Price Guide for 1955 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.89 – $36.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $3,316.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $21.50Uncirculated: $4.51 – $3,163.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $105.70 – $125.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $486.88
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $6.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $940.00
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eBayCirculated: $160.00Uncirculated: $9.02 – $709.15
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $115.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $103.80 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $4,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1955 Quarter
The 1955 Washington Quarter continued the design that had been in use since 1932. This year marked the end of an era for silver quarters, as it was one of the last years before the transition to clad composition in 1965. The coin holds significance as part of the long-running Washington Quarter series, which has been a staple of American coinage for decades.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington facing left, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1955 quarters. Circulation strikes in Mint State grades, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums due to their scarcity. For Denver-minted coins, this is especially true given their lower mintage.
Proof coins from San Francisco are valued based on their cameo contrast and absence of handling marks. Deep Cameo examples with frosted devices and mirrored fields are highly sought after.
Mintage: 18,180,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 3,182,400
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 378,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High among proof collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1955 quarters. Well-struck coins with full details on the high points (such as Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers) are more desirable. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins exhibiting strong, original mint luster commanding higher premiums.
For silver coins of this era, toning can significantly impact value. Attractively toned specimens with rainbow colors or deep, even toning are highly prized by collectors. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
The Denver mintage, being significantly lower, tends to be more valuable in all grades compared to Philadelphia issues. For collectors focusing on assembling high-grade sets, the 1955-D can be a challenging coin to acquire in top conditions.
