Price Guide for 1959 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: $7.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.64 – $11.99Uncirculated: $2.75 – $1,878.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $11.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.17Uncirculated: $3.25 – $1,478.70
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $9,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $899.99Uncirculated: $4.25 – $320.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $90.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $35.97 – $275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $540.50
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eBayUncirculated: $41.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $85.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $76.00 – $11,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $24.00 – $900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $22.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $823.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.53 – $295.15
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $156.00 – $286.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $300.00
Design and Specifications of the 1959 Quarter
The 1959 Quarter continues the Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This year marks the last of the 90% silver composition quarters before the transition to copper-nickel clad coins in 1965 due to rising silver prices.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1959 Quarters. Circulation strikes in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums due to their scarcity. Proof coins are valued based on their cameo contrast, with deep cameo specimens being the most desirable.
For circulation strikes, look for coins with full, sharp details on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Luster quality is also important, with coins exhibiting full, cartwheel luster being more valuable. Any signs of wear, particularly on high points like Washington’s cheek or the eagle’s breast, can significantly reduce value.
Mintage: 24,384,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 62,054,232
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,149,291
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Toning can add value to 1959 Quarters, especially for proof coins. Natural, attractive toning patterns are highly sought after by collectors. For circulation strikes, original mint luster is crucial, and any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can severely impact value.
Strike quality varies among 1959 Quarters, with well-struck coins commanding premiums. Coins with Full Head details on Washington and Full Bell Lines on the reverse (for later date Washington quarters) are particularly desirable. While not common, any mint errors such as doubled dies or off-center strikes can significantly increase a coin’s value to error collectors.
