The 1979 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from its face value of $25 cents in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain rare specimens and errors can command surprising premiums from serious collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.35
About Uncirculated (AU)	$0.50 – $1.00
Mint State 63 (MS63)	$2.00 – $5.00
Mint State 65 (Gem BU)	$15.00 – $30.00
Mint State 67+ (Elite Grade)	$100.00+

How to Identify a 1979 Washington Quarter with No Mint Mark

If you are looking through your spare change and find a 1979 quarter, the first thing you might notice is the absence of a small letter near the base of George Washington’s portrait. If your coin lacks a letter there, it means it was minted in Philadelphia. During this era, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” mint mark on quarters. This changed just a year later in 1980, making the 1979 issue one of the last “no mint mark” Philadelphia quarters in the series.

To get an instant answer on what you’ve found, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the obverse and reverse of your coin. Many people misinterpret the lack of a mint mark as a “mint error,” but it was actually the standard practice for decades. In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 515 million of these quarters, so they are incredibly common in circulation today.

Because so many were made, a standard circulated 1979 quarter is generally only worth its face value. However, the story changes when we talk about coins that look like they just came off the printing press. Collectors look for sharp details in Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. If you find one that is still shiny and scratch-free, it might be worth setting aside for further inspection. Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a regular quarter and one that might be investment grade.

Understanding the Grade and Value of 1979 Philadelphia Quarters

The value of any 1979 Washington quarter is dictated almost entirely by its “grade,” which is a numerical score from 1 to 70 given by professional services. For the everyday person, this means looking for signs of wear. “Circulated” coins have been used in vending machines and pockets, losing their original luster. “Uncirculated” coins, also called Mint State (MS), have never been used as money and still have their original metallic sheen.

When researching the 1979 quarter price by grade, you will see that values remain low until you reach the MS65 level. At this stage, the coin is considered “Gem Quality.” To reach a high value, the coin must have very few marks, a strong strike, and excellent “eye appeal.” Most coins pulled from circulation will unfortunately top out at about 25 to 50 cents because of the sheer volume produced.

Numerical Grade	Designation	Market Value
MS60	Uncirculated	$1.25
MS63	Select Uncirculated	$4.50
MS65	Gem Uncirculated	$22.00
MS67	Superb Gem	$140.00

Rare 1979 Quarter Errors to Look For

While most 1979 quarters are common, error coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Errors occur during the minting process and are highly sought after by specialists. One of the most common errors for this year is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not properly aligned, resulting in a design that is shifted to one side. The more of the design that is missing without losing the date, the higher the value.

Another exciting find is the “Double Die” error. This happens when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a doubled appearance on letters or numbers. If you think you see doubling on the words “Liberty” or the “1979” date, use a magnifying glass to check. If the doubling is clear and distinct, your 1979 Washington quarter value information could include a significant “error premium” of $50 to $200.

Broadstrikes are another error type where the coin is struck without the retaining collar, making it look slightly larger and flatter than a normal quarter. These are easy to spot because the “reeding” (the ridges on the edge) will be missing. If you find something that looks “wrong” with your 1979 Philadelphia quarter, it is always worth checking with CoinKnow to see if it matches known error patterns.

Comparing 1979 Quarters: Philadelphia vs. Denver and San Francisco

In 1979, the U.S. Mint produced quarters at three different locations. The “No Mint Mark” coins from Philadelphia are the most common companions to the coins from the Denver Mint, which bear a small “D” mark. Interestingly, the values for “D” mint quarters in 1979 are very similar to the Philadelphia versions. Both were produced in massive quantities to satisfy the needs of American commerce.

However, the San Francisco Mint produced a special version for collectors: the Proof quarter. These coins have an “S” mint mark and a mirror-like finish. In 1979, there were two distinct versions of the “S” mint mark known as Type 1 (Filled S) and Type 2 (Clear S). The Type 2 is much rarer and more valuable. While you won’t usually find these in circulation, knowing the difference helps you understand why some 1979 quarters sell for much more than others.

Mint Facility	Mint Mark	Commonality
Philadelphia	None	Very Common
Denver	D	Very Common
San Francisco	S (Proof Only)	Collector Only

How to Store Your 1979 Washington Quarters

If you are lucky enough to find a 1979 quarter with no mint mark in pristine, uncirculated condition, proper storage is vital. Even the oils from your skin can eventually tarnish the surface of a coin, lowering its grade and value. Professional collectors recommend holding coins only by their edges. If you determine your coin is worth more than a few dollars, consider placing it in a “2×2” cardboard holder or a plastic capsule.

Storing coins in a cool, dry place is also important. Humidity can cause “toning” or spotting on copper-nickel coins like the 1979 quarter. While some collectors like “rainbow toning,” most prefer the original white luster for this specific year. Don’t forget that many modern apps like CoinKnow allow you to catalog your collection digitally, making it easier to track your coins’ values as the market fluctuates over time.

Is It Worth Getting a 1979 Quarter Professionally Graded?

Professional grading with companies like PCGS or NGC costs money—usually $20 to $50 per coin plus shipping. Therefore, it is only worth grading a 1979 “No Mint Mark” quarter if it is in nearly perfect condition. As we saw in the pricing tables, a 1979 quarter only breaks the $100 mark when it reaches a grade of MS67. Most coins found in change will be graded around “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated,” which wouldn’t justify the cost of the grading fee.

Before sending a coin off, look at it under a bright light. Do you see tiny scratches (bag marks) from other coins? If so, it likely won’t hit the high grades required for a big payout. However, if you have a coin that looks flawless, as if it was taken directly from a mint-sealed bag 40 years ago, it could be a hidden treasure. Always consult a price guide or a mobile app to manage your expectations before spending money on professional authentication.

Decision Factor	Recommend Grading?
Significant Rare Error Found	Yes
Pristine (No visible scratches)	Maybe
Circulated / Dull Luster	No (Spend it!)

FAQ

Q: Why does my 1979 quarter have no mint mark?

A: In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint produced quarters without a mint mark. This was standard practice at the time. It is not an error; it simply indicates the coin was made in Philadelphia. Starting in 1980, the Philadelphia Mint began adding a “P” mint mark to quarters.

Q: Are there any 1979 silver quarters?

A: No, standard 1979 Washington quarters struck for circulation are made of a “clad” composition consisting of a pure copper core and an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The U.S. stopped making 90% silver quarters for circulation in 1964.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979 Philadelphia quarter?

A: The record price for a 1979 quarter with no mint mark is often several hundred dollars for specimens graded MS67 or higher. While common in low grades, finding a “perfect” strike from 1979 is very difficult due to the high-speed production methods used at the time.

Q: Can I find a 1979 “S” mint mark quarter in my pocket change?

A: While rare, it is possible. Proof coins with an “S” mint mark are intended for collectors and sold in sets, but sometimes these sets are broken open and the coins are spent. They will stand out because of their highly polished, mirror-like surfaces.

Q: How can I tell if my 1979 quarter is an error coin?

A: Look for things that look out of the ordinary, such as the design being off-center, parts of the image being doubled, or the coin being struck on the wrong metal (wrong color). If you find something unusual, use a coin identification app to compare it against known error varieties.