The 1995-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in average condition to over $10 or more for a perfect proof specimen, making it a small but interesting find for anyone digging through old change or inherited coin collections.
What Is the 1995-S Washington Quarter?
Before diving into values, it helps to know what you’re actually holding. The “S” mint mark on this quarter means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that’s a big deal. Unlike quarters from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D), the San Francisco Mint in 1995 only produced proof coins. These were not made for everyday spending. They were carefully struck with polished dies and specially prepared planchet blanks, giving them a mirror-like background and sharp, frosted design details.
If you’re not sure what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you quickly identify your coin’s mint mark, date, and condition before you decide whether to sell, hold, or keep it as a keepsake. Tools like CoinHix are especially handy for beginners who want an instant, reliable estimate right from their phone.
The 1995-S quarter is part of the standard clad proof set issued that year, made from a copper-nickel clad composition — the same material used in modern circulation quarters, but finished to a much higher standard.
How Much Is the 1995-S Washington Quarter Worth?
Most 1995-S Washington Quarters you’ll find are proof coins pulled from original U.S. Mint proof sets. Their value depends heavily on the coin’s grade, whether it’s been cleaned, and whether it’s still in original packaging.
Here’s a simple value table to give you a quick picture:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-60 (Basic Proof) | $3 – $5 |
| PR-65 (Gem Proof) | $5 – $8 |
| PR-69 (Near Perfect) | $8 – $15 |
| PR-70 DCAM (Perfect Deep Cameo) | $15 – $30+ |
| In Original Proof Set | $10 – $20 (full set) |
For the most current market pricing, you can check the latest 1995 Washington Quarter price data from CoinHix, which tracks real auction results and dealer values updated regularly.
Key Factors That Affect the 1995-S Quarter’s Value
Not all 1995-S quarters are worth the same amount, even within the proof category. Here are the main things that influence the price:
Cameo vs. Deep Cameo Designation: Proof coins can be classified as regular proof, cameo (CAM), or deep cameo (DCAM). Deep cameo coins have the most contrast between the frosted portrait of George Washington and the mirror-like fields. A PR-69 DCAM will be worth noticeably more than a plain PR-69.
Grading by a Third Party: Coins graded and encapsulated by PCGS or NGC tend to sell for higher prices because buyers trust the grade. A raw (ungraded) 1995-S proof quarter is worth less than a certified one, even if they look identical.
Cleaning and Handling Damage: Proof coins are extremely sensitive. Even a light wipe with a cloth can leave hairline scratches visible under magnification. Cleaned coins lose significant value, and experienced collectors will spot the damage immediately.
Original Packaging: Many 1995-S quarters were sold as part of the U.S. Mint’s official proof sets. If yours is still sealed in original government packaging, that preserves value better than a loose coin.
How Many Were Minted and Does It Matter?
The 1995-S Washington Quarter had a mintage of approximately 2,117,496 proof examples — which is actually on the lower end for modern proof quarters from this era. While this doesn’t make it a rare coin by any stretch, the relatively modest production number does give it a slight edge over some other proof quarters from the mid-1990s.
For a more in-depth look at how this date stacks up against others in the Washington Quarter series, the 1995 quarter value breakdown at CoinValueApp offers a solid comparison of dates, grades, and what real buyers have been paying at auction.
If you want fast answers on the go, CoinHix lets you scan or search coins by date and mint mark to get an up-to-date value estimate without having to dig through multiple websites.
Should You Sell, Keep, or Grade Your 1995-S Quarter?
For most people, the 1995-S Washington Quarter is a fun coin to own but not a retirement fund. If it’s in pristine condition and still in an original proof set, it’s worth keeping as a collectible or selling as a complete set to a proof set collector. If it’s a single loose coin in excellent shape, submitting it to PCGS or NGC for grading might be worth it only if you believe it could grade PR-69 or PR-70 DCAM — the sweet spot where values climb noticeably.
If it’s just a coin you found loose and it looks shiny but scratched, it may only be worth a few dollars to a casual buyer. Either way, it’s a neat piece of American numismatic history from the last decade before the 50 State Quarters program changed everything.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1995-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not especially rare, but with a mintage under 2.2 million, it’s less common than some other modern proof quarters. Its value comes mainly from grade and cameo designation, not extreme scarcity.
Q: Can I find a 1995-S quarter in everyday pocket change?
A: Very unlikely. San Francisco only made proof coins in 1995, which were sold in mint sets — not released into circulation. If you find an “S” quarter in change, look closely; it might have been accidentally spent by someone who didn’t know what they had.
Q: How do I tell if my 1995-S quarter is a deep cameo?
A: Look at the contrast between George Washington’s portrait and the background. If the portrait looks frosty white against a mirror-like field, you likely have a cameo or deep cameo coin. Using CoinHix or taking it to a local coin dealer for a quick look is the easiest way to get a reliable assessment.
