The 1939 Washington quarter, a significant piece of American numismatic history, holds varying values depending on several critical factors. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, its intrinsic metal content provides a baseline value, but its appeal to collectors is primarily driven by its condition, rarity, and origin. This guide explores the factors that determine the 1939 quarter coin value, providing insights for both novice and experienced collectors.
Understanding the 1939 Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter series began in 1932, commemorating the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Designed by John Flanagan, the obverse features a bust of Washington, while the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. The 1939 issue is part of the pre-1965 silver quarter series, making it inherently more valuable than modern clad quarters due to its silver content.
Key Factors Influencing 1939 Quarter Coin Value
Several attributes contribute to the overall 1939 quarter coin value. A thorough examination of these factors is necessary for an accurate valuation.
Mint Mark
The mint mark on a coin indicates the facility where it was produced. For the 1939 Washington quarter, three potential origins exist:
- No Mint Mark: Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint (the primary U.S. Mint) do not bear a mint mark.
- “D” Mint Mark: Indicates production at the Denver Mint. This mark is typically found on the reverse, below the eagle’s tail feathers.
- “S” Mint Mark: Signifies production at the San Francisco Mint. This mark is also located on the reverse, below the eagle’s tail feathers.
The presence or absence of a mint mark, particularly for the 1939 issue, directly impacts its rarity. San Francisco and Denver minted quarters from 1939 are considered semi-key dates due to their lower mintage figures compared to Philadelphia, making them more sought after by collectors and thus increasing their 1939 quarter coin value.
Condition and Grading
The physical state of a coin, referred to as its condition, is paramount in determining its value. Coins with minimal wear and retaining their original luster are considerably more valuable. The Sheldon coin grading scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70), is universally used by numismatists.
- Circulated Condition: These coins show signs of wear from everyday use. Details may be worn down, and the original luster is often absent. Their value is generally lower, often close to their melt value, but can increase significantly for scarcer mint marks.
- Uncirculated Condition (Mint State): These coins have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster and sharp details. Within the Mint State (MS) category, higher grades (e.g., MS-65, MS-67) command premium prices.
Professional coin grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), authenticate and assign a numerical grade to coins. This third-party certification provides assurance of a coin’s authenticity and condition, typically enhancing its market price and buyer confidence. A professionally graded coin often realizes a higher 1939 quarter coin value compared to an ungraded but otherwise similar specimen.
Melt Value
As a 90% silver coin, the 1939 Washington quarter possesses an intrinsic metal value. This “melt value” fluctuates daily with the spot price of silver on commodity markets. While circulated coins often trade near or slightly above their melt value, uncirculated or rare examples will trade at a significant premium above their silver content alone. Understanding the melt value provides a baseline for the 1939 quarter coin value. Each 1939 quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Error Coins
Mistakes made during the minting process, known as error coins, can dramatically increase the 1939 quarter coin value. These errors are often unique and highly sought after by specialized collectors. Examples of errors include:
- Doubled Dies: Occur when a coin die receives multiple, slightly misaligned impressions from the hub, resulting in a doubled appearance of design elements (e.g., letters, numbers). A notable example is the 1939-S doubled die obverse.
- Off-Center Strikes: Happen when the coin blank (planchet) is not perfectly centered in the coining press, leading to part of the design being missing and a blank area on one side.
- Die Cracks: These are raised lines on the coin surface caused by cracks in the die. While common, significant or unusual die cracks can add to a coin’s appeal.
- Mint Errors: A broad category encompassing various anomalies such as planchet errors (e.g., clipped planchets, wrong planchet), striking errors (e.g., broadstrikes, multiple strikes), and die errors (e.g., filled dies).
The rarity and visual impact of an error determine its premium. Collectors specializing in error coins often pay substantial sums for verifiable and significant errors, making them a unique aspect of 1939 quarter coin value.
Estimated 1939 Quarter Coin Value Ranges (as of August 2025)
The following value ranges provide a general guide. Actual prices can vary based on market demand, individual coin characteristics, and the venue of sale.
Circulated 1939 Quarter Values
These values represent typical prices for coins showing signs of wear, often graded Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12).
- 1939 Philadelphia (no mint mark):
- Value Range: Between $8 and $19.50.
- Comment: Most common issue, values primarily driven by silver content and minimal collector premium.
- 1939 Denver (“D” mint mark):
- Value Range: Between $8 and $42.50.
- Comment: Lower mintage than Philadelphia, leading to a higher collector premium even in circulated grades.
- 1939 San Francisco (“S” mint mark):
- Value Range: Between $8 and $85.
- Comment: Significantly lower mintage, making it scarcer and more valuable in all grades. Often considered a semi-key date.
Uncirculated 1939 Quarter Values
These values are for coins in Mint State (MS) condition, showing no signs of wear and retaining original luster. Higher grades within the MS category will command the top end of these ranges, and sometimes exceed them.
- 1939 Philadelphia (no mint mark):
- Value Range: Up to $1,875.
- Comment: While common in circulated grades, high-grade uncirculated examples are much harder to find and highly desirable.
- 1939 Denver (“D” mint mark):
- Value Range: Up to $1,450.
- Comment: Similar to Philadelphia, high-grade uncirculated examples are scarce and command substantial prices.
- 1939 San Francisco (“S” mint mark):
- Value Range: Up to $10,000.
- Comment: The undisputed leader in 1939 quarter coin value for uncirculated examples. Its very low mintage combined with collector demand for high-grade specimens drives prices exceptionally high.
Noteworthy Sales and Listings
Recent sales and listings illustrate the potential for high 1939 quarter coin value based on specific attributes:
- 1939-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter: A rare error variety. A PCGS graded MS67 example sold for $1,020 in 2024. This demonstrates the significant premium for error coins, especially in high grades.
- Ungraded 1939 Philadelphia Quarter with Rim Errors: Listed for $449.99. While not professionally graded, significant and visible errors can still attract buyers.
- 1939-D Quarter, PCGS Graded MS67+: Listed for $1486.75 on eBay from eternitycoin. This highlights the strong market for high-grade semi-key date coins.
- 1939-S Quarter, PCGS Graded MS67: Available for $875 from L & C Coins. This price reflects its high grade and desirable San Francisco mint mark.
- 1939 P Die Crack 25 Cent Washington Quarter Coin Error: Listed for $375 on eBay from 3333logan. This indicates that even common die cracks can add value if they are prominent.
Verifying and Selling Your 1939 Quarter
For individuals possessing a 1939 quarter and seeking to determine its exact worth, several steps are advisable:
- Initial Assessment:
- Identify the Mint Mark: Locate the mint mark on the reverse, below the eagle. No mark means Philadelphia.
- Assess Condition: Examine the coin under good light. Look for signs of wear on high points of the design (Washington’s hair, eagle’s feathers). Check for original luster.
- Look for Errors: Carefully inspect the coin for any anomalies like doubling, off-center strikes, or significant die cracks.
- Consult Resources:
- Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins (the “Red Book”) is an essential resource for estimated coin values and mintage figures.
- Online Databases: Websites of PCGS, NGC, and online auction archives (e.g., eBay sold listings, Heritage Auctions) provide recent sales data for comparable coins.
- Professional Assessment:
- For coins suspected to be rare, high-grade, or error varieties, consider submitting them to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. The cost of grading is often offset by the increased market value and buyer confidence that comes with certification.
- Consult with a reputable local coin dealer. They can provide an expert opinion on your coin’s condition and value, and may offer to purchase it.
Conclusion
The 1939 quarter coin value spans a wide spectrum, from a few dollars for heavily circulated common issues to thousands for pristine, uncirculated examples, especially those from the San Francisco Mint, or those exhibiting rare errors. The combination of mint mark, condition, and the presence of any unique attributes like errors critically determines its market worth. Collectors focusing on the 1939 quarter appreciate its place within the early Washington quarter series and its composition as a significant silver coin. A careful evaluation, potentially with professional assistance, is the most reliable way to ascertain the true value of your 1939 quarter.
Which quarter is worth $1,000,000 today?
Good point! Such as its condition. And any unique characteristics it might have a typical 1,000 965 Washington quarter in excellent condition can fetch anywhere from $170,000.
What is the error on the 1939 quarter?
1939 P Die Crack 25 Cent Washington Quarter Coin Error. Die crack on the obverse starting above the front of the nose extending down below “ In God We Trust” Acquired from an Estate.