As a coin collector, finding a valuable gem hidden among your pocket change is always an exciting prospect. When it comes to the 1982 Washington quarter, you may be surprised to learn just how much these coins can be worth.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about 1982 quarter values. From mintage figures and condition to notable errors and historic auction prices, get ready to become an expert on this increasingly sought-after coin.
Whether you‘ve been collecting for years or are just starting out, understanding what makes a 1982 quarter valuable is key to getting the most out of your collection. So let‘s dive in and uncover the secrets behind this unassuming 25-cent piece.
1982 Quarter Value Summary
First, let‘s start with a quick overview of what a typical 1982 Washington quarter is worth:
- Circulated condition: 25 cents to $1
- Uncirculated condition: $5 to $20
- High grade mint state (MS65+): $50 to $300
- Rare errors and varieties: $100 to $2,000+
As you can see, the value of a 1982 quarter can vary significantly based on its condition and specific variety. Circulated coins that show obvious wear are generally worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, uncirculated examples in pristine condition can sell for a premium.
The most valuable 1982 quarters are those in superb gem uncirculated condition, graded MS67 or higher by professional coin grading services like PCGS and NGC. These can easily sell for hundreds of dollars due to their condition rarity.
Quarters with notable errors and varieties, such as double die reverses or off-center strikes, are also highly collectible and command strong prices. In a few cases, rare error coins have even sold for over $2,000 at auction!
History of the 1982 Washington Quarter
To fully understand what makes the 1982 quarter special, it helps to know a bit about its history and background. 1982 marked the 50th anniversary of the Washington quarter series, which began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington‘s birth.
The 1982 quarter maintained the same iconic obverse and reverse design used on the coin since 1932 – John Flanagan‘s left-facing portrait of Washington on the front and the majestic eagle on the back. However, the US was in the midst of a major recession in 1982 which impacted the quarter in a few key ways.
Due to a reduction in demand for new coinage, the US Mint significantly scaled back quarter production in 1982 compared to previous years in the series. The Philadelphia mint struck 500,931,000 quarters while Denver produced 480,042,788 pieces – both over 50% lower than 1981 mintages.
The recession also meant far fewer people were saving uncirculated 1982 quarters, instead releasing them into circulation to use as money was tight. As a result, there are relatively few mint state examples of the coin still in existence compared to the hundreds of millions originally struck.
Another impact of the 1982 budget cuts was the US Mint did not produce the normal annual uncirculated mint set for collectors that year. Instead, the 1982 quarters were only included in souvenir sets sold at US Mint gift shops for $4 each.
The Philadelphia souvenir sets came in light blue envelopes while the Denver coins were housed in dark blue packaging. Each mint‘s set included one example of the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Kennedy half dollar struck that year.
Today, unopened 1982 souvenir sets are scarce and represent the best source for gem uncirculated examples of the 1982-P and 1982-D quarters. A few famous coin dealers like Krause Publications and Paul & Judy‘s Coins amassed large hoards of these sets and now supply the market with high grade coins.
1982 Washington Quarter Value Chart
Diving deeper into 1982 quarter values, let‘s examine what these coins typically sell for based on their condition, mint mark variety, and numerical grade:
| Denomination | Circulated (Worn) | Uncirculated (MS60-62) | Choice/Gem Uncirculated (MS63-65) | Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-P (No Mint Mark) | $0.25 | $5 | $10-$30 | $50-$10,200 |
| 1982-D | $0.25 | $5 | $8-$20 | $40-$4,242 |
| 1982-S (Proof) | N/A | $3.50 | $5-$10 | $30-$50 |
As the chart shows, the 1982-P and 1982-D quarters are the most valuable in high mint state grades, especially MS66 and above. Coins at this level represent the finest known survivors and are extremely difficult to locate over 40 years after they were struck.
In recent years, the record auction price for a 1982 quarter was set in 2019 when a PCGS MS68 1982-P stunner sold for an astounding $10,200. The finest known 1982-D isn‘t far behind, with a PCGS MS67+ example commanding $4,242 in a 2015 sale.
These ultra-high prices underscore the true condition rarity of pristine 1982 quarters. PCGS has only graded 13 1982-P quarters and 14 1982-D examples in MS67 or better. NGC‘s population is only slightly higher at 29 and 17 coins respectively. This is out of hundreds of millions minted!
For collectors on a budget, even uncirculated 1982 quarters in MS60 to MS62 are quite scarce and worth holding onto. A certified MS62 of either mint mark variety typically sells in the $10 to $20 range.
The 1982-S proof quarter was struck at the San Francisco mint for inclusion in the annual proof set that year. 3,857,479 were minted, making them much more common than their uncirculated Philly and Denver counterparts. They only sell for a small premium over issue price unless in pristine PR69 or PR70 condition.
1982 Quarter Varieties and Errors
Collectors prize 1982 Washington quarters with notable errors and varieties, as these represent rare deviations from the normal minting process. Some of the most significant and valuable types of 1982 quarter errors include:
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Double die obverse/reverse – Doubling of lettering, date, or devices due to misaligned die impressions. DDO/DDR quarters can sell for $100 to $500+ based on the magnitude of the doubling. Look for clear separation between elements.
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Off-center strike – The coin design is struck significantly off-center, leaving a blank crescent. The value escalates the more off-center the strike, with 50%+ off-center errors worth $150+. A dramatic 90% off-center 1982-P sold for $1,645 in 2016.
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Broadstrike – A minting error where the coin is struck without the retaining collar die, resulting in an oversized planchet. Values range from $100 for minor broadstrikes to $1,000+ for huge spread pieces.
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Clipped planchet – The coin is missing a portion of its edge due to the planchet being mis-cut before striking. Depending on the size and position of the clip, these errors can bring $50 to $250.
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Struck through – Debris or a foreign object (like a staple or wire) gets stuck between the die and planchet during striking, leaving an impression on the coin. Dramatic struck throughs with a clear shape sell best, often for over $100.
While most 1982 quarters won‘t have any obvious errors, it‘s always wise to examine your coins closely for any unusual features that could make them valuable. If you suspect you have a genuine mint error, consider submitting it to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
1982 Quarter Grading & Authentication
As we‘ve seen, the condition and grade of a 1982 quarter play a huge role in its value. To ensure you‘re getting the most out of your coin, it‘s important to understand the basics of coin grading.
Uncirculated quarters will showcase no signs of wear and retain their original mint luster. The highest graded coins will have pristine surfaces free of any distracting marks, spots, or imperfections. Look for blazing luster, frosty devices, and an overall fresh appearance.
Circulated 1982 quarters will exhibit some degree of wear on Washington‘s cheek, hair, and the eagle‘s breast feathers. Extremely Fine (EF40) examples may still have traces of luster and only light friction on the high points. About Uncirculated (AU50/AU55) pieces will show just a hint of rub.
To maximize the value and liquidity of your 1982 quarter, consider having it authenticated and graded by a top tier service like PCGS or NGC. These companies will encapsulate your coin in a tamper-proof plastic holder with a label specifying the coin‘s grade, mint mark, and unique certification number.
While you‘ll need to pay a grading fee, having your coin certified is the best way to safeguard its condition and enhance its marketability. This is especially critical for high value coins over $100. Most serious collectors will only purchase rare quarters in PCGS or NGC holders.
Tips for Collecting 1982 Quarters
Building a collection of high grade 1982 Washington quarters can be a fun and rewarding pursuit. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Focus on quality over quantity. A single gem uncirculated or superb gem coin is worth far more than a large group of worn pieces. Save up for the best examples you can afford.
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Cherrypick circulated coins and bank rolls for better date quarters. You can still find nice EF and AU examples hidden in ordinary change.
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Inspect potential purchases carefully for cleaning, damage, or signs of alteration. Avoid any coins with unnatural color, hairlines, or removed luster as these will be worth less.
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Consider collecting an uncirculated 1982-P and 1982-D quarter to represent the year. A matching MS65 pair makes an impressive and valuable set.
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Store your quarters properly to prevent toning, spotting, or other damage. Use non-PVC flips or albums and keep your coins away from humidity and direct sunlight. Handle them only by the edges.
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Get your high value quarters graded to maximize their appeal and marketability. You‘ll also ensure your coins are preserved in the best possible condition for the future.
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Educate yourself on the series and stay up-to-date on the rare coin market. Refer to price guides, auction results, and expert analysis to make informed collecting decisions. Knowledge is power!
By following these strategies and regularly reviewing your collection goals, you‘ll be well on your way to building a valuable and meaningful set of 1982 Washington quarters. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of preserving these important pieces of numismatic history.
1982 Quarter FAQs
Q: What makes a 1982 quarter valuable?
A: 1982 quarters are valuable based on their condition, grade, mint mark, and error varieties. Gem uncirculated and high grade mint state examples are worth the most, especially those graded MS66+. Rare errors like off-center strikes, double dies, and struck throughs also command premiums.
Q: Is a 1982 quarter silver?
A: No, 1982 Washington quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Each coin contains 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The US Mint switched from 90% silver to copper-nickel for quarters beginning in 1965.
Q: How much is a 1982 D quarter worth?
A: A circulated 1982-D quarter is worth face value at 25 cents. Uncirculated examples sell for around $5 in MS60, $10 to $20 in MS63-MS65, and over $100 in MS66 and above. The record auction price for a 1982-D is $4,242 for a PCGS MS67+.
Q: What is the most valuable 1982 error quarter?
A: The most valuable 1982 quarter error is likely a dramatic off-center strike. In 2006, a 85% off-center 1982-P quarter sold for $2,415 through Heritage Auctions. Other rare and valuable 1982 error quarters include double dies, struck throughs, and broadstrikes.
Q: How many 1982 proof quarters were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint struck a total of 3,857,479 proof quarters for the 1982-S annual proof set. While a decent number were produced, superb deep cameo pieces graded PR69 and PR70 by PCGS or NGC still sell for around $50.
The Bottom Line
By now you should have a much better understanding of what makes a 1982 quarter valuable and how to go about collecting them. Remember, condition is king when it comes to maximizing the value of your coins. Even a small upgrade in grade can mean a big jump in price, especially for gem uncirculated examples.
Don‘t forget to keep an eye out for rare errors and varieties that can hide in ordinary pocket change. With patience and persistence, you may just find that next record-setting 1982 quarter. In the meantime, enjoy the hunt and the satisfaction of building a quality collection of these classic American coins.
Whether you‘re drawn to the historical significance, artistic beauty, or investment potential of the 1982 Washington quarter, there‘s no denying the enduring appeal of this fascinating 25-cent piece. By arming yourself with knowledge and a discerning eye, you‘ll be well equipped to make the most of your collecting journey. Happy hunting!
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