expensive 1979-D quarter ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in MS67 or better can sell for hundreds of dollars. For example, a 1979-D Washington Quarter graded MS67 by PCGS has sold for over $150 at auction, though prices fluctuate based on the specific coin’s beauty and luster.

Q: Is there a “rare” version of the 1979 quarter I should look for?

A: While the 1979-D is common, look for the 1979-S “Type 2” Proof quarter. These are proof coins from the San Francisco Mint where the “S” mint mark is much clearer and more defined (Clear S) compared to the “Blob S” (Type 1). The Clear S version is more valuable to collectors.

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D quarter is uncirculated?

A: Look at the highest points of the coin: Washington’s cheekbone and the curls above his ear. If those areas show any signs of smoothing or dullness, the coin is likely circulated. An uncirculated coin will have a “cartwheel” luster—a flash of light that rotates around the coin when you tilt it under a bulb.