As a lifelong coin collector and professional numismatist, I‘ve always been fascinated by the Washington quarter series. These workhorses of American commerce have jingled in our pockets for over 90 years, yet they still hold surprises and opportunities for the astute collector. Today, I want to focus on a year that marked a quiet but significant turning point for the series: 1979.
To the casual observer, a 1979 quarter might seem ordinary and unremarkable. But as we‘ll explore in this in-depth guide, there‘s more to these humble coins than meets the eye. From scarce varieties and dramatic errors to intriguing transitional issues, the 1979 Washington quarter offers a microcosm of the delights and challenges of modern U.S. coin collecting.
A Pivotal Year
First, let‘s set the stage by discussing why 1979 was a noteworthy year for the Washington quarter series. As numismatic author J.H. Cline explains in his reference book, Standing Liberty Quarters, 1979 marked the last year that quarters were issued without a "P" mint mark from the Philadelphia Mint. Starting in 1980, P-mint quarters were struck with the P designator for the first time.
This might seem like a minor detail, but mint mark changes are always significant events for collectors. They create distinct varieties to collect, as well as opportunities for transitional errors. Astute numismatists recognize 1979 quarters as the close of an era when the P-mint issues were "anonymous." In a sense, they represent the end of a classic period for the Washington quarter.
Personally, I find collecting coins from transitional years like 1979-1980 to be especially rewarding. It allows you to hold a tangible piece of coinage history in your hands and appreciate how U.S. minting practices have evolved over time. Someday, I believe collectors will look back at the late 1970s quarters with a sense of nostalgia, just as we view classic coins from the early 20th century today.
Mintages and Availability
With that historical context in mind, let‘s dive into the specifics of 1979 quarter production. The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints struck a combined total of over 1 billion quarters that year. Here‘s the full breakdown from the Red Book (the standard reference guide for U.S. coins):
| Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 518,708,000 |
| Denver | 489,789,780 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | 3,677,175 |
While over a billion quarters might sound like a lot, it‘s important to remember that these coins saw heavy circulation. Many were worn down or damaged over time, and a significant number have been lost or melted over the decades. Numismatic experts estimate that only a small fraction of the original mintage survives in collectible condition today.
In his book The Official National Park Quarters Collector‘s Guide, numismatic researcher Michael Garofalo estimates that less than 1% of the original 1979 quarter mintage remains in mint state grade as of 2023. The vast majority of survivors are circulated pieces that grade AU (About Uncirculated) or lower.
What does this mean for collectors? In short, 1979 quarters are plentiful in worn grades but surprisingly scarce in high mint state condition. This is especially true for the Denver Mint issues, which are notably harder to find in superb gem grades than their Philadelphia counterparts.
For example, according to the PCGS Population Report (as of March 2023), there are just 322 1979-D quarters graded MS67 or higher, compared to 1,122 1979-P quarters in the same grade range. This disparity makes high-grade 1979-D quarters a particular prize for registry set collectors.
Notable Varieties and Errors
While mint state 1979 quarters are scarce in an absolute sense, many collectors are drawn to this year for its bevy of interesting varieties and errors. Let‘s examine some of the most notable ones.
1979-S Proof Type 1 vs Type 2
One of the first varieties that specialists look for is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 proof quarters from the San Francisco Mint. These coins were struck specially for collector sets and were not intended for circulation.
As numismatic researcher Walter Breen first reported in his Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, the 1979-S proof quarters come in two distinct varieties:
- Type 1: The "S" mint mark is blobby and ill-defined, almost resembling a filled-in number "8."
- Type 2: The "S" mint mark is clear and sharp, with no filling.
The Type 2 proof is scarcer, with a mintage of just 1,288,788 coins compared to 2,388,387 for the Type 1. Numismatists believe that the Type 2 coins were struck later in the year after the Mint noticed the defective mint mark and fixed the die.
Today, the 1979-S Type 2 proof is highly sought-after by Washington quarter variety collectors. According to the PCGS price guide, a high-quality PR69DCAM example is worth around $450, compared to just $30 for a Type 1 in the same grade.
Doubled Die Obverse
The holy grail for many 1979 quarter collectors is the elusive "Doubled Die Obverse" variety. This error occurred when the obverse die was struck twice by the hub at slightly different angles, resulting in a doubling effect on the lettering and date.
Renowned variety expert John Wexler first reported the 1979 DDO in his book The RPM Book. He noted that the doubling is visible on the letters "UARTER D" and the digits "197" in the date, with a slight spread toward the rim.
To date, only a handful of genuine examples have been authenticated by the major grading services. PCGS reports just 2 coins in its Population Report, while NGC has certified 4 examples. The finest known specimen is a single MS66 coin at PCGS.
The rarity and eye appeal of the 1979 DDO have made it a trophy coin for Washington quarter collectors. In a 2021 auction, a PCGS MS64 example realized an impressive $12,000. For comparison, a regular 1979-P quarter in MS64 would sell for around $20.
Repunched and Overpunched Mint Marks
Another class of varieties that collectors pursue are repunched and overpunched mint marks on 1979-D quarters. These errors occurred when the Mint used a die that had been struck more than once by the mint mark punch, resulting in overlapping or misshapen mint marks.
In the Cherrypickers‘ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, numismatic researchers Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton identify several repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties for the 1979-D quarter. These include:
- FS-501: D Over D North
- FS-502: D Over D South
- FS-503: D Over Sideways D
Each of these RPMs shows the secondary D mint mark in a slightly different position relative to the primary punch. The dramatic D Over Sideways D is especially prized by collectors.
In addition to RPMs, there are also overpunched mint mark (OMM) varieties where a D mint mark was punched over an S or vice versa. One popular variety is the 1979 D Over S OMM, where the remnants of an S undertype are visible beneath the D mint mark.
Values for these RPM and OMM quarters range from around $50 for a low-grade example of a minor variety to over $500 for a high-grade piece with a dramatic repunching. They are avidly collected by Washington quarter variety specialists.
Off-Center and Broadstrike Errors
A final category of 1979 quarter errors that attracts collector attention is off-center strikes and broadstrikes. These errors occurred when the coin was mis-fed into the striking chamber or struck without the collar die in place.
Off-center quarters show a partial design struck off-center on the planchet. The value depends on the degree of the error and the amount of design visible. A 10% off-center 1979 quarter might bring $100, while a dramatic 50% off-center error could be worth over $1,000.
Broadstrike errors occur when the collar die is not properly seated, causing the coin to expand and distort as it is struck. A 1979 broadstrike quarter typically shows flattened rims, a weak strike, and an oversized diameter. Values range from $150 for a minor error to over $500 for a dramatic example.
Grading and Eye Appeal
As we‘ve seen, the value of a 1979 quarter can vary wildly based on its grade, variety, and error status. But even within a given grade, there can be significant price differences based on a coin‘s eye appeal and surface quality.
Experienced collectors know that not all coins are created equal, even within the same numeric grade. A coin with attractive, original toning and a sharp strike will always command a premium over a dull, weakly struck piece.
When grading mint state 1979 quarters, there are a few key elements to look for:
- Luster: The best 1979 quarters will exhibit full, flashy luster with no breaks or dullness. Look for a cartwheel effect as you rotate the coin under a light.
- Strikes: A fully struck 1979 quarter will show sharp details in Washington‘s hair and the eagle‘s feathers. Weak strikes are common and less desirable.
- Toning: Original, attractive toning is a plus for 1979 quarters. Look for even, concentric bands of color rather than splotchy or dull surfaces.
- Marks: As always, fewer marks and abrasions are better for the grade. Check the high points like Washington‘s cheek and the eagle‘s breast for signs of friction.
Proof 1979 quarters are judged on slightly different criteria, with an emphasis on deep mirrors, frosted devices, and "cameo" contrast. The highest-graded proofs will have no visible marks or hairlines even under 5x magnification.
Tips for Cherrypicking
One of the joys of collecting modern coins like 1979 quarters is the potential to find valuable varieties and errors in circulation. While the odds of stumbling across a major rarity are low, there are still opportunities to "cherrypick" scarce and interesting pieces from bank rolls, dealer stock, and online auctions.
Here are a few tips for cherrypicking 1979 quarters:
- Know your varieties: Study the key diagnostics of the 1979 DDO, RPMs, and OMMs so you can spot them quickly in a dealer‘s case or online listing.
- Check the mint mark: Always take a close look at the mint mark on a 1979-D quarter. Many varieties and errors are specific to this issue.
- Look for odd strikes: Off-center strikes, broadstrikes, and other planchet errors are often overlooked by non-specialists. A keen eye can spot these in mixed lots.
- Use a loupe: A 5-10x magnifying loupe is an essential tool for identifying small die variations, repunched mint marks, and other minute details.
- Be patient: Cherrypicking is a numbers game. The more coins you examine, the better your odds of finding a valuable variety or error. Don‘t get discouraged if you come up empty at first.
Remember, even if you don‘t find a rare variety, you can still assemble a nice collection of high-grade 1979 quarters by cherrypicking the best examples from circulation. Look for coins with full luster, sharp strikes, and clean surfaces.
Market Trends and Investment Potential
As with any coin series, the market for 1979 quarters has evolved over time. In recent years, there has been growing interest in modern error coins and niche varieties like the 1979 DDO and Type 2 proof. This has driven up prices for high-grade examples and created new opportunities for collectors.
At the same time, the overall market for Washington quarters has softened somewhat from its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many common date quarters have seen price declines, especially in lower mint state grades.
Does this mean that 1979 quarters are a bad investment? Not necessarily. As we‘ve seen, certain varieties and errors can still command significant premiums and show solid appreciation over time. The key is to focus on rarity, grade, and eye appeal when building a collection.
In my opinion, the best investment-grade 1979 quarters are:
- High-grade (MS66+/PR69+) examples of key varieties like the 1979-S Type 2 proof
- Rare and dramatic errors like off-center strikes, double strikes, and wrong planchet errors
- Gems and superb gems (MS67+) with exceptional eye appeal and toning
Of course, predicting future price movements is always a tricky business. Collector tastes and market conditions can change rapidly. My advice is to collect what you love first and foremost, and view any potential investment upside as a bonus.
The Joy of Collecting
Ultimately, the reason to collect 1979 quarters (or any other coin) is the sheer joy and satisfaction of the hobby. There‘s something magical about holding a piece of history in your hands and knowing that you are part of a community of passionate collectors and scholars.
For me, the appeal of the 1979 quarter is its status as a transitional issue and the thrill of the hunt for rare varieties. I love poring over dealer stocks and cherry-picking the best coins for my collection. Every new acquisition feels like a small victory and a connection to the past.
Whether you‘re a seasoned Washington quarter aficionado or a newcomer to the series, I encourage you to give 1979 quarters a closer look. With their intriguing varieties, errors, and historical significance, they offer something for every level of collector.
Happy hunting!
