By Blake Alma
1953 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1953 Washington Quarter is a 90% silver U.S. quarter struck during the early 1950s. Its value is influenced by condition, mint mark, and the current silver melt value.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1953
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: John Flanagan
Mint Marks
The 1953 Washington Quarter was struck at three U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
Mint marks are located on the reverse of the coin, below the wreath and above the words QUARTER DOLLAR.
1953 Washington Quarter Value
Values vary by condition and mint mark. Circulated coins are typically valued near silver-based pricing, while higher-grade examples bring stronger collector premiums.
- Good (G-4): $6 – $7
- Fine (F-12): $7 – $10
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $10 – $18
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $20 – $40
- Mint State (MS-60+): $50 – $500+
Coins with strong luster and minimal contact marks can sell for significantly more.
Silver Content
- Actual Silver Weight: 0.1808 troy ounces
Because the 1953 quarter contains silver, many collectors reference the current silver melt value when determining a baseline price.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition / Grade: The most important pricing factor
- Mint Mark: Some mint issues are tougher to find in high grades
- Eye Appeal: Luster, strike quality, and surface preservation matter
- Originality: Coins that have not been cleaned generally sell for more
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
Error coins can sell at premiums depending on type and visibility.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through errors
- Die cracks or cud errors
Well-defined errors in higher condition often command strong premiums.
How to Identify a 1953 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1953) on the obverse
- Check the reverse for a mint mark (or none for Philadelphia)
- Look for a solid silver-colored edge
- Inspect high points such as Washington’s cheek and the eagle’s chest for wear
Is the 1953 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1953 Washington Quarters are valued close to their silver melt value, but Mint State examples and notable error coins can be worth significantly more. High-grade coins from Denver and San Francisco are especially popular with collectors.