Let's take a trip back in time to 1939. The world was on the brink of war, swing music was king, and the U.S. Mint was busy churning out Washington quarters.
From a purely investment standpoint, the inherent value of the silver content makes them appealing. But from a collector's perspective, the hunt for rare errors, variations, and pristine examples is what makes it exciting.
Sometimes, it can be hard to identify them, so some people use a coin identifier app, but others, like yourself, are doing research.
Coin Features
The Washington quarter was introduced in 1932, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter.
It commemorates the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth and features a dignified portrait of the first president on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse.
These coins, designed by John Flanagan, circulated widely during a pivotal period in American history. The 1939 Quarter played its part in everyday transactions, silently witnessing the build-up to World War II and the economic recovery of the late 1930s. Each one carries a silent testimony of that time.
What about the different versions? Well, you'll find 1939 quarters from three mints: Philadelphia (which doesn't have a mint mark), Denver (marked with a "D"), and San Francisco (marked with an "S").
These variations make for a nice little collecting challenge, and each one has its own potential value.
Also, if you don't know what the mint mark is, we would recommend you to read up on it, because if you don't know where the mint mark on a 1939 quarter, you're not going to get far.
The Coin's Composition
It's made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This silver content is why these coins are often referred to as "silver quarters."
Why does the silver matter? For starters, silver has intrinsic value. Its price fluctuates in the market, so the value of a 1939 silver quarter worth is directly tied to the spot price of silver. This means that even a well-worn 1939 quarter will always be worth more than 25 cents.
Distinguishing a silver quarter from a modern, clad (copper-nickel) quarter is pretty straightforward.
The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin.
A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge, while a clad quarter will show a copper stripe.
If you're thinking about collecting these things, you need to learn the meaning of the dates of coins.
How Much Is a 1939 Quarter Worth?
Several factors influence a coin's value, including condition, mint mark, and any rare errors it might have.
1939 Quarter Value Today
Generally speaking, a circulated 1939 quarter in good condition might fetch anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the current silver price. However, uncirculated examples in pristine condition can be worth significantly more.
1939 D Quarter Value | The Denver mint produced a substantial number of quarters in 1939, so they are relatively common. A circulated example might be worth $5 - $8, but a high-grade uncirculated 1939 D quarter value could reach $50 or more. |
1939 S Quarter Value | San Francisco quarters are generally considered a bit scarcer than the Philadelphia or Denver issues. A circulated 1939 S quarter value might be in the $6 - $12 range, while a gem-quality uncirculated example could command $75 or more. And if you happen to stumble upon a 1939 S silver Washington quarter, MS68, you might just be looking at a small fortune. |
1939 Quarter No Mint Mark | Philadelphia quarters, lacking a mint mark, are also fairly common. Their value is similar to the Denver issue, with circulated examples around $5 - $8 and uncirculated ones potentially reaching $50. The 1939 quarter value no mint mark is influenced by the same factors of condition and silver prices. |
These are just estimates.
The actual value of your 1939 quarter can vary. A coin graded by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC will typically fetch a higher price.
So what is a 1939 quarter worth? It depends, but knowing the key factors is a great start! The value of 1939 quarter is also very dependent on whether there's an error.
Also, when we talk about the value of a 1939 quarter, we need to consider that the "value" means different things to different people. To a casual collector, it might be the historical significance. To an investor, it's the silver content and potential for appreciation.
Rare 1939 Quarter Errors
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | This is arguably the most sought-after error for the 1939 quarter. A doubled die occurs when the die is improperly made, resulting in a doubling of the design elements, usually seen in the lettering. A well-defined DDO on a 1939 quarter can command a premium. |
Off-Center Strikes | As the name suggests, an off-center strike happens when the coin is not perfectly centered during the striking process. The resulting coin will have a portion of the design missing. The more off-center the strike, the more valuable it tends to be. |
Die Cracks/ Breaks | These are hairline cracks that develop on the die and transfer to the coin during striking. They can appear as raised lines on the coin's surface. While not as valuable as a DDO, prominent die cracks can still add some value. |
Is a 1939 Quarter Worth Anything?
So, even in circulated condition, the silver content alone makes it worth more than face value. And if you happen to have a rare variety or a coin with a significant error, you could be sitting on a real treasure.
Regardless of whether you are an experienced numismatist or just starting out, the 1939 Liberty quarter and Washington quarter will be interesting to you in any case.
How Do Errors on Coins Affect Their Value?
Scarcity | The U.S. Mint has pretty strict quality control processes. When something slips through the cracks, it instantly becomes unusual. And in the world of coin collecting, unusual always equals increased value. The fewer examples of a particular error that exist, the higher the demand – and the higher the price. |
Novelty | Error coins are quirky, they're unique, and they tell a story about a production process gone awry. This inherent novelty makes them appealing to collectors who want something a little different from the norm. |
"Ultimate" Example | For many collectors, the thrill of the hunt is just as important as the acquisition itself. Error coins provide that challenge. Identifying specific errors, tracking down rare varieties, and competing with other collectors to add them to your collection can be incredibly rewarding. |
Grading and Certification | A coin's value is significantly influenced by its grade, which is an assessment of its physical condition. Error coins are no different. A well-preserved error coin, properly graded and certified by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC, will always command a higher price than a damaged or ungraded example. The grading process confirms the authenticity of the error and provides a standardized measure of its condition. If you're curious about the range of errors, you might find the list of quarter errors by year. |
Here's an example of how errors can increase the value of a 1939 quarter dollar value. A normal 1939 US quarter may be worth a few dollars in circulated condition, but one with a significantly doubled die obverse could fetch hundreds, or even thousands.
Seemingly ordinary 1939 liberty quarter might just have a hidden secret that could make it worth far more than you think.
In conclusion, how much is a 1939 silver quarter worth? For that you'll need to check the current silver spot price, as that will play a major role.
The combination of silver content and a rare error could really boost the 1939 Washington quarter value. And the quarter dollar 1939 edition represents a slice of history, which also contributes to its allure for collectors. The 1939 quarter silver value is also tied to the economic conditions of that time period.
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