1979 Washington Quarter

About This Coin

The 1979 Washington Quarter is a United States quarter from the Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998 series — 13th of 32 years in the series. In 1979, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 1.0 billion. This ranks 12th of 32 years by total mintage, below the series median of 1.2 billion. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 5.67 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified 4 known die varieties for this date, including cud, die chip, doubled die reverse. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1969 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $7 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.4K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Flanagan.