The 1959 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $0.25 in heavily circulated condition to over $20 in well-preserved grades — and certified mint state examples can fetch $50 or more depending on the grade.
If you pulled one of these out of an old coin jar or found it tucked away in a drawer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through exactly what your 1959 Washington Quarter is worth, what to look for, and whether yours might be worth more than face value.
What the No Mint Mark Means on a 1959 Washington Quarter
When you see a 1959 Washington Quarter with no mint mark, it means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia didn’t use a mint mark — that’s just how they did things back then. So a blank spot under the eagle on the reverse side isn’t a mistake or a rare error. It’s completely normal for coins from that facility.
In 1959, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 24 million Washington Quarters. That’s a large mintage, which is one reason why most circulated examples aren’t worth a fortune. However, the coin is made of 90% silver, which means it has real metal value regardless of condition. At current silver spot prices, the melt value alone is typically around $3 to $4 per coin.
If you want a fast, easy way to identify and research your coins, a good coin identification app can help you scan and look up your coins in seconds — no experience needed.
1959 Washington Quarter Value by Condition
The condition of your coin matters a lot when determining value. Coin collectors use a grading scale from Poor (P-1) all the way up to Mint State (MS-70). Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect for the 1959 Washington Quarter with no mint mark:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible | $3.50 – $4.00 (silver melt) |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, most details clear | $4.00 – $5.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, nearly full luster | $8.00 – $14.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, minor bag marks | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | No wear, sharp strike, strong luster | $35.00 – $60.00+ |
For the most current auction data and certified sale prices, you can check out 1959 Washington Quarter MS grade price records to see what collectors are actually paying today.
Silver Content and Melt Value
One thing that makes the 1959 Washington Quarter special — even if yours is well-worn — is that it’s 90% silver. Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. That means even a beat-up example is worth more than its 25-cent face value as long as silver prices are above about $2 per ounce (and they’re currently much higher than that).
This “junk silver” value gives your coin a solid floor. Dealers and coin shops will readily buy 1959 quarters simply for the silver content, so don’t worry if your coin isn’t in pristine shape. It still has real-world value.
CoinKnow is a great tool for tracking current silver melt values and coin prices all in one place — it updates in real time so you always know what the metal in your coins is worth.
Are There Any Valuable Errors on the 1959 No Mint Mark Quarter?
Like most coins, the 1959 Washington Quarter can occasionally turn up with mint errors that boost the value significantly. Some things to look for include doubled die obverse errors (where Washington’s portrait or the date appears doubled), off-center strikes, and die cracks. These types of errors can turn a $4 silver coin into something worth $50, $100, or more to the right collector.
To check if your coin has an error, use a magnifying glass and look closely at the date, lettering, and portrait. If something looks off or doubled, it’s worth getting a second opinion. You can also use CoinKnow to cross-reference known error varieties for this date and mint combination.
For a complete breakdown of 1959 quarter values across all grades and mint marks, including error coin premiums, that resource covers everything in one easy-to-read guide.
Should You Clean Your 1959 Washington Quarter?
Short answer: no. Cleaning a coin almost always reduces its collector value, even if it makes the coin look shinier. Collectors and grading services can spot a cleaned coin immediately, and it will be assigned a lower grade or a “details” designation that lowers its resale price. Leave your coin as-is, store it in a protective flip or holder, and let the natural patina do its job.
If you’re unsure about your coin’s condition or want a professional opinion, submitting to PCGS or NGC for grading is a smart move — especially if it looks uncirculated or has an unusual feature. CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s appearance to graded examples before you spend money on a submission.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1959 Washington Quarter with no mint mark rare?
A: No, it’s not considered rare. Over 24 million were minted in Philadelphia that year, making it a fairly common date. However, high-grade examples in MS-65 or better are harder to find and do carry a premium.
Q: How much silver is in a 1959 Washington Quarter?
A: It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. At a silver spot price of around $28 per troy ounce, the melt value is roughly $5.06 — but this fluctuates with the silver market.
Q: Where can I sell my 1959 Washington Quarter?
A: You can sell it at a local coin shop, through online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions, or at a coin show. For common circulated examples, many dealers will buy them simply for silver content. For nicer pieces, consider getting them graded first to maximize your sale price.
