1979-D Washington Quarter Value: Guide to Grades and Errors
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The 1979-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. Most examples found in your pocket change today are only worth their face value, but specific varieties and pristine uncirculated specimens can fetch a significant premium among dedicated coin collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65) | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS66) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| Superb Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $150.00+ |
Historical Background of the 1979-D Denver Quarter
If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of change and found a quarter with a small “D” next to Washington’s ponytail, you have a Denver Mint issue from 1979. This was a busy year for the United States Mint as the country was moving further away from the bicentennial celebrations of 1976. To accurately identify your find, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between common pocket change and rare gems.
The 1979-D Washington Quarter features the classic design by John Flanagan, which remained virtually unchanged from its debut in 1932 until the 50 State Quarters program began in 1999. By 1979, the mint was producing these coins in massive quantities. Specifically, the Denver Mint struck 515,708,000 quarters this year.
Because over half a billion were made, the 1979-D is not considered a “rare” date in the traditional sense. However, for those using CoinKnow to track their collection, the focus shifts from quantity to quality. Most of these coins were released into general circulation, meaning they suffered from scratches, bags marks, and “wear and tear.” Finding one that looks like it just rolled off the press is where the real money lies.
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Determining the 1979-D Washington Quarter Grade
When assessing the value of your 1979-D quarter, the most critical factor is the grading. Grading is the process of evaluating the physical condition of a coin. For a 1979-D, small differences in luster and surface marks determine if it’s worth 25 cents or 50 dollars. Many hobbyists rely on CoinKnow to get a baseline idea of how a coin’s appearance affects its market price.
A “Circulated” coin shows visible wear on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers. These are common and usually only worth face value. An “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coin has never been used in trade and retains its original “cartwheel” luster. Collectors often look for 1979-D quarter price data in MS grades to see how much a “perfect” coin might sell for at auction.
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| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G4) | Heavy wear, outlines visible but no detail. | $0.25 |
| Fine (F12) | Moderate wear, major details are clear. | $0.25 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | Light wear on high points, most hair detail remains. | $0.35 |
| Mint State (MS65) | No wear, strong luster, very few marks. | $8.00 |
Rare 1979-D Quarter Errors to Look For
While most 1979-D quarters are common, error coins are the “hidden treasures” that drive collectors wild. Errors occur during the minting process and can result in unique looking coins that are worth much more than their face value. If you find a coin that looks “weird,” don’t spend it!
One common error for this era is the “Off-Center Strike.” This happens when the coin blanks (planchets) are not centered properly when the dies hit them. A 1979-D quarter missing 10% to 50% of its design can sell for $20 to $100 depending on the severity. Another error is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the edge.
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You should also keep an eye out for “Die Cracks” or “Die Chips.” These appear as raised bumps of metal on the surface of the coin. While minor die chips are common, large ones in interesting locations (like on Washington’s head) can add $5 to $10 in value. Checking a detailed 1979 quarter value and error list is the best way to ensure you aren’t overlooking a mistake worth a lot of money.
Composition and Specifications of the 1979-D
Understanding what your coin is made of is part of being a savvy collector. By 1979, the United States had long since moved away from silver for its quarters. The 1979-D Washington Quarter is a “clad” coin, meaning it is made of a sandwich of different metals.
Specifically, it consists of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a core of pure copper. This composition is why you see a copper-colored stripe on the edge of the coin. If you find a 1979-D quarter that lacks this stripe and appears solid silver on the edge, it could be a rare “wrong planchet” error, though these are extremely rare.
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The standard weight for a 1979-D quarter is 5.67 grams. If you use CoinKnow, you can often find tools to help you identify if your coin’s weight is significantly off, which might indicate an error or a counterfeit. The diameter is 24.3mm, and it features a reeded (ridged) edge to prevent fraudulent shaving of the metal.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | D (Denver) |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Edge | Reeded |
The 1979-D vs. Other 1979 Quarters
It is helpful to know where the 1979-D stands compared to its siblings from Philadelphia and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint produced the 1979-P quarter (which actually featured a “P” mint mark for the first time on a quarter during this era), while the San Francisco Mint produced Proof coins for collectors.
Proof coins, marked with an “S,” are specially struck for brilliance and detail. In 1979, there were actually two types of Proof “S” mint marks: Type 1 (Sfilled/blobby) and Type 2 (Clear S). The Type 2 “Clear S” is much more valuable.
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While the 1979-D is a business-strike coin meant for circulation, high-grade Denver coins are often harder to find in perfect condition than San Francisco proofs because they weren’t handled with white gloves. If you have a 1979-D that looks as shiny as a mirror, it’s worth investigating, as it might be an exceptionally high-grade specimen that escaped the heavy machinery of the Denver Mint unscathed.
Conclusion: Is Your 1979-D Quarter Worth Keeping?
For the average person, a 1979-D quarter found in change is a great piece of history but unlikely to fund a retirement. You should definitely keep it if it looks brand new, as its value will only increase as more “uncirculated” coins are lost to time and circulation. Keep an eye out for those errors like off-center strikes or doubled dies, as these are the true “lottery tickets” of the coin world.
Ultimately, whether you are a serious numismatist or just a curious homeowner, checking your change is a fun hobby. With modern technology and detailed pricing guides, you can quickly turn a handful of metal into a verified collection.
FAQ
Q: Does a 1979-D quarter contain silver?
A: No, the 1979-D Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for circulating quarters after 1964. If you see a 1979-D with a silver appearance, it is likely just the nickel plating, or in very rare cases, a mint error.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1979-D quarter?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s ponytail, just above the date. The “D” indicates it was struck at the Denver Mint.
Q: What is the most expensive 1979-D quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade 1979-D quarters in MS67 condition can sell for several hundred dollars. An exceptionally rare MS67 or higher could potentially reach over $500 at a high-end auction, though these are incredibly difficult to find in the wild.
Q: Are there any specific 1979-D varieties I should look for?
A: While there aren’t many famous “named” varieties for the 1979-D like there are for earlier years, collectors look for “Die Deterioration Doubling.” This isn’t a true doubled die, but it makes the letters look slightly blurry and is a popular entry-point for new error collectors.
