The 1939-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily worn condition to well over $500 in high mint state grades — and if you’re lucky enough to have a gem example, that number can climb even higher. If you found one of these silver coins in an old jar, drawer, or inherited collection, you’ve got something worth looking into.
What Makes the 1939-S Quarter Special
The 1939-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, identified by the small “S” mintmark found on the reverse side, just below the eagle. That single letter can make a big difference in value compared to coins from Philadelphia and Denver the same year.
San Francisco produced 2,628,000 quarters in 1939 — a relatively modest number by modern standards. Lower mintage generally means fewer coins survived in great condition, which is exactly why collectors get excited about this date and mintmark.
Like all Washington Quarters from this era, the 1939-S is made of 90% silver, which gives it a base metal value of around $4–$5 just in silver content alone. But its numismatic (collector) value goes far beyond the metal itself.
If you’re not sure whether your coin has an “S” mintmark or want to confirm what you’ve got, try using a free coin identifier app to scan and identify it quickly from your phone.
How Condition Affects the 1939-S Washington Quarter Value
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A coin that looks worn and dull versus one with sharp details and original luster can differ in value by hundreds of dollars — sometimes more.
Dealers and collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70. Circulated coins (those that went through everyday use) typically fall between grades 4 and 58. Uncirculated or mint state coins start at MS-60 and go up to MS-70.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1939-S Washington Quarter:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (heavily worn) | $6 – $8 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine | $10 – $18 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine | $20 – $35 |
| MS-63 | Mint State (Choice) | $90 – $150 |
| MS-65 | Gem Mint State | $300 – $500+ |
For the most up-to-date auction records and market trends, you can browse detailed 1939-S Washington Quarter price data across mint state grades to see exactly what collectors are paying right now.
What to Look For on Your 1939-S Quarter
When you’re examining your coin, start with the mintmark. Flip the coin to the reverse (the eagle side) and look just below the eagle’s tail feathers, above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” text. A small “S” confirms it’s the San Francisco issue.
Next, assess the condition honestly. Look at Washington’s cheek and hair above the ear — these are the high points of the design that wear down first. If those areas look flat and featureless, you’re likely looking at a heavily circulated coin.
Check for any cleaning. Many old coins were cleaned by well-meaning owners, but that actually reduces value significantly. A cleaned coin will often look unnaturally shiny or show fine hairline scratches under light. Collectors strongly prefer original, uncleaned surfaces.
CoinKnow is a great tool for doing a quick visual assessment. Just snap a photo and the app walks you through what grade range your coin might fall into, saving you time before you visit a dealer.
Rare Varieties and Error Coins Worth More
Like many coins from this era, the 1939-S Washington Quarter can occasionally show up with interesting die varieties or mint errors that push the value higher.
Doubling on the date or lettering, known as a doubled die, is one variety collectors hunt for. While major doubled die varieties aren’t as commonly documented for this specific issue as for some other dates, it’s always worth looking closely with a loupe.
Strike quality also matters. Some 1939-S quarters came off the presses with exceptional sharpness and full, bold details — these are sometimes labeled “Full Head” (FH) examples, referring to the complete detail visible on Washington’s hair. A certified MS-65 Full Head coin can command a significant premium over a standard MS-65.
If you think you might have something unusual, CoinKnow can help you flag potential errors or varieties before you take the coin to a professional grader like PCGS or NGC.
Should You Get Your 1939-S Quarter Graded?
If your coin looks uncirculated or nearly so, professional grading is often worth the investment. A coin certified by PCGS or NGC in a holder (called a “slab”) sells for significantly more than a raw coin of the same quality, because buyers trust the grade.
For coins in circulated grades, the cost of grading ($20–$40+) may not be worth it unless your coin is exceptionally nice. In that case, selling it raw to a dealer or through an online platform may make more sense.
Not sure where your coin falls? You can explore a comprehensive breakdown of 1939 Washington Quarter values by grade and mintmark to get a clearer picture before deciding your next step.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1939-S and not the regular 1939?
A: Flip your coin over and look at the reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers. If you see a small letter “S,” it’s the San Francisco mint coin. No letter means it’s from Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver.
Q: Is the 1939-S Washington Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes! All Washington Quarters made before 1965 contain 90% silver and 10% copper. That means your 1939-S has real silver value regardless of its condition, currently worth around $4–$5 in silver content alone.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell a 1939-S Washington Quarter?
A: Options include local coin dealers, coin shows, eBay, and specialized auction houses for higher-grade pieces. If you’re unsure of the value before selling, use CoinKnow to get a quick estimate so you don’t leave money on the table.
