The 1995-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in typical proof condition, but in top-tier grades it can fetch $20 or more — and a handful of ultra-cameo specimens have sold for well over $50. If you’ve come across one of these coins in a proof set or old coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.

What Makes the 1995-S Washington Quarter Different

The “S” mint mark on this quarter tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that changes everything about its value compared to a regular pocket-change quarter.

Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver quarters made for everyday circulation, the 1995-S was produced exclusively as a proof coin. Proof coins are struck multiple times with specially polished dies onto carefully prepared planchets, giving them that mirror-like background and frosted design detail you’ve probably noticed if you’ve held one up to the light.

The 1995-S Washington Quarter was released as part of the U.S. Mint’s annual proof set, which was popular with collectors throughout the ’90s. That means these coins were never meant to jingle around in your wallet — they were born to be admired.

If you want to identify your coin quickly before diving deeper, a free coin identifier app can scan your quarter and give you an instant read on its mint mark, grade estimate, and approximate value. It’s a great starting point for any collector or curious finder.

How Much Is the 1995-S Washington Quarter Worth Today

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Proof coins are graded on the standard 70-point Sheldon scale, but proof grades typically start at PR-60 and go up to the perfect PR-70. For this coin, the grade — and whether it has a “Deep Cameo” designation — matters a lot.

For the most current auction data and certified sale prices, you can check up-to-date 1995-S Washington Quarter price records from recent market activity to see how buyers and sellers are pricing these coins right now.

Most 1995-S quarters you’ll find in old proof sets fall in the PR-65 to PR-68 range, which puts them in the $3–$15 territory. Not retirement money, but definitely worth holding onto — especially if the coin looks pristine.

What to Look For When Grading Your 1995-S Quarter

Grading a proof coin is a little different from grading a circulated one. You’re not looking for wear — you’re looking for contact marks, hairlines, and the quality of that cameo contrast.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the top designation for proof coins. It means the raised design elements (Washington’s portrait, the eagle, the lettering) look frosty white while the fields (the flat background areas) are deeply mirrored and reflective. Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it slightly — if you see a dramatic contrast between the frosted devices and the glassy fields, your coin may qualify for a DCAM designation.

Hairlines are the enemy of high grades. These are tiny scratches that appear when a coin is wiped or improperly stored. Even a few hairlines can knock a coin from PR-69 down to PR-65, which means a significant drop in value.

If you’re unsure about your coin’s grade, CoinKnow can help you evaluate it using AI-powered image analysis. Just snap a photo, and CoinKnow gives you a detailed breakdown of surface quality, luster, and estimated grade — no magnifying glass required.

Mintage Numbers and Why They Matter

The San Francisco Mint struck 2,117,496 proof quarters in 1995. That’s part of the standard proof set, so while these coins aren’t ultra-rare, they’re also not as common as circulated quarters.

Compared to some earlier Washington Quarter proof years, the 1995-S mintage is moderate — meaning there’s enough supply to keep prices reasonable, but not so many that the coin becomes throwaway common. The real scarcity kicks in at the PR-70 DCAM level, where only a small percentage of coins survive handling and storage perfectly enough to earn that grade.

For a complete breakdown of 1995 Washington Quarter values across all grades and mint marks, including how the S, P, and D coins compare to each other, that resource lays it out clearly.

Should You Get Your 1995-S Quarter Certified

If your coin looks exceptional — deep mirror fields, strong cameo contrast, no visible marks — it may be worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Certification costs money (typically $20–$40+ per coin depending on the service tier), so it only makes financial sense if your coin has a realistic shot at PR-69 or PR-70 DCAM.

For a coin that looks like a solid PR-67 or PR-68, the certification cost might outweigh the added value. But if you genuinely have a blast-white, flawless specimen, that slab could turn a $5 coin into a $50+ coin.

Not sure where your coin stands? CoinKnow is a smart first step before you spend money on professional grading. It gives you an honest, AI-assisted assessment so you’re not flying blind.

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FAQ

Q: Is the 1995-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare — over 2 million were minted as part of proof sets. However, coins in PR-70 Deep Cameo condition are genuinely scarce and command strong premiums from collectors.

Q: Can I find a 1995-S quarter in circulation?
A: It’s extremely unlikely. The 1995-S was only made as a proof coin for collectors and was never released into general circulation. If you find one in pocket change, double-check the mint mark — it may be a Philadelphia or Denver issue instead.

Q: What’s the best way to find out what my 1995-S Washington Quarter is worth?
A: Start by examining the coin carefully for cameo contrast and surface quality, then compare it to the value table above. For a quick digital assessment, apps like CoinKnow make it easy to get an estimated grade and value from your phone without any prior coin expertise.