At first glance, the 1983 Washington Quarter seems like just another coin in your pocket. After all, it still buys you 25 cents worth of goods today. But here’s the shocking truth: some rare examples — especially in top condition or with mint errors — have sold for as much as $250,000! 😱
Here’s everything you need to know about spotting a valuable 1983 quarter, including history, mint marks, error types, and real auction prices.
🧾 A Quick History of the 1983 Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter was first introduced in 1932 to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday.
By 1983, the U.S. Mint was striking quarters in copper-nickel clad composition (no silver), a change made in 1965 due to silver prices.
👉 Total production in 1983: 1.29 billion quarters across three mints:
- 🇺🇸 Philadelphia (P) – Circulation strikes
- 🇺🇸 Denver (D) – Circulation strikes
- 🇺🇸 San Francisco (S) – Proofs for collectors
🔍 1983 Quarter Fast Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Core | Pure copper |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Designer | John Flanagan |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Total Mintage | 1,294,620,572 |
| Face Value | $0.25 |
🧠 Design Details to Spot
Obverse (Front):
- George Washington’s profile
- “LIBERTY” above
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left
- Year “1983” below
- Mint mark near Washington’s ponytail
Reverse (Back):
- Bald eagle with spread wings, clutching arrows
- Olive branches below
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” around edge
💎 Value Guide for 1983 Quarters (Up to $250,000)
| Grade | 1983-P Value | 1983-D Value |
|---|---|---|
| Poor – XF45 | $0.25 – $0.40 | $0.25 – $0.40 |
| AU50 – AU58+ | $0.50 – $0.80 | $0.50 – $1 |
| MS60 – MS64 | $2 – $10 | $5 – $12 |
| MS65 – MS66+ | $10 – $230 | $12 – $250 |
| MS67 – MS67+ | $280 – $2,500 | $320 – $1,500 |
| MS68+ (Rare) | Up to $250,000 | Up to $250,000 |
🏛 Mint-Specific Value Breakdown
1. 1983-P Quarter (Philadelphia) – Mintage: 673,535,000
- Common in circulation, low value unless pristine
- MS66: Up to $230
- MS67+: Up to $2,500
- MS68 (ultra-rare): Up to $250,000
💡 A top-grade MS67 sold for $2,596, but experts say a flawless MS68+ could bring $250K or more today.
2. 1983-D Quarter (Denver) – Mintage: 617,806,446
- Slightly scarcer than the “P” mint
- MS66: $60 – $110
- MS67: $320 – $1,350
- MS68+: Up to $250,000
3. 1983-S Proof Quarter – Mintage: 3,279,126
- Struck for collectors, not circulation
- Normal proof: $2 – $15
- Deep Cameo PR70: Up to $500
🧬 Rare 1983 Quarter Errors That Can Make You Rich
🦅 Spitting Eagle (Die Crack Error)
- Crack from eagle’s beak = “spitting” look
- MS65 sold for $250 – $435
- High-grade versions: $500+
🎡 Overstruck on Amusement Token
- Quarter struck on brass token (“FOR PLAY ONLY”)
- Sold for $15,862 in 2014
- Today’s estimate: Up to $250,000
🪙 Finned Rim with Reverse Indent
- Raised rim plus reverse indentation
- MS63 sold for $310
⚖️ Off-Center Strike
- Missing part of the design
- Values: $20 – $100+ depending on percentage
🪙 Struck on a Nickel Planchet (5C)
- Weighs only 5g, smaller size
- MS64 sold for $258
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