1959 Washington Quarter Value No Mint Mark and How Much It Is Worth Today
The 1959 Washington Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $6 in worn condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. Most of these silver coins found in pocket change or old jars are valued primarily for their precious metal content, providing a nice surprise for the average collector.
Understanding the 1959 Washington Quarter with No Mint Mark
If you are looking at a 1959 quarter and cannot find a small letter on the back, you have a coin minted in Philadelphia. Back then, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark like Denver (D) or San Francisco (S). Finding one today is exciting because these coins are 90% silver, unlike the copper-nickel quarters we use in stores today. If you want to identify your coins quickly, using a free coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research.
These coins were produced in large quantities, with over 24 million struck in Philadelphia alone. While they were common at the time, many were melted down when silver prices soared in the late 1970s. This makes surviving examples in great condition quite desirable to collectors. For a quick appraisal, you can use CoinKnow to see what similar coins have sold for recently.
Determining the Value and Condition of Your Silver Quarter
The value of your 1959 quarter depends heavily on its “grade” or physical condition. Quarters that have been handled and used in daily transactions will show wear on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers. These are considered “circulated” and their value is tied closely to the current price of silver. However, if the coin looks like it just came from the bank—shiny with no scratches—it could be worth significantly more.
According to current market data, the 1959 Washington Quarter retail price for coins in Mint State 65 or higher can reach into the hundreds of dollars. Most casual collectors use tools like CoinKnow to zoom in on high-resolution photos to compare their coins to professional grading standards. Even a small difference in luster can mean a big difference in price.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to Extremely Fine) | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50-AU58) | $9.00 – $12.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $40.00 – $1,200+ |
| Proof (PF65+) | $15.00 – $100.00 |
Key Characteristics and Silver Content
The most important thing to remember is that every 1959 quarter is made of 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This gives the coin an “intrinsic” value that remains even if the coin is beat up or scratched. Many people keep these as a hedge against inflation or as a fun way to invest in precious metals. You can check the 1959 silver quarter worth and history to stay updated on how the silver market affects your collection.
Beyond the metal, look for the “Philadelphia” characteristics. The obverse features John Flanagan’s bust of George Washington, and the reverse features an American eagle with spread wings. If you notice any strange doubling of the letters or dates, you might be looking at an error coin, which can skyrocket the value. Using the CoinKnow app can help you spot these tiny mint errors that the naked eye might miss.
Is Your 1959 Quarter a Rare Error Coin
Error coins occur when something goes wrong during the minting process. For 1959, collectors often look for “Double Die” errors, where the design appears doubled. While not as famous as earlier years, a 1959 quarter with a clear error can sell for a premium. Even if it isn’t an error, a “Proof” version—specially made for collectors with a mirror-like finish—is also highly sought after.
Proof coins from 1959 usually have very sharp details and reflective surfaces. These were sold in sets by the Mint and were never intended for circulation. If you find one in a collection, handle it only by the edges. Any fingerprint can lower the grade and the potential payout when you decide to sell.
Q: How can I tell if my 1959 quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no traces of copper (orange/brown), it is silver. Also, a silver quarter will have a much higher-pitched “ring” when gently tapped compared to modern clad quarters.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1959 quarter?
A: On the 1959 Washington Quarter, the mint mark is located on the reverse side (the back), just below the center of the wreath that the eagle is perched on. If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1959 quarter worth more than $5?
A: Yes, because it is 90% silver, its “melt value” is usually between $5 and $6 depending on the current silver market. If the coin is in perfect uncirculated condition, it can be worth much more to a collector.
