Price Guide for 1979 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: $6.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $1,078.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $20.86Uncirculated: $0.99 – $368.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $403.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.98 – $96.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $35.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 – $219.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $75.00
Design and Specifications of the 1979 Quarter
The 1979 Washington Quarter continued the long-standing design that had been in use since 1932. This year marked the 47th anniversary of the Washington Quarter, which was initially introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
In 1979, the United States was experiencing significant economic challenges, including high inflation and energy crises. The quarter, despite its declining purchasing power, remained an essential coin in daily commerce.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1979 quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. While circulated examples are generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins in MS63 or better can command a premium.
Coins in MS65 or higher grades are considerably scarcer and more valuable. The quality of the strike, presence of bag marks, and overall eye appeal are crucial factors in determining the grade and value of uncirculated specimens.
Mintage: 515,708,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 489,789,780
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Luster is a key factor in evaluating uncirculated 1979 quarters. Coins with full, cartwheel luster are more desirable to collectors. Toning can also add value, particularly if it’s attractive and natural.
While not typically known for errors, any significant mint errors or die varieties could substantially increase the value of a 1979 quarter. However, such errors are rare for this year and mint.
As a modern issue, the 1979 quarter’s value is primarily tied to its condition rather than its rarity. Collectors focusing on assembling high-grade sets of Washington quarters may show increased interest in superb examples.
