Price Guide for 1939 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $15.75Uncirculated: $14.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.00 – $67.49Uncirculated: $7.05 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $26.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $12,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $98.00Uncirculated: $24.50 – $6,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $8,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $31.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.77 – $79.99Uncirculated: $4.25 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $299.00 – $840.00
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eBayUncirculated: $327.00 – $870.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $81.00Uncirculated: $58.00 – $30,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $102.50Uncirculated: $11.60 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $122.00Uncirculated: $130.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00 – $408.00
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eBayUncirculated: $79.02 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $1,800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1939 Quarter
The 1939 Washington Quarter was part of the series that began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This coin design replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter and has remained in circulation, with minor modifications, to the present day. The year 1939 was significant as it marked the beginning of World War II in Europe, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Standing Liberty, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with spread wings, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1939 Washington Quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated condition are generally worth their silver melt value, while those in uncirculated condition can command substantial premiums. Specimens in MS65 or higher grades are particularly valuable, especially for the Denver and San Francisco issues.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is highly desirable.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 33,540,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 7,092,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,628,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of a 1939 Washington Quarter beyond its condition:
1. Mint mark: San Francisco (S) issues are generally more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Historical significance: As a pre-World War II coin, it holds interest for collectors of this era.
3. Silver content: The coin’s 90% silver composition provides a base value.
4. Preservation: Well-preserved examples from original rolls or collections are highly sought after.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable grading services often command higher prices.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1939 Quarter, particularly from San Francisco, can be quite valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions.
