The 1959 Washington Quarter: What Is Your Silver Coin Worth?
One MS-67 specimen sold for $17,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2012 — yet millions of the same coin trade near silver melt value daily. Your 1959 quarter's worth depends on mint mark, condition, and whether you're holding a rare variety. Use the free tool below to find out in seconds.
Free 1959 Quarter Value Calculator
Select mint mark, condition, and any known errors — then hit Calculate.
Step 1 — Mint Mark
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Known Errors / Varieties (check all that apply)
Not sure about your coin's mint mark or condition yet? A 1959 Quarter Coin Value Checker free tool lets you upload photos of your coin and get an AI-assisted identification without needing to know the technical details first.
🔍 1959-D RPM FS-501 Self-Checker
Is the "D" on your Denver quarter actually a doubled repunched mint mark variety? Compare the signs and run the checklist below.
❌ Common 1959-D — Single Clean Mint Mark
- The "D" is crisp with no secondary impression
- Serifs and curves of the letter are clean, singular lines
- No shadow, ghost image, or offset visible under 10× magnification
- Worth silver melt value ($9–$12 circulated)
✅ 1959-D RPM FS-501 — Repunched Mint Mark
- A faint secondary "D" overlaps or is offset from the primary
- The doubling may appear as a ghost, a shifted serif, or a partial second letter
- Recognized by PCGS, NGC, and CONECA as FS-501
- Worth $8–$40 circulated; $100–$200+ in Mint State
Check all four that describe your coin:
- The coin is a Denver mint issue (has a "D" mint mark on the reverse near the eagle's tail)
- Under 10× magnification, I can see a secondary or ghost "D" impression offset from the main "D"
- The secondary mark appears shifted to the north, south, or at an angle — not simply die wear or a scratch
- The coin's surfaces are otherwise well-preserved with no obvious cleaning or damage to the mint mark area
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⚠️ The Valuable 1959 Quarter Errors: Complete Guide
While most 1959 Washington Quarters trade near their silver melt floor, a handful of documented die varieties and mint errors command serious collector premiums. Here are the five most sought-after attributable errors, ranked by collector demand and market value. Each can be identified with patience, a 10× loupe, and knowledge of what to look for.
1959-D RPM FS-501 — Repunched Mint Mark
$8 – $200+The RPM FS-501 is the signature die variety of the 1959-D quarter series and the most widely sought by Washington quarter specialists. Because mint marks in 1959 were still applied by hand to each working die rather than hub-punched, it was common for the punch to land in slightly different positions on successive strikes — leaving a permanently doubled impression in the die metal itself.
To spot the FS-501, flip your coin to the reverse and examine the "D" mint mark under a 10× loupe. Look for a faint secondary "D" impression offset to the north, south, or at a slight tilt relative to the primary mark. The doubling may appear as a ghost image, a shifted serif, or a partial second curve overlapping the primary letter.
Collector demand for this variety stems from its clear attribution in both the CONECA and Fivaz-Stanton reference systems, its recognition by PCGS and NGC for variety-labeled holders, and the relative accessibility of the variety — making it a realistic find for patient searchers.
1959 DDO FS-101 — Doubled Die Obverse (Proof)
$40 – $90+The 1959 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is a proof coin die variety created when a misalignment occurred during the hubbing process — the transfer of the master hub design onto the working die. When the die was hubbed more than once and the hub shifted slightly between impressions, every coin struck from that die carried the same permanent doubling.
The doubling is concentrated on the obverse and is most clearly visible on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date numerals "1959." Under magnification, strong examples display distinct, separated strokes — two parallel outlines for each letter — rather than the single crisp line of a normal die. The effect ranges from minor distortion to clear separation depending on die state and strike quality.
This variety affects both standard proof and Cameo Proof specimens. PCGS and NGC will attribute it in variety-designated holders. The premium is meaningful but accessible — making it a favorite for proof set variety hunters who already own 1959 proof coins and want to check their examples under magnification.
1959 Quarter Off-Center Strike Error
$30 – $250+An off-center strike occurs when the planchet (blank coin disk) is not properly seated in the collar and dies at the moment of striking. The design prints toward one edge of the coin, leaving a blank crescent of unimpressed metal on the opposite side. The severity of the error — measured as a percentage of the design that is missing — directly determines its collector value.
For 1959 silver quarters, the critical factor is whether the date remains fully visible. Off-center errors without a readable date are worth considerably less than examples where "1959" is clearly struck. A modest 5–10% off-center strike with full date commands $30–$60. A dramatic 50–70% off-center strike with the date intact can bring $150–$250 or more, with exceptional examples exceeding that range.
The 90% silver content of 1959 quarters adds a meaningful floor to any error coin's worth beyond the pure error premium. This distinguishes silver-era off-center errors from modern clad versions of the same mistake, which have a lower base value.
1959 Quarter Clipped Planchet Error
$25 – $75+A clipped planchet error results from an improperly cut coin blank, where the blanking punch overlaps a previously punched hole in the metal strip, removing a curved or straight section from the coin's edge. The result is a coin that is visibly missing a portion of its rim and edge, with the design clipped on that side. Curved clips (from overlapping punch holes) are most common; straight clips occur from the strip's edge.
Authentic clips on 1959 quarters are confirmed by the "Blakesley effect" — a diagnostic weakness in the rim directly opposite the clipped area. This weakness occurs because the metal cannot flow properly during striking when a portion of the planchet is absent. The Blakesley effect distinguishes genuine planchet clips from post-mint damage (which lacks this opposing rim weakness).
On the bright silver surfaces of 90% silver 1959 quarters, clips are particularly easy to spot and visually compelling. The silver content sets a meaningful value floor, meaning even modest clip examples carry worth beyond face value. Larger, dramatic clips on otherwise uncirculated surfaces are the most desirable.
1959 Quarter Wrong Planchet Error
$500 – $3,000+A wrong planchet error is among the rarest and most dramatic of all mint errors: a quarter die striking a planchet intended for a completely different denomination or coin series. The result is a coin with a quarter's design but incorrect size, weight, metal composition, or edge characteristics. These errors occur when blanks from different production batches are accidentally mixed in the coining room and end up under the wrong set of dies.
Wrong planchet errors on 1959 quarters are extraordinarily rare precisely because the Mint's quality control systems were designed to catch and prevent these misstrikes. When they do occur, the visual impact is dramatic and immediately apparent — the design looks either too large or too small for the planchet, or the edge lacks the normal reeded texture expected for a quarter.
A documented 1959 Washington Quarter struck on an incorrect planchet was reported to have sold for over $3,000 in 2020, per published auction data. Every genuine wrong planchet error should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for authentication and variety designation before any sale. These are specimens that reward patient documentation.
🏛️ 1959 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data
| Mint / Type | Mint Mark | Mintage | Composition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (Business Strike) | None | 24,384,000 | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | Includes Type B Reverse varieties |
| Denver (Business Strike) | D | 62,054,232 | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | RPM FS-501 variety exists; prone to bag marks in MS grades |
| Philadelphia (Proof) | None | 1,149,291 | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | DDO FS-101 variety; includes CAM and DCAM finishes |
| Total Business Strikes | — | 86,438,232 | — | Silver content: 0.18084 troy oz. per coin |
Composition & Physical Specifications
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.30 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded (150 reeds)
- Silver content: 0.18084 troy ounces pure silver per coin
- Silver floor value: Approximately $8.72 at ~$48/oz silver (fluctuates with spot price)
Survival note: While combined business-strike mintage exceeded 86 million, the survival rate at MS-67 and above is extremely low. PCGS population data from 2012 showed only 3 Philadelphia examples grading MS-67 — none finer at that time. Both mints become true condition rarities above MS-66, explaining the dramatic price premiums at the top of the grading scale.
🔎 Think you've spotted one of these errors on your 1959 quarter?
Calculate Its Value Now →📝 Describe Your 1959 Quarter for a Detailed Assessment
Tell us what you see — our keyword analyzer will identify likely varieties and give you a personalized read.
Mention these things if you can:
- Mint mark (D, or no mint mark)
- Any doubling on the motto or date
- Extra or ghosted "D" mint mark
- Offset design with blank area
- Missing edge section or clip
- Mirror-like reflective fields (proof?)
Also helpful:
- Overall surface quality (cleaned? toned?)
- Number and size of contact marks
- Whether luster appears original
- Any cracks, die cuds, or raised lines
- Weight if you have a scale (should be 6.30g)
- Whether you have a grading service slab
📊 1959 Quarter Value Chart at a Glance
The table below covers all major varieties across the four condition tiers. For a deeper look at each variety and side-by-side photo comparisons, see this in-depth 1959 quarter identification breakdown with current pricing — it covers proof varieties, the Type B Reverse, and expanded error data. Gold rows indicate the signature variety; orange-red indicates the rarest.
| Variety / Type | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (VF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS-63–65) | Gem MS (MS-66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959-P (No Mint Mark) | $9 – $10 | $10 – $12 | $15 – $50 | $360 – $17,250 |
| 1959-D (Denver) | $9 – $10 | $10 – $12 | $15 – $28 | $90 – $14,950 |
| 1959-D RPM FS-501 ★ Signature Variety | $8 – $15 | $15 – $40 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $200+ |
| 1959 Proof (PR-65 to PR-68) | N/A | N/A | $18 – $50 | $50 – $750 |
| 1959 Proof DCAM (PR-68–69) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $750 – $11,750 |
| 1959 Wrong Planchet Error 🔥 Rarest | N/A | $500 – $1,000 | $1,500 – $3,000+ | $3,000+ |
📱 CoinHix is a fast on-the-go way to photograph your 1959 quarter and get an instant variety identification and estimated value — a coin identifier and value app.
🔬 How to Grade Your 1959 Washington Quarter
Accurate grading is the single biggest factor in determining whether your coin is worth $9 or $9,000+.
Worn (G–F)
Washington's portrait is heavily flattened. Most hair detail above the ear is gone. The eagle's breast feathers are smooth and indistinct. Design is identifiable, date readable, rim mostly intact. Value is driven primarily by silver content ($9–$10).
Circulated (VF–AU)
Moderate to slight wear on high points. Hair above Washington's ear shows wear, cheekbone may be slightly flat. Eagle breast feathers are partially visible. In AU grades, only the tips of the highest design points show friction. Silver melt dominates value at $10–$12.
Uncirculated (MS-60–65)
No wear anywhere — only contact marks from bag handling distinguish grades. The 1959-D is notorious for heavy bag marks. Marks on Washington's cheek or in open fields are most damaging. Full, unbroken cartwheel luster required. Values range $15–$50 for this tier.
Gem MS (MS-66+)
Exceptional luster, very few and small contact marks, all away from focal areas. MS-67 requires near-perfect surfaces with only one or two tiny marks invisible to the naked eye. Both mints become true rarities above MS-66 — premiums escalate exponentially to $360–$17,250+.
🔍 CoinHix helps you cross-check your grading assessment by comparing your coin photos directly against certified graded examples in its database — a coin identifier and value app.
💰 Where to Sell Your Valuable 1959 Quarter
The right venue depends on your coin's grade and whether you've identified a premium variety.
🏛️ Heritage Auctions
The world's largest numismatic auctioneer — where the $17,250 record for a 1959 quarter (MS-67) was set in 2012. Ideal for certified MS-67 specimens, PR-69 DCAM proofs, or major wrong planchet errors. Heritage reaches the deepest pool of serious collectors willing to pay true market price. Expect 15–20% buyer's premium. Best route for coins worth $500 or more.
🛒 eBay
The broadest retail marketplace for 1959 quarters at all grades. Check recently sold prices for 1959 Washington quarter listings and completed comps to set a realistic asking price before listing. Best for uncirculated singles ($15–$50), RPM FS-501 varieties, and off-center errors. Use "completed listings" to research actual sold prices, not asking prices.
🏪 Local Coin Shop
Fast, no-fee cash sale — but expect wholesale prices (typically 50–70% of retail for common issues). Most useful for circulated examples at silver melt value or lightly uncirculated coins where the dealer can quickly assess the coin in person. Bring multiple shops' offers before accepting. Worth asking about consignment for coins above $100.
💬 Reddit r/Coins4Sale
Active community marketplace with knowledgeable buyers who understand Washington quarter varieties. Lower fees than eBay, but transactions require more vetting. A good choice for attributed varieties like the RPM FS-501 where a knowledgeable buyer will pay full retail. Always use PayPal G&S for buyer/seller protection and post clear photos under good light.
💡 Get it graded first: If your 1959 quarter appears to grade MS-66 or higher, or is a confirmed FS-501 RPM or wrong planchet error, PCGS or NGC certification typically more than pays for itself. A raw MS-67 can be hard to sell at full value; a PCGS MS-67 in a green holder commands premium bids from serious collectors and registry set builders. Grading fees are approximately $20–$50 per coin for standard tier submissions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1959 quarter worth?
A circulated 1959 quarter in Good to About Uncirculated condition is worth roughly $9 to $12, mostly reflecting its 90% silver content. Uncirculated examples in MS-63 to MS-65 range from about $15 to $50. The all-time auction record is $17,250 for an MS-67 example sold at Heritage Auctions in April 2012. Error varieties and high-grade proof examples can command substantial additional premiums beyond those baseline figures.
What makes a 1959 quarter valuable?
Three factors drive premium value: condition (grades MS-67 and above are condition rarities worth $1,000+), silver content (each coin contains 0.1808 troy oz. of pure silver, establishing a floor near $8–$9), and variety/error status. The 1959-D RPM FS-501 repunched mint mark and the 1959 DDO FS-101 doubled-die proof are the most sought-after attributable varieties, each commanding multiples of common-date values.
What is the 1959-D RPM FS-501?
The 1959-D RPM FS-501 (Repunched Mint Mark, Fivaz-Stanton variety 501) is a die variety where the hand-applied 'D' mint mark was punched into the die at least twice in slightly different positions. The result is a doubled or shifted 'D' visible on the reverse of the coin. Circulated examples sell for $8–$40; Mint State examples can reach $100–$200 or more. It is recognized by PCGS and NGC and catalogued by CONECA.
Is a 1959 quarter silver?
Yes. All 1959 Washington Quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin weighs 6.30 grams and contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. The United States did not switch to copper-nickel clad quarters until 1965. A quick way to confirm a 1959 quarter is silver: it lacks the copper-colored edge stripe visible on post-1964 clad quarters.
What were the 1959 quarter mintage figures?
The Philadelphia Mint produced 24,384,000 business-strike 1959 quarters (no mint mark) plus 1,149,291 proof coins. The Denver Mint struck 62,054,232 coins bearing the 'D' mint mark. Combined business-strike mintage exceeded 86 million, making circulated examples common. However, both mint marks become significant condition rarities above MS-66, driving exponential price premiums at the top of the grading scale.
What is the 1959 quarter auction record?
The all-time auction record for a 1959 Philadelphia quarter (no mint mark) is $17,250, set on April 18–19, 2012, at Heritage Auctions for an MS-67 example. The 1959-D auction record is $14,950, also achieved at Heritage Auctions in April 2012 for a PCGS MS-67 example. More recently, MS-67+ specimens have sold in the range of $2,000–$8,400 depending on eye appeal and market timing.
How do I tell a 1959 proof quarter from a business strike?
Proof quarters display mirror-like (reflective) fields and sharp, frosted devices. Business strikes have a satiny, cartwheel luster rather than deep mirror fields. Proofs were struck multiple times on specially prepared planchets at the Philadelphia Mint only. Under a loupe, the lettering on proof coins appears crisp and razor-sharp compared to the slightly softer definition typical of business strikes. All 1959 proofs carry no mint mark.
What is the 1959 quarter DDO FS-101?
The 1959 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is a proof coin variety caused by a misaligned hubbing, transferring the design twice onto the die in slightly different positions. The doubling is most visible on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date numerals. It affects both standard proof and Cameo Proof varieties. PCGS-certified PR-63 to PR-65 examples typically sell for $40–$90, with strong Cameo examples reaching near $90.
Where is the mint mark on a 1959 quarter?
On the 1959 Washington Quarter, the mint mark appears on the reverse (eagle side) of the coin. Look just above the word 'QUARTER' on the left side, behind the eagle's tail feathers. Denver-minted coins show a 'D' in this position. Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark. In 1959, mint marks were still hand-punched individually into each working die, which is why repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties like the FS-501 exist.
Should I clean my 1959 quarter before selling it?
Never clean a 1959 quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original mint luster and patina, leaving hairline scratches visible under magnification. A cleaned coin will be graded 'Details' by PCGS or NGC, which significantly reduces its value — sometimes by 50–80% compared to an original-surface example. Even coins with dark toning are worth more uncleaned. Always present coins as-found to dealers or grading services.
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