The 1956 Quarter Value Guide
A 1956-D Washington Quarter graded MS-67+ sold for $8,519 at Heritage Auctions in October 2016 — yet most circulated examples are worth just their silver melt value of around $8.70. Every single 1956 quarter is made of 90% silver, which creates a firm floor. But the real prizes are gem-grade coins and the elusive Type B Reverse FS-901, where a proof die was accidentally used to strike circulation coins.
1956 Quarter Value Chart at a Glance
Values below are drawn from PCGS and NGC price guides (2025–2026 data) and verified Heritage Auctions results. For a complete step-by-step illustrated 1956 quarter identification walkthrough that covers every variety in detail, visit CoinValueApp. The signature variety row — Type B Reverse — is highlighted in gold; the rarest proof variety (DCAM) is highlighted in orange-red.
| Variety | Worn (G–VF) | Circulated (EF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS-60–65) | Gem (MS-66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956-P (No Mint Mark) | $9.25 | $9.75 – $11.75 | $13.75 – $30 | $55 – $5,280 (MS-68) |
| 1956-D (Denver) | $9.25 | $9.75 – $11.75 | $13.75 – $30 | $60 – $8,519 (MS-67+) |
| ⭐ Type B Reverse FS-901 | $30 – $75 | $75 – $150 | $100 – $500 | $1,000 – $2,400+ (MS-66) |
| 1956 Proof (Standard) | — | — | $8 – $24 (PR-60–65) | $38 – $175 (PR-69) |
| 1956 Proof CAM | — | — | $32 – $52 (PR-63–65) | $52 – $80+ (PR-67+) |
| 🔴 1956 Proof DCAM | — | — | $90 – $190 (PR-65–67) | $325 – $3,819 (PR-69 DCAM) |
⭐ = Signature variety · 🔴 = Rarest variety · Values approximate; verify against live PCGS/NGC guides. Silver melt base: ~$8.70 per coin.
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The Valuable 1956 Quarter Errors (Complete Guide)
The 1956 Washington Quarter series includes five documented varieties and errors that collectors actively seek. Some, like the Type B Reverse FS-901, result from a deliberate (but historically significant) mint-production decision. Others — the RPM, die gouge, DDO, and Deep Cameo — arise from the mechanical realities of mid-century coin production. Each commands a premium beyond silver melt value, and some have sold for thousands of dollars in the right grade.
1956 (P) Type B Reverse FS-901
The Type B Reverse is the single most sought-after variety in the 1956 Washington Quarter series. It arose from a documented die shortage at the Philadelphia Mint in late 1956: with business-strike reverse dies running low, mint officials authorized the use of retired proof reverse dies to continue production. The result is a circulation coin stamped with a proof-specification die, creating a mismatch that specialists have catalogued as FS-901.
The diagnostic feature is subtle but definitive: examine the word "STATES" in "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" on the reverse. On a standard Type A business-strike die, the letters "E" and "S" nearly touch. On the Type B (proof-specification) die, a clear, wider gap separates those same two letters. A 10× loupe makes the comparison straightforward, and reference images on PCGS CoinFacts confirm the attribution. No other identifying feature is needed for a reliable diagnosis.
Collector demand for this variety is driven by both rarity and historical significance — it is the rarest Type B coin in the nine-coin series spanning 1956–1964. Most uncirculated examples grade MS-64 or lower; MS-65 is considered elusive, and MS-66 is described by specialists as rare. Heritage Auctions recorded a sale of $2,400 for an MS-66+ example in January 2018, establishing the high-water mark for business-strike specimens.
1956-D Repunched Mint Mark FS-501
The Repunched Mint Mark FS-501 is the most prominent and widely collected RPM variety among 1956-D Washington Quarters. During this era, mint marks were applied to working dies by hand using individual punches — a manual process that occasionally resulted in a second strike landing at a slightly different angle or position. The FS-501 records the most dramatically spread example: the secondary "D" impression falls noticeably to the southwest of the primary.
To identify this variety, examine the "D" mint mark on the reverse (located below the eagle and above the "E" in "QUARTER") under 5× to 10× magnification. On the FS-501, a bold secondary "D" impression is visible to the southwest of the primary mark, with clear separation between the two outlines. Early die-state examples show this doubling most prominently; later die states show some fill but the shifted serif fragments remain detectable. The CONECA designation is RPM-001.
While not individually rare — this is the most commonly encountered RPM for the date — the FS-501 designation adds meaningful collector premium over a plain 1956-D. Circulated examples sell for a few dollars over melt, while uncirculated coins in MS-63 to MS-65 can fetch $25–$100 depending on strike sharpness and surface quality. The RPM FS-501 is an excellent "cherrypick" target because many examples circulate unattributed in dealer stock.
1956 Reverse Die Gouge FS-701
The Reverse Die Gouge FS-701 is a die variety caused by physical damage sustained by a reverse die during the production run. A foreign object — most likely a metal chip or debris fragment — dragged across the face of the die, carving a groove into its surface. Because this groove is recessed into the die, it creates a corresponding raised ridge on every coin struck from that die, making it a true die variety rather than a post-mint coin-surface scratch.
The diagnostic marker is a thin, raised linear ridge running across the reverse design near the eagle. Because the line is raised (not scratched in), it stands proud of the surrounding surface when examined under a good light source or loupe. The consistency of this feature across multiple specimens — visible on both business strikes and proof coins struck from the same affected die — confirms the die-level origin. On the coin's surface, the raised line appears most clearly on the eagle's body and adjacent field area.
What makes this variety particularly interesting to specialists is that it appears on both regular business-strike and proof examples, with proof versions commanding substantially higher premiums. Business strikes in VF to MS grades bring $50–$408; proof versions graded PR-65 to PR-68 can exceed $500. An NGC-graded PR-69 example was listed at $300.63, reflecting how the variety translates across both formats. The FS-701 is frequently missed by non-specialists who mistake the raised line for ordinary post-mint damage.
1956 Proof Doubled Die Obverse FS-101
The 1956 Proof Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is considered the rarest and most valuable individual die variety in the entire 1956 quarter series. A DDO occurs during die manufacturing when the hub — the master die used to impress the design onto working dies — makes contact with a working die at two slightly different rotational positions. The result is a doubling of all raised design elements that persists identically across every coin struck from that die.
On the FS-101, the doubling is strong and rounded, appearing most prominently on "IN GOD WE TRUST" across the top of the obverse and on "LIBERTY" to the right of Washington's portrait. The letters show a clear, separated secondary impression rather than a blurred or distorted outline — this is a Class I (rotated hub) doubling, which produces the most visually distinct doubling effect. A 5× loupe is sufficient to detect the variety on well-struck proof examples; the mirror-like proof fields actually make the separation easier to see than on business strikes.
Because this variety exists only on proof coins, its population is inherently limited by the 669,384 total proof mintage. PCGS values a PR-68 example at $1,995 retail, and the existence of Cameo or Deep Cameo versions of the FS-101 — while unconfirmed in public auction data — would place such coins in potential five-figure territory. The combination of extremely limited production, proof-only status, and strong visual doubling makes this the pinnacle of 1956 quarter collecting.
1956 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM)
The Deep Cameo designation is not a die variety in the traditional sense — it is a surface quality classification awarded by PCGS and NGC to proof coins that exhibit the maximum degree of frosted-device contrast against mirror-polished fields. On a DCAM-designated 1956 quarter, Washington's portrait and the reverse eagle appear bright white and heavily frosted, while the flat field areas reflect like a jet-black mirror. This dramatic visual contrast is a result of the early strikes from a freshly polished proof die before the frosting gradually diminishes through use.
Because die surfaces wear with each strike, only the earliest impressions from a new proof die retain the deepest frost. As the die continues striking, the surface texture flattens and subsequent coins earn only a standard proof or Cameo (CAM) designation rather than Deep Cameo. This means DCAM coins are intrinsically scarce within the already-limited 669,384-coin proof mintage. PCGS and NGC both recognize three tiers: no designation (standard), CAM, and DCAM (or Ultra Cameo at NGC) — with DCAM commanding the largest premium by a significant margin.
The 1956 Proof DCAM is particularly prized because early 1950s proof coins generally show lighter cameo contrast than later issues, making deep-contrast examples from this era genuine condition rarities. A PR-67 DCAM is valued at $190–$220; a PR-68 DCAM brings $325–$400; and a PR-69 DCAM realized $3,818.75 at Heritage Auctions in January 2014 — a sale confirmed by multiple numismatic sources and listed on PCGS CoinFacts auction records.
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1956 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data
| Issue | Mint | Mintage | Est. Survival (any grade) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 (No Mint Mark) | Philadelphia | 44,144,000 | ~4,400,000 | Common in MS-66; scarce in MS-67; one MS-68 known ($5,280) |
| 1956-D | Denver | 32,334,500 | ~3,230,000 | Slightly weaker strikes; scarcer in gem; record $8,519 at MS-67+ |
| 1956 Proof | Philadelphia | 669,384 | ~235,000 (standard) | Mirror fields; sold to collectors directly; three cameo sub-tiers |
| 1956 Proof CAM | Philadelphia | Subset of above | ~115,000 est. | Frosted devices, moderate contrast; $32–$80 in PR-63–67 |
| 1956 Proof DCAM | Philadelphia | Subset of above | ~45,000 est. | Maximum contrast; PR-69 DCAM sold for $3,819 at Heritage (2014) |
| TOTAL | — | 77,147,884 | ~7,865,000 est. | All issues contain 90% silver (0.1808 oz per coin) |
How to Grade Your 1956 Washington Quarter
Grading determines the majority of your coin's value — particularly in the MS-67 and higher range where premiums multiply exponentially. Wear on a Washington Quarter first appears on Washington's cheekbone and the hair above his ear on the obverse, and on the eagle's breast feathers on the reverse. Even the slightest wear on these high points drops a coin out of the Mint State range.
Good–Fine (G–F)
Heavy wear across all surfaces. Washington's portrait is flat with minimal hair detail; date and lettering are readable but shallow. Eagle's breast feathers are merged or gone. Worth approximately $9.25 — primarily silver melt value. No numismatic premium over spot unless an error variety is present.
VF–AU (VF-20 to AU-58)
Moderate to slight wear on high points. Washington's cheekbone and hair above the ear show flattening; the eagle's breast shows reduced feather detail. AU coins retain most luster with only slight high-point friction. Values range from $9.25 (VF) to $11.75 (AU-58). Luster on AU coins is a plus.
MS-60 to MS-65
No wear from circulation. Grading at this level is about contact marks, luster quality, and strike sharpness. MS-60–63 coins show multiple bag marks visible without magnification. MS-64–65 coins have fewer marks and brighter luster. Values range $13.75 (MS-60) to $30 (MS-65). Consider PCGS/NGC certification at MS-65 and above.
MS-66 to MS-68
Superb surfaces with near-perfect strike and luster. MS-66 fetches $55–$60; MS-67 jumps to $135 (Philadelphia) or $750 (Denver). The 1956-P MS-68 — only one graded — sold for $5,280 in 2023. Denver's tendency toward weaker strikes makes a sharply struck MS-67-D dramatically scarcer than its Philadelphia counterpart.
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⭐ 1956 Type B Reverse Self-Checker
The Type B Reverse FS-901 is the most iconic variety in the 1956 series. Use this 4-point checklist to determine whether your coin may be this rare variety before committing to professional authentication.
🔵 Common Type A (Standard)
- Letters "E" and "S" in STATES nearly touching or very close
- Standard business-strike surface quality
- Minted from normal business-strike reverse dies
- Worth melt to modest MS premium only
⭐ Rare Type B Reverse FS-901
- Clear, wider gap between "E" and "S" in STATES visible
- Proof-specification die spacing on a circulation coin
- Philadelphia Mint only (no mint mark on coin)
- Circulated examples $30–$75; MS-66+ can reach $2,400
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🔢 Free 1956 Quarter Value Calculator
Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any known error varieties, then click Calculate to get an estimated value range.
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📝 Describe Your Coin for a Detailed Assessment
Not sure which buttons to press? Describe what you see on your coin in plain language and we'll analyze it for you.
Mention these things if you can
- Any letter after the date (D = Denver; no letter = Philadelphia)
- Overall shine: dull, some shine, or fully lustrous?
- Visible detail on Washington's cheek and hair
- Eagle's breast feathers — sharp or flat?
- Any letters that look doubled or blurred
Also helpful
- The word "STATES" — letters nearly touching or a gap between E and S?
- The D mint mark (if present) — does it look doubled or shadowed?
- Is the coin a mirror-like proof or regular strike?
- Any raised lines or ridges on the reverse near the eagle
- Coin color: silver-white, toned, or dull gray
💰 Where to Sell Your Valuable 1956 Quarter
Where you sell matters almost as much as what you have. Here are the four main venues for 1956 Washington Quarters, matched to the right coin type.
🏛️ Heritage Auctions
Best for: Gem coins (MS-67+), Type B Reverse FS-901, Proof DCAM, and DDO FS-101. Heritage has the deepest collector audience for high-grade Washington Quarters — including the $8,519 and $5,280 record sales. Expect a 15–20% seller's fee, but competitive bidding typically more than compensates on rare coins. Submit at least 8–12 weeks before a major sale date.
📦 eBay
Best for: Circulated examples, common uncirculated coins (MS-60 to MS-65), and RPM FS-501 specimens. Review recently sold prices for 1956 Washington Quarters on eBay to price your coin competitively. Use completed listings (not active) for realistic comps. PCGS/NGC-certified coins sell faster and at higher prices than raw coins.
🏪 Local Coin Shop
Best for: Quick cash on circulated silver coins. Expect 60–75% of retail value — dealers need a profit margin. For a common circulated 1956 quarter worth $9–$12, this is a reasonable trade. Bring multiple coins to improve your negotiating position. Ask the dealer specifically if they're buying error varieties — many will pay a premium for attributed specimens they can sell to specialists.
💬 Reddit (r/Coins4Sale)
Best for: Mid-range uncirculated coins (MS-63 to MS-65) and interesting varieties where you want to sell direct-to-collector without auction fees. The r/Coins4Sale and r/CoinSales communities include knowledgeable buyers who understand the RPM and Type B premiums. Post clear photos and include any grading service numbers if certified. No fees beyond PayPal transaction costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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