1952 Quarter Value, Errors and No Mint Mark: How Much is a 1952 Quarter Worth?

What Makes the Value of a 1952 Quarter Special?

The 1952 Washington quarter belongs to a family of coins that have become increasingly desirable over the years — not just for their aesthetic or nostalgic appeal, but also for their tangible silver content and historical relevance.

Silver Content

Every Washington quarter minted before 1965 — including the 1952 version — contains 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams. This gives each coin approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. With fluctuating silver prices, even a worn 1952 quarter no mint mark still holds intrinsic bullion 1952 silver quarter value, typically between $5.88 and $6.56 depending on the spot rate.

Timeless Design

The obverse of the coin features George Washington’s profile, first introduced in 1932 to commemorate his 200th birthday. The design has remained largely unchanged, making these coins a window into mid-20th century U.S. coinage and minting practices.

Collector Demand

The year 1952 produced several collectible variations, including standard coins from three different mints and a small number of proof coins. More notably, error varieties — such as the 1952 Superbird quarter — have created a buzz in the numismatic community, often commanding hundreds of dollars at auction.

1952 Quarter Value Today by Mint Mark and Condition

In total, four main types of 1952 quarters exist: three circulation strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, and a small batch of proofs from Philadelphia only. Here's what is a 1952 silver quarter worth with different mint marks:

Variety	Mintage	Fine to Extra Fine	MS 65	Proof PR 65	Notes
No Mark (Philadelphia)	38,780,093	$6.50–$7.25	$25–$34	$45	Most common variety
D (Denver)	49,795,200	~$6.50	~$30	N/A	Highest mintage
S (San Francisco)	13,707,800	$6.50–$11.90	$40–$49	N/A	Rarest standard circulation coin
Proof (Philadelphia)	81,980	—	—	$45–$60	All proofs from Philadelphia mint

Don’t remember where is the mint mark on a 1952 quarter? Like on all Washington 0.25 dollars, it is on the reverse (tails) side, below the wreath, near the very bottom.

Circulated Value of 1952 Quarter

In general, most 1952 quarters in circulated condition sell for $6.02 to $11.95, primarily influenced by the mint mark and the coin’s wear level. San Francisco-minted quarters (marked “S”) tend to fetch slightly higher prices due to their lower mintage.

Uncirculated & High-Grade Coins

Mint State (MS) examples — coins that were never circulated — are significantly more valuable:

MS 60 coins from any mint range around $9–$13.
MS 65 (Gem condition) quarters from San Francisco can reach $49, while Philadelphia issues tend to stay around $25–$34.
Exceptionally graded pieces with perfect luster and no contact marks can sell for several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the specific market and demand.

Silver Melt 1952 Quarter Coin Value

Although numismatists usually estimate coins beyond just their metal, it’s worth noting the silver melt 1952 washington quarter value: at 0.1808 troy ounces per coin, you’re looking at about $6.00 per quarter at current silver rates.

Tip: Find out how to identify silver quarters depending on the year and melt.

1952 Quarter Error Types and Varieties to Watch For

While many examples carry only modest premiums above silver 1952 D silver quarter value, error coins and rare varieties can dramatically boost how much is a 1952 quarter worth. These minting anomalies are often the result of die misalignments, over-polishing, or even intentional alterations — and in the case of the 1952 quarter, one such variety has become the stuff of numismatic legend.

1. Double Die Obverse (DDO)

A DDO coin exhibits doubling on the coin’s design elements, especially visible in the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse. For 1952 quarters, DDOs are not as common as in other years, but examples — especially from the Denver Mint — have been verified by grading authorities.

What to look for: Slight overlapping lines or shadows around the date and inscriptions.
Value range: Depending on the clarity of the doubling and grade, 1952 quarter silver value can range from $25 to over $150.

2. The “Superbird” Proof Error

One of the most intriguing and sought-after 1952 quarter varieties is the Superbird Proof, found exclusively among the Philadelphia proof issues.

What makes it special?
A small raised “S” on the eagle’s chest on the reverse — resembling Superman’s iconic emblem — is the defining feature. Believed to be an inside joke by a mint worker, this Easter egg wasn’t discovered until decades later but is now one of the most famous 20th-century U.S. coin varieties.
Rarity: Fewer than a few hundred certified examples are known to exist, especially in Mint State 66 or higher.
Value range: Most MS 65–66 Superbirds sell for $250–$400, but higher-grade examples or those with pristine eye appeal can reach $800 or more at auction.
How to identify: Use magnification to spot the raised “S” mark on the eagle’s chest feathers. Compare your coin to certified photos from PCGS or NGC for verification.

3. Other Notable Mint Errors

While not as dramatic as the Superbird, minor minting errors also occur on 1952 quarters and may include:

Off-center strikes (where the design is misaligned with the coin’s edges)
Die cracks or die scratches
Re-punched mint marks (RPMs)

Though these errors are less rare, they can still add modest premiums:

Off-center strike: $10–$50+, depending on degree.
RPM: $10–$30, especially desirable in uncirculated condition.

Key Tips for Spotting Counterfeits and Grading Accurately

The popularity of silver quarters has made them a target for fakes, alterations, and plated counterfeits. Here’s how to make sure your 1952 quarter is the real deal — and understand how its condition affects 1952 S quarter value.

Weight and Dimensions Check

Standard weight: 6.25 grams
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Thickness: Approx. 1.75 mm
If your coin is significantly underweight or overweight, or its diameter is off, that’s a red flag. Use a digital scale and caliper for quick verification.

Edge Inspection

Genuine 1952 quarters have a reeded (grooved) edge. A smooth edge is a clear sign of wear-down or counterfeit, especially if the coin looks too shiny or lacks depth.

3. Metal Composition

1952 quarters are 90% silver. If in doubt:

Magnet test: Real silver is not magnetic.
Sound test: A silver coin makes a high-pitched ring when tapped, unlike clad coins.

4. Use Professional Grading Services

For coins with potential 1952 D quarter value — especially errors, proofs, or uncirculated specimens — submit your coin to a reputable third-party grading service to understand how much is 1952 quarter worth.

NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)

A graded coin:

Authenticates the coin
Assigns a condition grade (from Poor-1 to MS-70)
Locks in how much is a 1952 silver quarter worth for collectors or resale

Collector’s Tip:

Not sure whether your 1952 quarter is a common silver issue or a rare Superbird proof? Use the Coin ID Scanner app — just snap a photo and instantly get mint info, variety ID, and estimated 1952 quarter value no mint mark. It’s a smart shortcut for identifying hidden gems in your pocket change or collection box.

Some coins are just metal. But the 1952 Washington quarter? It tells a story — of silver currency, post-war America, and the occasional minting surprise. Whether yours is a circulated piece with silver melt value or a rare Superbird that commands hundreds, knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

And that’s what collecting is really about: curiosity, attention to detail, and the thrill of discovery.

So next time you see a 1952 quarter, don’t overlook it. Inspect the mint mark, study the eagle, weigh it if you must — because what is a 1952 quarter worth might be far more than 25 cents.

1952 Quarter Value and Silver Content Guide

Contents: