Belonging to the silver coins, the 1953 Quarter can provide any collector and trader with a good price range. With this 1953 Quarter Value Guide, we will show you the caveats for the pricing for this particular year.
1953 Quarter Value Summary
Below is the market price for the 1953 Quarter by the NGC. This estimated value is from the lowest grade into the highest mint state.
| Mint Location | Mintage | Coin Series | Estimated Value |
| Philadelphia | 18,536,120 | 1953 P 25C MS | $4.50 to $3,250.00 |
| 1953 25C PF | $11.50 to $900.00 | ||
| 1953 25C PF CA | $22.00 to $1,450.00 | ||
| 1953 25C PF UC | $13.50 to $17,500.00 | ||
| Denver | 56,112,400 | 1953 D 25C MS
|
$4.50 to $4,000.00 |
| San Francisco | 14,016,000 | 1953 S 25C MS | $4.50 to $3,000.00 |
As you can see, the base price for the regular strike is the same across all of the mint locations. This is despite the different mintage numbers for the various mintmarks, with the exception of proof coins.
Additionally, these coins also hold a good amount of melt value due to their silver content. Based on data from USA Coin Book, it is estimated to be worth $4.0474, which falls higher than its original worth.
1953 Quarter Details
- Category: Washington Quarters
- Weight: 6.25g
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Composition: Silver
- ASW: 0.1808oz
- Fineness:0.9
- Obverse and Reverse Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
Since its conception in 1932, the first President of the United States has been featured on the front side of the quarter coin. This is what gives it its series name: Washington Quarters.
On the front of the quarter, you will see Washington’s bust, with the word “Liberty” above his head. On the left side of his neckline, there are words that say “In God We Trust.” Below is the quarter’s year of mintage.
The reverse side features a detailed depiction of an American bald eagle with its wings outstretched. Within its talons, it holds a collection of arrows, representing the country’s power. Below that are olive branches, a symbol common for academia and peace.
Above the eagle, the words “United States of America,” while below that is the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” is situated between its wings. The phrase “Quarter Dollar” can be found at the bottom of the centerpiece.
How Much Is A 1953 Quarter?
Below is the latest estimated market price for the 1953 Regular Strike Quarter. It provides a base value for both the ‘P,’ ‘D,’ and ‘S’ mint marks at $4.50.
| 1953 Quarter Value List | |||
| Grading | 1953 P Quarter | 1953 D Quarter | 1953 S Quarter |
| Good | $4.50 | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| Fine | $4.50 | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| Extremely Fine | $4.50 | $4.50 | $4.50 |
| AU 50 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| AU 58 | $6.50 | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| MS 60 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| MS 61 | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| MS 62 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| MS 63 | $17.50 | $17.50 | $17.50 |
| MS 64 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| MS 65 | $30.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| MS 66 | $65.00 | $75.00 | $65.00 |
| MS 67 | $300.00 | $725.00 | $200.00 |
| MS 68 | $3,250.00 | $4,000.00 | $3,000.00 |
Also, the prices for the grades Good to MS-64 have the same estimated price; this is despite the different mint locations. This is due to the regular strikes being almost the same in quality, so most of them only differ on very high uncirculated grading. Most of the coin’s prices rely on their census in the market rather than better strike.
1953 P Quarter Value and Auction Record
The 1950s is known for its mass production of United States coins. The 1953 P Quarter is a prime instance of coins from this era that, due to excessive use of dies, often lack intricate details and have distorted designs.
While not as severe as the San Francisco coins, they often have multiple scratches. These factors make it hard to find one in a condition higher than MS-66.
Based on data from the NGC Price Guide, a 1953 Washington Quarter in circulated condition has an estimated value ranging from $4.50 to $6.50. However, it should be noted that these quarters are often sold for significantly more, up to $3250, in uncirculated condition on the open market.
For example, this MS-67 coin has a price tag of $2,040. This is more than the $300 estimated value for the MS-67 Regular Strike P Quarter.
1953 D Quarter Value and Auction Record
The 1953 D mint mark is considered rare due to its high production and limited availability in top-quality conditions. Although the Denver Mint produced the most number of coins, it also has the highest estimated value for regular strike coins.
This is due to the fact that most of the coin is for circulation. Not many 1953 D Quarter are saved for collectors and trading.
Like the 1953 P Quarter, the 1953 D Quarter in circulated condition has an approximate value of $4.50 to $6.50. However, 1953 D Quarters in flawless, uncirculated condition have been estimated to sell for up to $4000.
Most 1953 D Quarters are well-crafted with intricate details, but there are some that have minor markings from contact with planchet or master die. So, the error from this mint location is not surprising. This also adds to their higher place in the market of 1953 coins.
As an example, this 1953-D Washington Quarter with a grade of MS-67+ is sold off for $4,440, according to the PCGS records. This high price is due to the rarity of the MS-67 grade, with only 91 coins being graded by the NGC Census.
1953 S Quarter Value and Auction Record
The 1953 S Quarter is of significant interest in the BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) state and, therefore, quite prevalent. The number of certified coins reaches a peak at MS-66, with the NGC grading around 1,734 coins according to their census.
Based on data from the NGC Price Guide, the ‘S’ mintmark in average condition has an estimated value range of $4.50 to $6.50. On the other hand, current market prices for uncirculated 1953 S Quarters can reach up to $3000.
However, a considerable portion of these coins display weathered dies and indistinct design details. Obtaining a sharply struck 1953-S Quarter with fresh dies would pose great difficulty. In fact, only 14 coins are registered in an MS-68 state.
1953 Proof Quarter Value
Starting in 1950, the US Mint began selling Proof coins in sets consisting of five pieces exclusively. In 1953, the number of sets sold increased by more than fifty percent compared to 1952. Indicating that the coin market has a full recovery from the very slow period of 1948 to 1950.
The 1953 issue is widely available in excellent, uncirculated condition. That said, only a handful show enough contrast between the fields and devices to be officially certified as Cameo coins.
| 1953 Quarter PF Value List | |||
| Grading | Proof (PF) | PF Cameo (CAM) | PF Deep Cameo (DCAM) |
| MS PF 60 | $11.50 | / | / |
| MS PF 61 | $13.00 | / | / |
| MS PF 62 | $16.00 | $22.00 | / |
| MS PF 63 | $20.00 | $27.00 | / |
| MS PF 64 | $30.00 | $45.00 | $190.00 |
| MS PF 65 | $35.00 | $75.00 | $525.00 |
| MS PF 66 | $45.00 | $100.00 | $725.00 |
| MS PF 67 | $75.00 | $135.00 | $1,300.00 |
| MS PF 68 | $175.00 | $450.00 | $4,900.00 |
| MS PF 69 | $900.00 | $1,450.00 | $17,500.00 |
However, there has been an overall increase in the number of Cameo coins compared to previous years. This is due to improved quality control at the Philadelphia Mint. Along with that is an increase in the number of dies used during production.
While Deep Cameo examples are still rare, they can be found in higher numbers compared to the three years preceding 1953.
A notable DDO variety is available for the 1953 Proof quarter. The doubling is prominent enough that some letters in the motto even display signs of being tripled, making this particular variety highly sought after and commanding premium prices.
1953 Quarter Error Coins
Due to a minting mistake, these 1953 Quarter coins have unique features, such as double strikes, making them highly sought after by collectors. Let’s get into these mistakes and their price in the market.
1953 D Washington Quarter Die Chip Error
A relatively typical error known as the coin cud or die chip occurs when one of the dies used to make a coin experiences damage, causing a piece to break off. This broken die then strikes the coin, creating a new raised mark on its surface that typically resembles a blob. This raised mark reflects an indentation or impact on the broken part of the die.
This ‘D’ 1953 Quarter has a die chip error at the bottom of the coin and is going for $9.00. The mistake is present in the letter D from the Quarter Dollar engraving.
1953 S/S RPM Silver Washington Quarter Error
An RPM (re-punched mintmark) coin is one that displays multiple images of the same mintmark. This mistake can occur due to inaccuracies during the process of stamping the mintmark onto the coin die or hub.
In most cases, the two mintmark impressions overlap in some manner. This is what happened in this particular 1953 Quarter. The ‘S’ mintmark of the coin happens to have an RPM error. This coin is going for a price of $20.99.
Another coin with the RPM error in the ‘S’ mintmark, this one goes higher than the prior one. It’s on sale for $60.04.
1953 D Quarter Over-Mintmark (OMM) Error
OMM, or over-mintmark errors, occur in coin collecting when two different mintmarks overlap. The first mark is usually smaller and thinner than the second one. It may indicate a mistake in the initial minting process or possibly someone attempting to remove the first mark before adding the final one.
Although not a rare error, it can still provide a higher value for the coin. This 1953 D Quarter with an OMM error in the ‘D’ mint mark has a price tag of $159.99.
1953 Quarter Value Grading Based on Four Conditions
When it comes to the price of the 1953 Quarter, the grading is the most prominent dictating factor. If you want to have the highest amount for your coin, ensure it’s graded high.
Uncirculated State
The 1953 Quarter in uncirculated mint state (MS-60 and higher) can be a highly coveted coin among collectors and numismatists. In uncirculated condition, it boasts a lustrous and almost mirror-like appearance due to its lack of wear and tear.
Extremely Fine State
The next grade is called Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-50). Coins in this category may have been lightly used and circulated to a small extent. The coin’s details are crisp and intact, with minimal signs of wear, making it a desirable addition to any coin collection.
Fine State
The Fine (F-12 to F-15) grading shows that the coin has seen a fair amount of circulation. As such, some details may have blended together, primarily in the hair portion of Washington’s bust.
Good State
Even to the naked eye, a coin with a Good (G-4 to G-6) grading has notable wear where the shine and intricacies of the design have significantly faded and meshed with each other. The fine details are difficult to discern, particularly in small areas such as Washington’s hair.
Are 1953 Quarter Worth Good Money?
Some people have been lucky enough to earn good money from a rare 1953 Quarter. Unfortunately, the common ones that you find in your pocket don’t hold much value. But if you’re curious about how much these coins can really sell for, check out this video.
Where to Buy and Sell 1953 Quarter?
Looking for a 1953 Quarter? Try browsing through virtual auctions like eBay or Amazon. If that doesn’t work, you could also explore nearby coin shops and antique stores near your area.
In Conclusion
Most 1953 Quarters have the standard price of $4.50 for the lowest grades. Although not that high, it’s still higher than the coin’s face value. Moreso, if you have an error or an uncirculated coin. So, with this 1953 Quarter Value Guide, you will know if your coin provides a good deal!
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.