Are you curious what your 1982 Washington quarters might be worth? You‘ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about 1982 quarter values, from mint figures and condition rarities to errors, varieties, and more.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1982 Washington quarter is an intriguing issue to explore. As we‘ll see, certain examples have sold for five-figure sums at auction in recent years. Could you be sitting on a small fortune in spare change? Let‘s find out!
A Brief History of the Washington Quarter
First, some background. The Washington quarter was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington‘s birth. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, it replaced the Standing Liberty quarter and has remained in continuous production ever since.
Over the decades, the Washington quarter has undergone several changes and updates. The original composition was 90% silver up until 1964. From 1965-1998, quarters were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition. And in 1999, the State Quarters program began, with the reverse design changing to honor each of the 50 states.
But in this article, we‘re focusing exclusively on the 1982 issue, which marked the 50th anniversary of the series. Let‘s take a closer look at why this particular year is so significant for collectors.
1982 Quarter Mintages and Values
In 1982, the U.S. Mint produced Washington quarters at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Here‘s a breakdown of the mintage figures for each issue:
| Issue | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1982-P | 500,931,000 |
| 1982-D | 480,042,788 |
| 1982-S | 3,857,479 |
As you can see, over 1 billion quarters were struck across all three mints that year, with Denver and Philadelphia accounting for the lion‘s share. The San Francisco coins were made exclusively for collector sets and not released into circulation.
But mintage only tells part of the story. To get a sense of what your 1982 quarters might be worth, we need to consider condition. Here‘s a detailed value chart breaking down approximate prices for each issue in various grades:
Circulated
| Issue | Good (G-4) | Very Good (VG-8) | Fine (F-12) | Very Fine (VF-20) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-P | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.50 |
| 1982-D | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.50 |
Uncirculated
| Issue | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 | MS-68 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-P | $5 | $10 | $25 | $100 | $1,500 | $10,200 |
| 1982-D | $4 | $8 | $20 | $75 | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| 1982-S | $10 | $20 | $40 | $100 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
Sources: PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Price Guide, CPG® Coin & Currency Market Review
As this chart makes clear, condition is king when it comes to 1982 quarter values. Circulated examples, even those in Extremely Fine condition, are worth little more than face value. But at the high end of the mint state scale, prices escalate dramatically.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, only 2 examples of the 1982-P have been graded MS-68, with the finest known specimen selling for $10,200 in a 2019 auction. The 1982-D and 1982-S fare only slightly better, with 4 and 15 pieces graded MS-68 respectively by PCGS and NGC.
Moving down to the MS-67 level, populations open up a bit, but these coins are still very rare in the grand scheme of things. PCGS reports 27 grading events for the 1982-P in MS-67, with coins selling for around $1,500 in today‘s market. Meanwhile, there are 60 1982-D quarters graded MS-67 by PCGS with a value of roughly $1,000.
Clearly, gem uncirculated examples of 1982 quarters are highly coveted by registry set collectors and those seeking the very best. But why is this particular year so difficult to find in pristine condition? Let‘s dig a little deeper.
Why Are High Grade 1982 Quarters So Rare?
To understand why 1982 quarters are rare in high grades, we need to consider the economic and collecting climate of the time. In 1982, the United States was mired in a recession, with unemployment reaching nearly 11% – the highest since the Great Depression. Against this backdrop, setting aside rolls of uncirculated quarters was probably not a high priority for most people.
At the same time, coin collecting was not as popular of a hobby as it had been in previous decades. The speculative boom of the 1960s had largely fizzled out, and many collectors who came of age during that era had moved on to other pursuits. Relatively few individuals, even within the collecting community, thought to save 1982 quarters in quantity.
Compounding the issue, mint state set collecting was still in its infancy in the early 1980s. Registry sets popularized by PCGS and NGC that emphasized top-pop, finest-known coins were still years away. So, even among dedicated collectors, the emphasis was not necessarily on squirreling away rolls of pristine quarters.
All of these factors help explain why 1982 quarters are so elusive in superb gem condition today. The coins that did survive in unopened mint bags or high-quality mint sets have been eagerly scooped up by registry set collectors in recent years, leading to the current sky-high prices.
Doug Winter, a prominent coin dealer and author, summed up the situation nicely in a recent blog post:
"The 1982 Philadelphia and Denver issues are among the rarest Washington quarters in high grades. Most serious Washington quarter collections come to a screeching halt at 1982, as few collectors can afford five-figure coins."
But for those lucky few who do manage to track down a high-end 1982 quarter, the rewards can be great. As Winter puts it, "The 1982 quarter is destined to be a future classic and owning a nice one will certainly make you the envy of all your collecting friends!"
1982 Quarter Errors and Varieties
In addition to high grade regular strikes, certain errors and varieties from 1982 are also highly sought after by collectors. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
1982-D Double Die Obverse
Perhaps the most famous variety from this year is the 1982-D doubled die quarter. This error shows prominent doubling on the letters of "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date. PCGS reports only 22 examples graded for this variety, with prices reaching as high as $1,800 for coins in MS-64 and above.
1982-P Strike Through Error
This interesting error occurred when a foreign object, likely a piece of cloth or thread, got stuck between the die and the planchet during striking. The result is a series of raised lines or "strikes through" the design. While less valuable than the 1982-D doubled die, these coins still bring solid premiums, with choice uncirculated examples selling for $500+.
1982 No Mint Mark
Some 1982 Philadelphia quarters are known with a very weak or missing mintmark, likely the result of a filled die or grease strike error. While these are more subtle and less dramatic than some other errors, they still generate collector interest. A sharp-eyed collector might be able to cherry pick one of these from circulation for a nice profit.
Of course, there are also a number of less significant die breaks, struck throughs, and other random errors and varieties known for 1982 quarters. If you come across a coin that looks unusual, it‘s always best to have it checked out by a knowledgeable dealer or variety expert to determine if it‘s a genuine mint error worth a premium.
Finding and Selling Valuable 1982 Quarters
Now that you know what to look for, you might be wondering how to get your hands on a valuable 1982 quarter (or how to cash in if you already have one). Here are a few tips:
Searching Rolls and Circulation
While your chances of finding a gem uncirculated 1982 quarter in circulation are slim, it‘s not impossible. After all, every coin has to start its journey somewhere! Roll searching and cherry picking are still viable ways to find hidden treasures, especially if you focus on older rolls from the 1970s and 1980s.
Look for coins with original, unaltered surfaces and no obvious signs of wear. Pay close attention to the high points of the design, like Washington‘s hair and cheek, as these are often the first areas to show friction. Even a lightly circulated 1982 quarter can be worth a significant premium if it has eye appeal and an attractive tone.
Buying from Dealers and Auctions
For those seeking the very finest 1982 quarters, buying from a reputable coin dealer or auction house is often the best bet. Look for coins that have been professionally graded by PCGS or NGC, as this provides an extra layer of assurance about the coin‘s authenticity and condition.
Expect to pay a significant premium for high grade examples, especially in MS-67 and above. But for serious collectors, the investment can be well worth it. As Doug Winter notes, "The 1982 quarter has gone from an overlooked sleeper to a key date in the series in a matter of years. I expect this trend to continue as more collectors compete for the few super-grade examples that exist."
Selling Your 1982 Quarters
If you happen to own a valuable 1982 quarter, congratulations! You have a number of options when it comes to selling. For lower value coins, listing them on online marketplaces like eBay is a popular choice. Just be sure to take high quality photos and provide detailed descriptions to attract potential buyers.
For rare errors and high grade examples, selling through a trusted dealer or auction house is advisable. Firms like Heritage Auctions, Stack‘s Bowers, and David Lawrence Rare Coins have a proven track record of obtaining top dollar for rare and valuable coins. They also have the reach and marketing expertise to expose your coin to a wide audience of potential buyers.
Before selling, it‘s always a good idea to have your coin authenticated and graded by a third-party service like PCGS or NGC. This can help you maximize the value and give buyers added confidence. Plus, a high grade or unique pedigree can make your coin stand out from the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to clean my 1982 quarter before selling it?
A: In general, no. Cleaning a coin can actually damage the surface and permanently reduce its value. It‘s best to leave rare coins in their original, untouched state.
Q: What should I do if I find a 1982 quarter that looks like an error?
A: If you suspect you have a genuine mint error, the first step is to have it authenticated by a reputable third party grading service or error coin expert. They will be able to tell you if your coin is a legitimate error and provide an estimate of its value.
Q: How much is a 1982-S proof quarter worth?
A: 1982-S proof quarters were struck at the San Francisco Mint for inclusion in special proof sets. Values range from around $5 for a coin graded PR-65 to over $150 for a PR-70 Deep Cameo. Prices can be even higher for coins with exceptional eye appeal and contrast.
Q: Are there any rare die varieties besides the 1982-D doubled die?
A: While the 1982-D doubled die is certainly the most famous, there are a few other notable varieties from this year. These include the FS-101 doubled die reverse (DDR), FS-601 Type I and Type II reverse, and the "No FG" reverse (missing the designer‘s initials). However, these are much scarcer than the DDO and less widely collected.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re an experienced collector or just stumbled upon some old quarters in your change jar, 1982 Washington quarters are an intriguing issue to explore. While most examples are still only worth face value, a select few have proven to be numismatic treasures hiding in plain sight.
For collectors, the challenge of assembling a high grade set of 1982 quarters is a daunting but rewarding one. With so few mint state examples available relative to demand, prices have skyrocketed in recent years and show no signs of slowing down. The 1982 issue has rightfully taken its place as a key modern rarity alongside the likes of the 1982 and 1983 Lincoln cents.
But beyond the dollar value, there‘s something special about holding a pristine 1982 quarter in your hand and imagining the journey it took from the mint to your collection. In a way, these coins are a tangible link to a bygone era – a time capsule from a year that saw recession, pop culture milestones, and the dawn of the modern collecting era.
So the next time you come across a 1982 quarter in your pocket change, take a closer look. You never know when you might be holding a small fortune in the palm of your hand!
