Price Guide for 1953 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: $8.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $3,738.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $3.77 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $4,744.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.43 – $46.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $21,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00Uncirculated: $493.50
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eBayUncirculated: $610.00 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $16.50Uncirculated: $6.50 – $1,567.64
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $49.00 – $423.00
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eBayUncirculated: $55.00 – $322.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $2,070.00
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eBayCirculated: $32.00 – $59.00Uncirculated: $6.66 – $1,699.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $185.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $5,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.00Uncirculated: $71.91 – $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $32.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $133.33 – $175.00Uncirculated: $9.95 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $247.00 – $15,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $549.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $85.00 – $253.00
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eBayUncirculated: $36.10 – $449.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $85.00 – $763.75
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $7,637.50
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eBayUncirculated: $4,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $156.00 – $1,645.00
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eBayCirculated: $381.48Uncirculated: $60.99 – $3,549.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $215.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00
Design and Specifications of the 1953 Quarter
The 1953 Washington Quarter continued the design introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This year marked the beginning of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, a period of post-war economic growth and prosperity in the United States. The silver composition of the quarter reflected the coin’s intrinsic value, which would remain unchanged until 1965.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington facing left, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with spread wings, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1953 quarters significantly impacts their value. Circulated coins are generally worth their silver melt value, but uncirculated specimens can command substantial premiums. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable, with MS67 examples being quite rare and valuable.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields can greatly increase value. Proof coins in grades PR67 and above, especially with strong cameo contrast, are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 18,536,120
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 56,112,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 14,016,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 128,800
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Luster quality is a crucial factor for uncirculated 1953 quarters. Coins with full, cartwheel luster are more desirable than those with subdued or impaired luster. Strike quality also plays a role, with sharply struck coins commanding higher premiums.
Toning can significantly impact value, especially for proof coins. Natural, attractive toning patterns can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, while unattractive or artificial toning can detract from it. For circulated coins, originality and lack of cleaning or other impairments are important factors that collectors consider when evaluating these quarters.
