The 1959-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in heavily worn condition to over $20 in circulated grades, and can climb above $100 or more in top mint state grades. If you just found one in an old jar or coin roll, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1959-D Washington Quarter Special
The 1959-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint in 1959, marked by the small “D” mintmark you’ll find on the reverse side of the coin, just below the eagle. That year, Denver produced over 62 million of these quarters, making them relatively common in lower grades — but collectors still eagerly seek out well-preserved examples. Before modern grading tools, it was tough to assess these coins at home. Today, a coin identification app can help you quickly determine the condition of your coin and get a ballpark value in seconds. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, which alone gives it a base melt value well above face value — typically around $3 to $4 depending on the current silver spot price. That means even a well-worn 1959-D quarter is worth more than a quarter dollar. Not bad for something you might have found in a sock drawer.
1959-D Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Coin value is almost entirely dependent on condition, which collectors call “grade.” A heavily circulated 1959-D quarter with worn details might only be worth its silver melt value — roughly $3 to $4. A coin in Fine or Very Fine condition, showing light wear but clear detail, can fetch $5 to $8. Extremely Fine examples with minimal wear can reach $10 to $15. Once you enter mint state territory — meaning the coin was never circulated — values jump significantly. You can check detailed 1959-D Washington Quarter price data across mint state grades to see how the numbers shift dramatically at MS65 and above.
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $3.50 – $4.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, major details clear | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| Very Fine (VF-30) | Light wear on high points | $7.00 – $12.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-45) | Slight wear, sharp details | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, some blemishes | $22.00 – $35.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, strong luster | $50.00 – $100.00+ |
| Mint State (MS-67) | Superb gem, nearly flawless | $300.00 – $800.00+ |
Silver Content and Melt Value Matter Too
One thing many people overlook is the silver melt value of the 1959-D Washington Quarter. Because it was minted before 1965, it contains 90% silver — specifically 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. When silver is trading around $25 per troy ounce, that gives the coin an intrinsic metal value of roughly $4.50. This acts as a price floor — even a damaged or heavily worn example is worth melting down for its silver. For the most up-to-date breakdown of 1959 Washington Quarter values including silver melt and collector premiums, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin value resource. Silver prices fluctuate daily, so what the coin was worth last year may differ from today.
How to Tell If Your 1959-D Quarter Is Worth More
Not all 1959-D Washington Quarters are created equal. Here’s what to look for when evaluating yours. First, find the mintmark — a small “D” on the reverse below the eagle — to confirm it’s the Denver issue. Next, examine the coin’s luster. Uncirculated coins will have a bright, almost mirror-like sheen, while circulated coins look dull and flat. Check the high points: Washington’s cheekbones and hair above the ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the back. Sharp detail here means a higher grade and more value. CoinKnow is a great tool for collectors at any level — snap a photo of your coin and the app will help estimate its grade and current market value. Avoid cleaning your coin, as this destroys collector value instantly. A cleaned coin that would have graded MS-63 might be worth half as much or get slabbed with a “details” designation.
Where to Sell Your 1959-D Washington Quarter
Once you know what you have, it’s time to decide what to do with it. If it’s heavily worn, you might sell it as a “junk silver” coin to a local dealer or online bullion buyer. These buyers pay based on silver weight, usually around 80–90% of melt value. For higher-grade examples, consider listing on eBay, visiting a coin show, or submitting to a grading service like PCGS or NGC if the coin might grade MS-65 or above — professional grading adds credibility and can significantly increase sale price. CoinKnow also helps you track market trends so you know whether to hold or sell. Many first-time sellers leave money on the table simply because they didn’t research before accepting an offer. Knowledge is your best asset.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1959-D quarter is silver?
A: If it was made in 1959 and has a “D” mintmark, it is definitely silver. All Washington Quarters made before 1965 contain 90% silver. You can also check the edge — a silver coin will have a solid silver-gray edge with no copper stripe visible.
Q: Is the 1959-D quarter rare?
A: Not particularly in lower grades, since over 62 million were minted. However, in high mint state grades like MS-66 or MS-67, they become quite scarce and can command hundreds of dollars at auction. Rarity is always relative to grade.
Q: Should I clean my 1959-D Washington Quarter to make it look better?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin removes its natural surface and destroys its numismatic value. A cleaned coin is always worth significantly less to collectors than an original, unaltered example — even if the cleaned coin looks shinier. Use CoinKnow to evaluate your coin as-is before making any decisions.
