1939 Washington Quarter obverse and reverse showing George Washington portrait and eagle design

Free 1939 Quarter Value Calculator — What's Yours Worth?

A 1939-D Washington quarter in MS68 sold for $14,400 at Stack's Bowers in 2022 — yet most circulated 1939 quarters sit in coin jars worth just their silver melt value of roughly $4.50–$5.00. The difference comes down to three things: the mint mark, the grade, and whether you have a rare error. Use this free tool to find out exactly which category yours falls into.

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 — rated by 1,547 collectors
Check My 1939 Quarter Value →
$14,400
Top Auction Sale (1939-D MS68, Stack's Bowers 2022)
43.2M
Total 1939 Quarters Struck (all mints)
2,628,000
1939-S Mintage (semi-key date)
90%
Silver Content — Base Value ~$4.50–$5.50

Is Your 1939-S Quarter the Semi-Key Date?

The 1939-S is the most valuable regular-issue 1939 quarter with only 2,628,000 struck. Use this checker to see if your coin matches the hallmarks of a genuine high-grade 1939-S before calculating its value.

1939-S Washington Quarter compared to common 1939-P, showing S mint mark and condition difference

🪙 Common 1939 Quarter

No mint mark (Philadelphia) or a "D" on reverse. Mintage: 33.5M or 7.1M. Circulated examples worth roughly silver melt value. Even MS65 grades are relatively affordable at $85–$150.

— vs —

✨ Scarce 1939-S Quarter

Small "S" mint mark on reverse. Only 2,628,000 struck. MS65 examples bring $175–$250. MS67 specimens have sold for over $2,600. A true semi-key date in the Washington quarter series.

Check all that apply to your coin:

Describe Your 1939 Quarter for a Detailed Assessment

Don't know the exact grade or mint mark? Describe what you see in plain English — our analyzer will match your description to known varieties and conditions.

✅ Mention these if you can

  • Mint mark letter (S, D, or none)
  • Shine / luster description
  • Wear on Washington's cheek or hair
  • Doubling on date or letters
  • Die cracks or raised metal lines

💡 Also helpful

  • Color: silver-white, toned, rainbow
  • Bag marks or contact marks
  • Sharpness of eagle feathers
  • Any unusual color or thickness
  • Whether it has a slab/holder

📊 Described your coin but want a specific dollar estimate? The calculator below pinpoints your value in seconds.

Run the Calculator →

Free 1939 Washington Quarter Value Calculator

Answer three quick steps to get your estimated value range, rarity tier, and next steps.

1
2
3

Step 1 of 3 — Select Mint Mark

Step 2 of 3 — Select Condition

Step 3 of 3 — Check Error Varieties

This calculator works best when you already know your coin's mint mark and condition. If you're unsure, the 1939 Quarter Coin Value Checker tool lets you upload photos for an AI-assisted identification before you run these steps.

What's on This Page

Jump to any section:

🔍 1939-S Self-Checker 📝 Describe Your Coin 🔢 Value Calculator ⚠️ Errors Guide 📊 Value Chart 🏭 Mintage Data 🎓 Grading Guide 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 1939 Washington Quarter Errors (Complete Guide)

The 1939 Washington quarter produced at three mints yielded a handful of significant error varieties that collectors actively seek. Each variety below is documented with its diagnostic features, a value range, and what specifically drives the premium — so you can examine your own coin with confidence. Values reflect the collector premium above base silver content.

1939-S Washington Quarter Doubled Die Obverse error showing doubling on date and LIBERTY lettering
MOST FAMOUS

1939-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

$300 – $1,500+

The 1939-S Doubled Die Obverse is considered the crown jewel of 1939 quarter errors. It occurred at the San Francisco Mint when a working die received multiple misaligned impressions during the hubbing process, embedding a duplicated design into the die itself before a single coin was struck.

The doubling manifests as a visible secondary impression on the date numerals and the letters of "LIBERTY" on the obverse. Under a 5–10× loupe, each affected numeral and letter appears to have a ghost shadow offset clockwise — a hallmark of rotated-hub doubling rather than machine doubling.

Collectors pay a strong premium because the 1939-S already commands a scarcity premium as a semi-key date; a confirmed DDO on a low-mintage coin creates a rarity compounded by two factors simultaneously. Graded MS examples in strong condition are the most sought-after specimens.

How to spot it Under a 10× loupe, look at the "9" in the date and the letters of "LIBERTY" on the obverse. True DDO doubling shows a distinct offset secondary impression — the numbers and letters appear doubled with clear separation between the primary and secondary images, not a smeared mechanical doubling from a worn die.
Mint mark S (San Francisco) only — this DDO variety is specific to the San Francisco issue; confirmed examples from Philadelphia or Denver have not been documented under this designation.
Notable Multiple DDO varieties for 1939 are documented by VarietyVista in the Washington Quarter Die Variety Book, with at least 15 DDO positions catalogued for 1939 Philadelphia and S-mint issues combined. CONECA attribution recommended for premium value confirmation.
1939-D Washington Quarter showing D/S overmintmark with ghostly S visible beneath the D mint mark
HISTORICALLY FASCINATING

1939-D/S Overmintmark (OMM) — FS-501

$150 – $800+

The 1939-D/S OMM is a variety where a Denver "D" mint mark punch was applied directly over a previously punched San Francisco "S" on the working die. In this era, mint mark punches were applied by hand to each individual working die, creating opportunities for exactly this kind of overlap when a die was initially prepared for one mint and then reassigned.

On the finished coin, both letters are visible simultaneously: the curved upper portions of the underlying "S" appear as raised arcs peeking out from behind the bold "D." The diagnostic view requires a 10× loupe focused on the lower interior of the D, where the S's terminal curves protrude most clearly.

This variety is catalogued as FS-501 in the Cherrypickers' Guide, which grants it an official attributed designation recognized by major grading services. Attributed examples in circulated grades still command meaningful premiums, while Mint State examples are actively sought by Washington quarter specialists.

How to spot it Examine the "D" mint mark on the reverse with a 10× loupe. Look inside the lower portion of the D — if curved remnants of an "S" are visible protruding at the bottom left, you have the FS-501 OMM. The S's bottom curve is the most reliable diagnostic feature to check first.
Mint mark D over S (Denver over San Francisco) — the D mint mark is on top; look beneath it for the S. Found only on 1939-D examples; not present on Philadelphia or S-mint coins.
Notable Officially catalogued as FS-501 in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties. PCGS and NGC both attribute this variety on their certification labels; coins with an "OMM" attribution on the holder trade at clear premiums over non-attributed 1939-D examples.
1939 Washington Quarter showing repunched mint mark with offset double impression of the S or D letter
COLLECTOR FAVORITE

1939-D / 1939-S Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

$50 – $300+

Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties occur when the hand-punch operator applied the mint mark letter to the working die in a slightly off-position first strike, then corrected alignment for a second punch — leaving two overlapping impressions of the same letter in the die. Every coin struck from that die carries both impressions permanently.

RPM examples are visible on both D and S mint issues from 1939. On D examples, look for a second "D" impression slightly north, south, or rotated relative to the primary. On S examples, the secondary impression is typically offset to the north or northeast. The separation between the primary and secondary letters ranges from barely perceptible to clearly visible with the naked eye on the strongest specimens.

RPM varieties are catalogued by CONECA and the Cherrypickers' Guide, giving attributed examples a documented premium. They represent an entry-level variety for collectors new to die variety attribution — more affordable than DDO or OMM specimens yet still representing genuine mint manufacturing history.

How to spot it Under a 10× loupe, examine the mint mark closely for a second impression of the same letter. Look for "serifs" or partial letter outlines protruding from the primary letter in a north, south, east, or rotated direction. Compare with a known standard example to verify the deviation is real and not die wear.
Mint mark D (Denver) and S (San Francisco) issues only — Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark and therefore cannot exhibit RPM errors. Multiple RPM positions have been documented for both the D and S issues.
Notable Multiple RPM positions for 1939-D and 1939-S are documented by CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America). Attribution by PCGS or NGC raises resale confidence; look for "RPM" designation on holder labels for maximum market premium.
1939 Washington Quarter die crack error showing raised metal line across the coin's design
BEST KEPT SECRET

1939 Quarter Die Crack Error

$20 – $200+

Die crack errors result from the cumulative stress of high-pressure striking — over thousands of impacts, working dies develop fractures. When a cracked die continues to be used in production, liquid metal fills the crack during each strike, leaving a raised, irregular metal ridge on every coin produced afterward. Die cracks appear on all three 1939 mint issues.

The raised metal line can cross any part of the design — the portrait, the lettering, the date, or the reverse eagle. Dramatic die cracks that bisect major design elements or cross the full diameter of the coin ("cuds" when they reach the rim) are the most valued. Hairline cracks through secondary fields add modest premiums while large, dramatic cracks command significant collector interest.

Die crack errors are among the most accessible variety coins to find with patient searching through circulated rolls. While most examples carry modest premiums, a prominent die crack on a high-grade example or one that creates a visible "cud" break along the rim of a Mint State coin can command hundreds of dollars from error coin specialists.

How to spot it Tilt the coin under a single oblique light source and look for a raised, irregular line — not a scratch, which would be incuse (sunken). A genuine die crack is raised above the coin's surface. It will be straight or slightly curved and may run through lettering, the portrait, or the eagle's wings.
Mint mark P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), and S (San Francisco) — die crack errors are not specific to any mint and have been documented across all three 1939 issue facilities.
Notable Value correlates strongly with drama: a hairline crack through the field may add only $10–$20, while a large bisecting crack or full cud break can fetch $100–$200+. Error coin specialists at CONECA can identify and attribute notable die crack examples for documentation purposes.
1939 Washington Quarter wrong planchet error showing size and color discrepancy from standard quarter
RAREST ERROR

1939 Quarter Wrong Planchet Error

$500 – $2,500+

Wrong planchet errors are among the most dramatic — and valuable — mistakes in U.S. Mint history. They occur when a blank (planchet) intended for one coin denomination accidentally enters the striking chamber for another, resulting in a quarter design stamped onto a blank of incorrect size, weight, or metal composition. In 1939, the most likely wrong planchet scenario involves a nickel-sized or dime-sized blank being struck with quarter dies.

The resulting coin is immediately recognizable: the design appears truncated or off-center because the smaller planchet cannot accommodate the full quarter diameter. The weight will be measurably different — a standard 1939 quarter weighs 6.30 grams, so any significant deviation flags the coin for further examination. The composition may also differ, affecting the coin's color and luster profile.

Wrong planchet errors are genuinely rare — the U.S. Mint's quality control systems caught most such accidents before coins left the facility. Authentic confirmed examples command strong premiums from major error collectors. Any suspected wrong planchet example should be professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC before sale, as these coins attract significant counterfeiting attempts due to their high values.

How to spot it Weigh the coin with a precise digital scale (±0.01g accuracy). A standard 1939 quarter weighs 6.30 grams exactly; any significant deviation — especially a coin weighing 5.00g (nickel weight) or 2.50g (dime weight) — is a strong indicator. Also check the diameter and note any design truncation with a ruler or caliper.
Mint mark P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco) — wrong planchet errors are not mint-specific and could theoretically occur at any facility. The mint mark on the die would still be present on the finished coin.
Notable Confirmed wrong planchet errors on Washington quarters sell for $500–$2,500+ depending on the planchet type and grade. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before any sale; these coins command top prices at major Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers error-focused sales.

💰 Think you've spotted one of these errors on your coin? Run the calculator to see exactly what it might be worth.

Calculate Its Value →

1939 Washington Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

Values below represent typical collector market ranges across all four major 1939 issues and four condition tiers. For a thorough in-depth 1939 quarter identification breakdown with grading photos and current auction comps, see this step-by-step 1939 Washington quarter identification guide. The 1939-S row is highlighted gold as the signature semi-key variety; the Proof row is highlighted for its extreme rarity.

Variety Worn (G–VG) Circulated (F–XF) Uncirculated (MS60–65) Gem (MS66+)
1939-P (No Mark) $7 – $12 $13 – $22 $27 – $100 $85 – $8,625
⭐ 1939-S (Semi-Key) $10 – $15 $15 – $50 $80 – $260 $250 – $2,640+
1939-D $8 – $14 $15 – $35 $30 – $150 $100 – $14,400
🔴 1939 Proof — — $150 – $260 $375 – $14,000+

⭐ Gold = signature semi-key variety (1939-S) · 🔴 Orange-red = rarest variety (Proof, only 8,795 struck) · Values based on PCGS auction data, PriceCharting, and CoinStudy · 2026 edition

📱 CoinKnow is a fast, on-the-go way to cross-reference your 1939 quarter's condition against graded examples and estimate its current market value — a coin identifier and value app.

1939 Washington Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Historical U.S. Mint building or group of 1939 Washington quarters from Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and Proof
Mint Mint Mark Mintage Notes
Philadelphia None 33,540,000 Largest issue; many survive in mid-grades; MS68 examples are rare
Denver D 7,092,000 Sharp strike quality; scarcer than P in high grades; MS68 record $14,400
San Francisco ⭐ S 2,628,000 Semi-key date; fewest regular-issue survivors in high grades
Philadelphia (Proof) 🔴 None 8,795 Mirror-finish; last pre-war proof before 7-year gap; DCAM examples very rare
Total 43,268,795 All issues combined

Composition & Specifications: 90% silver, 10% copper · Weight: 6.30 grams · Diameter: 24.3 mm · Edge: Reeded · Designer: John Flanagan · Actual Silver Weight: 0.18084 troy oz. · At $25/oz silver, melt value ≈ $4.52. All 1939 quarters contain identical silver content regardless of mint mark.

How to Grade Your 1939 Washington Quarter

The 1939 Washington quarter's grading focus points are Washington's portrait on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse. Here's how to read the condition of your coin.

1939 Washington Quarter grading strip showing four condition levels from Good to Mint State in a horizontal row

🟤 Worn / Good (G–VG)

Washington's portrait is visible but flattened. The hairline merges into the forehead. The rim may partially swallow the lettering on the reverse. The eagle is bold but major feather detail is gone. These coins trade at or near silver melt value. Date and mint mark are readable. Most are worth $7–$15 regardless of mint.

🔵 Circulated (F–XF)

Fine: Washington's hair shows flatness but the hairline is still visible. Extremely Fine (XF): Only the highest points show slight wear — the cheek, the top of the crown, and the ear curls show faint friction. Most inner hair detail remains crisp. The eagle retains most breast feather lines. XF coins are clearly above silver melt value, especially for D and S mints.

⚪ Uncirculated (MS60–MS65)

No wear anywhere — confirmed by rotating the coin slowly under a single light source. Full cartwheel luster must flow across all surfaces including the cheek, hair crown, and eagle's breast. MS65 coins show sharp strike and minimal contact marks. Strike quality matters: 1939-P coins can be "mushy" from worn dies; full strike commands a premium. Values: $30–$260 by mint.

💎 Gem (MS66+)

MS66 and above requires virtually mark-free surfaces with exceptional luster and eye appeal. Many 1939-P examples exhibit "golden iridescent" toning at this level — an attractive feature, per PCGS's own notes on this issue. MS67 is scarce and commands large premiums. MS68 examples are condition census-level rarities, with auction records from $8,625 (P) to $14,400 (D).

Pro Tip — Strike & Luster Designations: For 1939 proof coins, watch for the Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations — these indicate strong frosted contrast between the design devices and the mirror-polished fields. A DCAM 1939 proof is worth substantially more than a standard proof at the same numeric grade. On business-strike coins, the Full Strike designation (not official, but acknowledged by dealers) on a sharply struck 1939-P separates the finest survivors from the typical "mushy" die-worn production.

🔍 CoinKnow helps you match your coin's surface details and luster to graded examples for a quick condition estimate in the field — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1939 Washington Quarter

The best venue depends on your coin's grade and whether it has an error variety. Here are the four main options:

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

Best for high-grade (MS66+), rare proof, or confirmed error varieties. Heritage is the world's largest numismatic auctioneer and attracts serious specialist buyers willing to pay top dollar for condition rarities. The 1939-P MS68 ($8,625) and multiple other record-setters passed through Heritage. Minimum consignment values apply; best for coins worth $500+.

🛒 eBay

Ideal for circulated to mid-grade Mint State examples. The active secondary market means quick sales and broad exposure. Check recently sold 1939 quarter prices and completed eBay listings to price your coin accurately before listing. Use "sold listings" filters for realistic comps rather than inflated asking prices.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Fastest and easiest option for circulated 1939 quarters. Expect to receive 50–70% of retail value — dealers build in their margin. Bring comparable sold listings from eBay or PriceCharting to the conversation. Best for large quantities of circulated silver Washington quarters where the convenience of an immediate cash offer outweighs the upside of a public auction.

💬 Reddit (r/Coins4Sale)

Excellent for collector-to-collector sales with zero seller fees. The r/Coins4Sale and r/CoinSwap communities are active and knowledgeable. Requires good-quality photographs and transparent description of grade and any issues. Best for mid-range coins ($15–$150) where auction fees would eat too much of the value. Community trust is built through post history and feedback.

💡 Get It Graded First: For any 1939 quarter you believe grades MS65 or higher, or any confirmed error variety, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before selling. A slabbed coin (in a grading service holder) typically sells for 20–40% more than a raw equivalent because buyers can trust the grade. Grading fees ($30–$75 per coin) are quickly recovered on any coin worth $100+.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1939 Quarter Value

How much is a 1939 quarter worth?
A 1939 quarter is worth at minimum its silver melt value of roughly $4.50–$5.00. Circulated Philadelphia examples in Good to Fine condition sell for $7–$15. Uncirculated MS65 examples fetch $85–$100. The rarer 1939-S in MS65 brings $175–$250, and a top-grade 1939-D in MS68 sold for $14,400 at Stack's Bowers in 2022. Proof specimens add further premiums.
What makes the 1939-S quarter valuable?
The 1939-S is the scarcest regular-issue 1939 quarter with only 2,628,000 struck at the San Francisco Mint—roughly one-thirteenth of Philadelphia's output. This low mintage translates to fewer surviving high-grade examples. Collectors seeking complete Washington quarter sets must acquire this semi-key date, driving consistent demand. MS65 examples typically bring $175–$250, and MS67 specimens have sold for over $2,600 at Heritage Auctions.
What is the auction record for a 1939 quarter?
The auction record for a 1939-D quarter is $14,400 for an MS68 example sold at Stack's Bowers on August 31, 2022. For the Philadelphia issue, PCGS records an auction record of $8,625 for an MS68 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012. These extreme grades are vanishingly rare—the population of graded MS68 examples is tiny for all three mints.
Does a 1939 quarter have silver in it?
Yes. Every 1939 Washington quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 6.30 grams and an actual silver weight of approximately 0.1808 troy ounces. At current silver prices around $25–$30 per troy ounce, the intrinsic metal value (melt value) of a 1939 quarter is roughly $4.50–$5.50. This silver content acts as a floor below which values rarely fall.
What is the 1939-D/S overmintmark error?
The 1939-D/S overmintmark (OMM) error, catalogued as FS-501, occurred when a Denver 'D' mint mark punch was applied over a previously punched San Francisco 'S' on the working die. The result is a coin showing ghostly traces of both letters simultaneously. Under magnification, both the curved remnants of the 'S' and the bold 'D' are visible. This variety commands a premium over a standard 1939-D in all grades.
How do I find the mint mark on a 1939 quarter?
Turn the coin to the reverse (eagle side) and look just to the right of the bow in the ribbon at the bottom of the design, between the eagle and the word 'QUARTER DOLLAR.' On 1939-D examples you'll see a small 'D'; on 1939-S examples a small 'S.' Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mint mark. A 10× loupe or magnifying glass makes finding faint or worn mint marks much easier.
What is a 1939 proof quarter worth?
The 1939 Philadelphia Mint produced only 8,795 proof quarters—the second-to-last pre-war proof before a seven-year gap due to World War II. A PR65 example typically sells for $150–$260. Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designated proofs with strong mirror-to-frosted contrast command much higher premiums, with PR67 CAM examples reported selling for several thousand dollars at major auctions.
What errors exist on the 1939 quarter?
Known 1939 quarter errors and varieties include: the 1939-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) with doubling visible on the date and lettering; the 1939-D/S Overmintmark (FS-501); Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) on D and S examples; die crack errors on all three mint varieties leaving raised metal lines; and extremely rare Wrong Planchet errors where a quarter design was struck on a different-denomination blank. Each carries collector premiums above base silver value.
How do I grade a 1939 Washington quarter at home?
Examine the highest points of Washington's portrait: the cheek, the curls behind the ear, and the hair at the crown. Any friction or flatness in these areas indicates circulation. On the reverse, inspect the eagle's breast feathers and the leading edges of the wings. An uncirculated (Mint State) coin retains full original luster across all surfaces—rotate it under a single light source to check. A 10× loupe helps spot subtle wear.
Is a 1939-D quarter rare?
The 1939-D quarter is moderately scarce, not rare in lower grades but genuinely difficult to find in top Mint State grades. Denver struck 7,092,000 pieces—about one-fifth of Philadelphia's output. In circulated condition, values are modest. But in MS67 and MS68 grades, the population drops sharply, and the auction record of $14,400 for an MS68 example illustrates the dramatic premium that elite condition commands.

Ready to Find Out What Your 1939 Quarter Is Worth?

Get an instant estimate — no signup required. Just select mint mark, condition, and any errors.

Get My Free Estimate →