As a coin collector and numismatic expert, I‘m often asked which Washington quarters are worth holding onto. One of the most common years of interest is 1983. While at first glance, most 1983 quarters may seem ordinary, there are actually several rare and valuable varieties that collectors should be on the lookout for.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my knowledge and insider tips to help you understand the true value of your 1983 quarters. We‘ll examine each major variety in detail, learn how to spot the differences, and evaluate the current market based on recent auction results.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting to sort through your change jar, this article will equip you with the information needed to identify and appreciate these important coins. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of the Washington Quarter
First, some background. The Washington quarter series began in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of America‘s first president. It replaced the Standing Liberty quarter and has since become a mainstay of U.S. circulating coinage.
Over the decades, the Mint has made some changes to the quarter‘s composition and design. In 1965, rising silver prices prompted a switch from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition. And starting in 1999, the reverse was redesigned each year to feature a different state, territory or national park.
But in 1983, the quarter still bore its original heraldic eagle reverse and copper-nickel composition. The Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco mints struck over 1.3 billion quarters that year. While this large mintage means that many 1983 quarters are still extremely common, there are several elusive errors and varieties that command substantial premiums.
1983 Quarter Mintages & Values by Variety
Here‘s a detailed breakdown of the major circulation and proof issues of 1983 quarters, along with their mintages, key diagnostics and approximate value ranges.
1983-P (Philadelphia)
Mintage: 673,535,000
Diagnostics: No mintmark, copper-nickel clad
Approximate Value:
- Circulated: Face value to $0.50
- Uncirculated MS-60 to MS-65: $0.50 to $10
- Uncirculated MS-66: $35 to $100
- Uncirculated MS-67: $1,500 to $3,000
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 673 million quarters for circulation in 1983, making them widely available in change. While circulated examples are only worth their 25-cent face value, gem uncirculated specimens are conditionally scarce.
According to CoinFacts by PCGS, only 75 quarters have been graded MS-67 by the major grading services, putting them in the value range of $1,500 to $3,000 based on recent sales. Just 3 coins have achieved an MS-68 grade, the finest known, one of which sold for $12,600 in 2007.
1983-D (Denver)
Mintage: 617,806,446
Diagnostics: "D" mintmark on obverse, copper-nickel clad
Approximate Value:
- Circulated: Face value to $0.50
- Uncirculated MS-60 to MS-65: $0.50 to $10
- Uncirculated MS-66: $35 to $100
- Uncirculated MS-67: $1,200 to $2,500
Denver topped 617 million quarters in 1983, a similarly high output to Philadelphia. Circulated and lower mint state examples can be easily obtained from bank rolls and bags. However, only 65 coins have been graded MS-67 by PCGS and NGC with auction records ranging from $1,200 to $2,500. The single MS-68 graded by PCGS reportedly resides in the legendary Simpson collection.
1983-S (San Francisco Proof)
Mintage: 3,279,126
Diagnostics: "S" mintmark on obverse, sharp mirror-like fields
Approximate Value:
- Proof-60 to Proof-67: $3 to $10
- Proof-68 Deep Cameo: $20 to $40
- Proof-69 Deep Cameo: $80 to $150
- Proof-70 Deep Cameo: $250 to $550
The San Francisco Mint produced over 3.2 million clad proof quarters in 1983 for collectors. While this generous mintage keeps values relatively low, examples grading Proof-69 and higher with deep cameo contrast between fields and devices are the most desirable. In a 2019 auction, a PCGS Proof-70 Deep Cameo specimen realized $550.
Rare & Valuable 1983 Error Quarters
Now for the exciting part – the rare errors and varieties that can turn a common 1983 quarter into a valuable treasure. Here are some of the most significant to watch for:
1983 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) "No FG"
Doubling Diagnostics: Visible on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," designer‘s initials missing
Approximate Value:
- XF-45: $1,000 to $2,000
- AU-50: $2,500 to $4,000
- MS-60: $4,500 to $6,500
- MS-64: $6,000 to $10,000
Without a doubt, the most coveted variety for the year is the 1983-P Doubled Die Obverse quarter. This dramatic error features strong doubling on the obverse lettering and is missing the designer‘s "FG" initials.
Discovered in the late 1990s, only a handful of examples have been certified genuine by the major grading services. The most recent sale was a PCGS MS-64 that brought $5,875 in a 2015 Heritage auction. Estimates suggest 2-4 rolls may have been released, but locating an example today is extremely challenging.
1983-P Quarter Struck on Arcade Token
Mint Error Type: Multi-struck/off-metal
Unique Diagnostics: Reverse design replaced by arcade token details
Value: $15,800+
One of the most bizarre and unique error quarters known is a 1983-P struck on a copper-nickel amusement arcade token. The reverse design on this piece reads "THE ONLY WAY TO GO / DROP IN AND SEE GARY" instead of the normal eagle motif!
Numismatic experts believe this error occurred when an arcade token accidentally made its way into the coining press, resulting in a one-of-a-kind transitional error. Graded MS-65 by NGC, this mint mishap generated feverish bidding before selling for $15,863 in a January 2020 Heritage sale.
1983 Quarters Struck on Dime Planchets
Mint Error Type: Off-metal
Diagnostics: Weighs ~2.2 grams, ~17.9mm diameter (vs 5.67g and 24.3mm for regular quarter)
Approximate Value:
- AU-50 to MS-63: $100 to $250
- MS-64 to MS-66: $350 to $750
A few rare 1983 P and D quarters have been discovered struck on planchets intended for dimes. These off-metal errors are instantly identifiable by their smaller diameter and considerably lower weight.
Examples graded by PCGS and NGC have realized prices from $100 to $750 based on the centering, surface quality and level of detail strike-up. A well-centered, fully lustrous off-metal wrong planchet error can make an exciting addition to any collection.
1983 Broadstrike or Off-Center Quarters
Mint Error Types: Broadstrike, off-center
Diagnostics: Flattened rims, partial collar, missing design elements
Approximate Value:
- 5-15% off-center: $20 to $50
- 15-40% off-center: $50 to $150
- 40-60% off-center: $150 to $500
- Broadstruck with no collar: $40 to $100
Strike issues like off-centers and broadstrikes are some of the most eye-catching and popular types of mint errors among collectors. An off-center coin is produced when the planchet isn‘t centered between the anvil and hammer dies, leaving a crescent-shaped blank area along the edge.
The value of an off-center directly correlates to how far the design is displaced. Generally, the coin needs to be at least 5-10% off-center to be considered a genuine mint error and not just poorly aligned. Quarters 20-40% off-center with full date and mintmark visible bring solid premiums.
Broadstrikes occur when a coin is struck without the restraining collar die, resulting in a flattened, expansive rim and slightly distorted design. The value of a broadstrike depends on how much extra metal extends beyond a normal coin diameter, usually commanding $40 to $100 for a mid-1900s quarter.
Tips for Identifying Valuable 1983 Error Quarters
So how do you determine if you have a genuine error quarter worth money versus post-mint damage? Here are some expert tips:
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Weigh your quarter. An accurate gram scale can quickly identify off-metal errors that will have a different weight than a regular copper-nickel quarter (5.67 grams).
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Check for a split seam. Error coins are unstruck planchets or coins that have already gone through the upsetting mill. A split line near the edge indicates a coin is likely damaged after leaving the Mint.
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Inspect the surfaces. Mint-made errors will have sharp flow lines from being struck and consistent luster or toning. Scratches, dull surfaces or uneven wear suggest post-mint damage.
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Compare with genuine examples. Refer to photos of certified mint errors from major grading services and auction archives to compare diagnostics. If your coin doesn‘t match known examples, be skeptical.
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Consider professional authentication. For peace of mind and liquidity, it‘s wise to submit any potentially valuable error coin to PCGS, NGC or ANACS for certification. Fees start at $20-30 per coin.
If you believe you have a genuine error, variety or high grade specimen, seek out a trusted dealer or auction house for further evaluation and guidance on how to market your coin.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1983 Quarters
To wrap up, let‘s address some of the most common questions collectors have about these coins:
Q: What makes a 1983 quarter valuable?
A: The most valuable 1983 quarters have mint-made errors (struck on wrong planchets, off-center, doubled dies), high grade (MS/Proof-67+), or rare varieties (1983 No FG DDO). Circulated quarters with no errors are worth face value only.
Q: How much silver is in a 1983 quarter? What are they made of?
A: Circulating 1983 quarters contain no silver. They are composed of a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, known as a "clad" composition. This alloy replaced the 90% silver used prior to 1965.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1983 quarter?
A: You‘ll find the mint mark on the obverse (front) of 1983 quarters to the right of Washington‘s neck. "P" is for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, and "S" for San Francisco (proofs only). If no mint mark is present, it‘s a Philadelphia strike.
Q: What are some key diagnostics to look for on the 1983 No FG DDO quarter?
A: Check for strong doubling on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date. The bottom of the "R" and "T" in "LIBERTY" will have a split appearance. The designer‘s initials "FG" on the obverse truncation will also be missing.
Q: Are 1983 quarters worth keeping/collecting?
A: Generally speaking, circulated 1983 quarters with no errors are only worth their 25-cent face value and are safe to spend. However, it‘s always wise to keep an eye out for possible errors or uncirculated examples in bank rolls and change. You never know when you might find a hidden gem!
Q: Is there such a thing as a 1983 silver quarter?
A: No, the U.S. Mint did not produce any 1983 quarters in a silver composition for circulation. Unless you find a one-off error struck on an old silver planchet, all genuine 1983 quarters should be the copper-nickel clad alloy.
I hope you‘ve found this in-depth guide to 1983 quarter values both informative and inspiring for your collecting pursuits. Searching for scarce varieties, errors and top-grade examples can be tremendously gratifying. Bookmark this article to refer back to as you examine your quarters, and feel free to reach out if you need help evaluating a potential rarity. Best of luck in your treasure hunting!
