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.

1979-D Quarter (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $6.00
    Uncirculated: $8.00 – $1,078.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $395.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $6,500.00
1979 Quarter (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $150.00 – $403.00
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,440.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $11.00 – $20.86
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $368.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $10,000.00
1979-S Quarter Type 1, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $403.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.98 – $96.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $35.00
1979-S Quarter Type 2, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 – $495.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.04 – $219.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $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.

Philadelphia, P

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

Denver, D

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.

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