As a collector of Washington quarters, the 1981 issue is one that deserves special attention. While often overlooked in favor of classic silver issues, this humble copper-nickel clad quarter hides some extraordinary rarities and varieties that can be worth thousands of dollars. Whether you‘re a seasoned numismatist or just starting to collect coins from circulation, understanding the 1981 quarter‘s value is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the 1981 Washington quarter series, exploring its history, varieties, errors, and key diagnostics that make some examples among the most coveted modern coins. We‘ll also provide detailed grading and pricing information so you can accurately assess any 1981 quarters in your collection.
History of the Washington Quarter
First, let‘s set the stage with some background on the Washington quarter series. These 25-cent pieces were first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington‘s birth. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Washington based on the famous Houdon bust, with the reverse depicting a bald eagle with outstretched wings.
Originally struck in 90% silver, the Washington quarter composition changed to copper-nickel clad in 1965 due to rising bullion prices. However, the coin‘s basic design remained essentially unchanged for decades, making it the workhorse of American commerce and the most widely collected 20th century coin.
1981 Washington Quarter Specifications
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad to a pure copper core
- Diameter: 24.3mm
- Weight: 5.67g
- Edge: Reeded
- Mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
One notable aspect of 1981 quarters is that all three mints including Philadelphia used mintmarks to distinguish their coins. In most other years, P-mint coins did not have a mintmark. So if you find a 1981 quarter without a mintmark, you‘ve likely found a rare error coin!
Mintages and Varieties
The Philadelphia Mint struck 601,716,000 quarters for circulation in 1981, while the Denver Mint produced 575,722,833. These high mintages mean that 1981-P and 1981-D quarters are extremely common in all grades up to MS67. Billions were struck and many survive in pristine uncirculated condition.
However, the San Francisco Mint only struck clad proofs in 1981, and those coins have some interesting varieties that make them highly prized by collectors.
1981-S Type 1 vs. Type 2 Proof Quarter
The main varieties to look for on 1981 proof quarters are designated Type 1 and Type 2. These refer to distinctly different styles of S mintmark used that year.
The Type 1 or "Filled S" variety has a smaller mintmark that looks partially filled. It‘s the most common proof variety.
Meanwhile, the Type 2 or "Clear S" features a larger, more pronounced mintmark. It‘s dramatically rarer, with PCGS CoinFacts estimating only 3,000-5,000 struck out of over 4 million total proofs.
Here‘s a comparison of the two varieties:
[Image comparing Type 1 vs Type 2 S mintmarks]As you might expect, there‘s a huge value difference between these two varieties. The common 1981-S Type 1 is worth $5-10 in PR65 condition, or around $50 for a perfect PR70DCAM.
But the rare Type 2? Recent auction prices for the 1981-S Type 2 in PR70DCAM have exceeded $3,000! Even PR68 examples regularly sell for $700-1,000.
So while most 1981-S proof quarters are nothing special, cherrypicking a rare Type 2 from a proof set or original Mint packaging can yield an incredible reward. It pays to know your mintmark diagnostics.
Other Notable Varieties
In addition to the 1981-S proof types, there are a few other varieties that collectors should be aware of:
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1981-P Type B Reverse – The Philadelphia Mint used two slightly different reverse dies in 1981, including the Type B which shows extra "fang-like" details on the eagle‘s beak and neck. It‘s scarce but not exceptionally valuable.
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1981-D Type B Reverse – The Denver Mint also used the Type B reverse, but it‘s much harder to find than the P-Mint version. In MS66 or better, the 1981-D Type B commands a substantial premium.
Rare Errors and Oddities
But where the 1981 Washington quarter really gets interesting is with the many rare errors and oddities known from this year. Due to lax Mint quality control and the use of aging dies, quite a few 1981 quarters escaped the Mints with major striking errors that make them valuable to collectors. Here are some of the most notable:
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1981-P Quarter Overstruck on 1981-P Nickel – These rare two-denomination errors occur when a coin is struck on the wrong planchet. Only a handful are known and they‘ve sold for $2,500-10,000 in major auctions.
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1981-P Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet – Another dramatic wrong planchet error, these quarters were accidentally struck on dime-sized planchets and show a partial design. PCGS has certified only 4 examples, the finest grading MS64 and selling for over $4,000.
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1981-D Quarter Double Struck, Indented by Dime – This impressive error features two off-center strikes plus a dime impression on the reverse. It sold for nearly $1,500 in a 2006 auction.
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1981-P Quarter Broadstruck on Defective Blank – Broadstrike errors occur when the collar die malfunctions, causing the coin to be struck without its normal edge reeding. They are wider and flatter than normal quarters. A high-grade 1981 broadstrike error realized over $500 in a Heritage auction.
Of course, these types of major errors are extremely rare, often with only a few known examples. But they illustrate the incredible diversity and potential of the 1981 quarter series for error collectors. It‘s worth examining your coins closely to spot any unusual striking anomalies.
Grading and Pricing
For more common 1981-P and 1981-D quarters, value is primarily dependent on grade or condition. Coins are graded on the 70-point Sheldon Scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Uncirculated).
Here‘s a simplified breakdown of the grading scale:
- 1-4: Poor to Good – Heavily worn, date barely readable
- 6-10: Very Good to Very Fine – Moderate to light wear, all design elements visible
- 12-35: Fine to Choice Very Fine – Light wear to virtually unworn, most design details sharp
- 40-58: Extremely Fine to Choice About Uncirculated – Slight wear to virtually no wear, near-full luster
- 60-70: Mint State – No wear, varying degrees of luster, strike, and eye appeal
Due to their high mintages, even gem uncirculated 1981-P and 1981-D quarters are relatively affordable. Here‘s a price chart showing recent retail values:
[Table of 1981-P and 1981-D quarter values by grade – e.g. MS60 to MS67]As you can see, these coins only start to gain value in grades of MS66 and above. Below that, they‘re essentially worth face value. But in superb gem uncirculated grades, the best 1981-P and 1981-D quarters can bring $100-300.
The real money in 1981 quarters comes from varieties like the 1981-S Type 2 proof and the rare errors described earlier. A top-graded 1981-S Type 2 in PR70DCAM can easily exceed $3,000, while the few known planchet errors have sold for $5,000-10,000+.
Tips for Collecting and Investing
So what‘s the best approach for collecting 1981 Washington quarters? Consider your goals and budget. If you simply want a representative example for a date set, a nice MS65 or PR65 will do just fine without breaking the bank.
But if you‘re interested in the rarities and errors, be prepared to pay a significant premium for coins that "have it all" – exceptional rarity, condition, and eye appeal.
For instance, the 1981-S Type 2 proof is one of the rarest Washington quarters, but it‘s also a condition rarity that‘s seldom found in grades above PR68. For registry set collectors, owning a top-pop PR70DCAM example is worth the significant investment.
It‘s also important to understand the diagnostics of rare varieties like the Type 2 proof. Knowing how to identify them can help you cherrypick overlooked examples in mixed proof sets or original Mint packaging. Having a good magnifying glass is essential!
When buying any high-value 1981 quarter, always focus on coins graded by PCGS or NGC, the leading third-party certification services. These "slabs" offer a recognized guarantee of authenticity and grade. Avoid raw or uncertified coins if you‘re not confident in your grading skills.
Finally, consider eye appeal and strike in addition to technical grade. The most desirable 1981 quarters will have full mint luster, minimal marks, and a bold, crisp strike showing full details. For proof coins, look for the coveted "deep cameo" or "ultra cameo" contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields.
Final Thoughts
The 1981 Washington quarter may seem like just another clad coin at first glance, but it offers some of the most exciting rarities and varieties in the modern series. By studying the intricacies of mintmarks, errors, and condition, you can build an exceptional collection of this important issue.
Whether you‘re assembling a complete date set of Washington quarters or specializing in a particular type of error or variety, the 1981 quarter is sure to be a key part of your collection. And with sharp eye and some patience, you may discover a small fortune in your pocket change!
Happy collecting!
