As the sun set on the 20th century, the Washington quarter was poised for a transformative redesign. But before the wildly popular 50 State Quarters program kicked off in 1999, the series enjoyed one last hurrah with its classic heraldic eagle reverse.
For numismatists, 1998 represents a pivotal year – the end of an era for a beloved motif, and the calm before the collecting storm that would follow. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about 1998 quarters, from mintages and values to rare varieties and errors.
Whether you‘re a seasoned Washington quarter aficionado or just starting your collection, understanding the key issues and diagnostics for this year can lead to some exciting finds. And in high grades, 1998 quarters are already attracting serious attention from Registry Set collectors. Let‘s dive in!
1998 Quarter Mintages and Values by Grade
| Issue | Mintage | Good | Fine | XF | MS60 | MS63 | MS65 | Record Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-P | 896268000 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.30 | $1 | $4 | $12 | $1,380 (MS68) |
| 1998-D | 821000000 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.30 | $1 | $3 | $10 | $1,527 (MS67+) |
| 1998-S Clad Proof | 2086507 | – | – | – | $5 | $8 | $12 | $218 (PR70DCAM) |
| 1998-S Silver Proof | 878792 | – | – | – | $10 | $15 | $30 | $402 (PR70DCAM) |
The Philadelphia and Denver mints churned out over 1.7 billion quarters in 1998, making them extremely common in circulation. Most worn examples are worth little more than face value, although heavy die polishing imparts a satiny luster that can be attractive in higher circulated grades.
Uncirculated examples are also plentiful, with attractive MS65s trading for $10-15. Truly superb gems are pricey but obtainable, with the finest known 1998-P graded MS68 by PCGS realizing $1,380 at Heritage Auctions in 2018.
A Farewell to the Heraldic Eagle
Introduced in 1932, John Flanagan‘s Washington quarter reverse featured a perched eagle with wings stretched in a heraldic pose. Clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, it symbolized America‘s readiness for war or peace.
This iconic design would grace the coin‘s reverse for over 65 years until its planned retirement in 1998. As such, this year represents the last chance for collectors to acquire gem examples, errors and varieties within the original series.
While hundreds of millions were struck, 1998 quarters in superb condition are surprisingly elusive. Softness of strike, die erosion and bagmarks often preclude coins from grading above MS66. This leaves a fertile playing field for cherrypickers who know what to look for.
"I‘m always on the lookout for silky, satiny luster and razor sharp eagles when hunting 1998 quarters. Find one without any distracting marks or weakness and you could be looking at a four-figure coin in MS67 or 68."
— Douglas Winter, Numismatic Author and Dealer
1998-S Proof Quarter Values
The San Francisco Mint produced nearly 3 million clad and 90% silver proof quarters in 1998. While not especially rare, exceptional examples still bring solid premiums.
Clad proofs typically sell for $5-10 in PR65. Coins with deep cameo (DCAM) contrast between fields and devices are worth more, with PR70 DCAMs reaching $200+. An important recent sale was a 1998-S silver proof graded PR70 DCAM by PCGS that brought $402 in 2019.
Image: 1998-S Washington Quarter Silver Proof. Note the deep cameo contrast and flawless surfaces that characterize the top tier of survivors.
Collecting 90% silver proofs from 1992-1998 is popular as the last "old school" S-mint Washington quarters before the State series. Registry Sets like the PCGS "30th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set" have spurred demand for pristine examples.
1998 Quarter Errors and Varieties
For many collectors, the most exciting attribute of 1998 quarters is their plethora of major errors and varieties. From off-centers to brockages to wrong metal strikes, this year has it all.
Here are some of the most dramatic – and valuable – 1998 Washington quarter error coins known:
The 1998-P "Wide AM" Reverse
Variety collectors have long been captivated by the so-called "Wide AM" reverse on some 1998-P quarters. Caused by a pronounced die gouge between the "A" and "M" of AMERICA, this naked-eye variety is scarce and highly sought after.
Image: Close-up of (left) normal AM spacing and (right) 1998-P Wide AM reverse die gouge. Note the prominent separation that distinguishes the rare variety.
PCGS estimates that around 20,000 Wide AM quarters were struck before mint employees noticed and removed the defective die. Examples are known in grades up to MS67.
Attributed pieces regularly sell for $200-500 in Mint State grades. At a January 2021 FUN Show auction, an NGC-certified 1998-P Wide AM MS66 realized $1,440 after spirited bidding.
Interestingly, not all Wide AMs are created equal. On some coins the gouge is less distinct, leading to debate over what qualifies. Collectors are advised to buy certified examples or study the diagnostics closely before making a raw purchase.
1998 Quarter Off-Center Strikes
Off-center errors occur when a blank planchet isn‘t perfectly centered between the dies. The resulting coin has an incomplete design struck off-center, often with a crescent of blank metal along the edge.
Image: Two 1998 off-center quarters, with blank crescents at (left) 10% and (right) 50% displacement from center.
The value of an off-center depends on the percentage struck off-center (with 50% being ideal), the amount of blank planchet showing, and visual appeal. Even minor 3-5% clips can bring $50, while dramatic 40-50% off-centers have realized over $2,000 in high grade.
One of the most remarkable off-centers is a 1998-P quarter struck 40% off-center with a triple strike, graded MS65 by PCGS. It occurred when an already mis-fed coin was struck repeatedly, compounding the error. This dramatic piece sold for $2,040 in a 2012 Heritage sale.
1998 Quarters on Wrong Planchets
When a coin is struck on the wrong size and composition of planchet, a wrong planchet error occurs. Given the quarter‘s 24.3mm diameter and copper-nickel clad composition, any variations are obvious and rare.
The undisputed king of 1998 wrong planchet quarters is a Philadelphia Mint coin struck on a copper-plated zinc cent blank. Graded MS65 Red by PCGS, it sold for a staggering $18,400 in 2006!
Other 1998 quarters are known struck on 5 cent nickel planchets, with authenticated examples selling for $500-1,000 in Mint State. While wrong planchet errors are unusual across all denominations, 1998 boasts several marquee examples.
Other Notable 1998 Quarter Errors
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Multi-Strike Errors: When a coin isn‘t ejected from the dies, it can be struck multiple times, often at weird angles. A triple-struck 1998-P quarter sold for $1,265 in a 2019 auction.
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Broadstrikes and Off-Centers: Caused by a malfunctioning collar die, broadstruck coins are oversized with no reeding. When combined with off-center strikes, they can bring $1,000+ in high grade.
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Mated Die Cap Errors: If a coin sticks to a die, it can strike incoming planchets like a die itself – a "mated pair." The concave "cap" coin is usually more dramatic. A 1998-P obverse die cap in NGC MS68 sold for $1,035.
Suffice it to say, 1998 was a banner year for major mint errors on the Washington quarter. While some are likely still undiscovered, the most dramatic survivors have become the stuff of numismatic legend.
Collecting and Investing in 1998 Quarters
Tips for Cherrypicking Circulation Finds
With billions struck, 1998 quarters are extremely common in pocket change and bank rolls. While most are low grade, astute collectors can still make some exciting finds.
Your first target should be examples with exceptionally sharp strikes and frosty luster. Look for crisp feather details on the eagle and no distracting marks in the fields. Avoid coins with obvious machine doubling, as these can appear Uncirculated at first glance.
Next, keep an eye out for potential off-center strikes and clips. Even minor 1-3% misstrikes are worth face value plus a few dollars. You can check a suspect coin‘s weight against the 5.67g standard to rule out wrong planchet errors.
While you‘re unlikely to cherry pick a Wide AM, it never hurts to check promising coins under 5-10X magnification. Just be aware that later die states can show isolated gouges and cracks that mimic the genuine variety.
Investing in High-Grade and Error 1998 Quarters
For numismatic investors, 1998 quarters offer several compelling options:
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Superb-gem business strikes in MS67 and MS68. These are true condition rarities that could see significant appreciation as the series recedes into history. Pay attention to quality and eye appeal, as many 67s and 68s are "technical" grades.
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High-end 1998-S silver proofs in PR69 and PR70 DCAM. The 90% silver composition and limited mintage make these an attractive target, especially with the bonus of being the last "legacy" S-mint quarters.
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Mint errors like off-centers, wrong planchets and die caps. While more esoteric than regular issues, major errors have a devoted following. Their combination of rarity, visual drama and crossover appeal makes them a potent store of value.
As with all numismatic investments, the key is to focus on rarity, quality and demand within the series. Buying the best you can afford from reputable sources is always sound advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1998 Quarters
Q: Are all 1998 quarters silver?
A: No – only the special 1998-S 90% silver proof quarters contain any precious metal. All 1998-P and D circulation strikes are copper-nickel clad, as are the regular 1998-S clad proofs.
Q: Weren‘t all quarters before 1965 made of 90% silver?
A: Yes, the Washington quarter was originally struck in a 90% silver alloy from 1932 to 1964. From 1965 on, the composition changed to copper-nickel clad to reduce minting costs as silver prices rose.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1998 quarter graded?
A: If you believe you have a high-grade regular issue (MS66+), rare variety like the Wide AM, or mint error, then absolutely. Certification by PCGS or NGC will maximize the value of your coin and put it in a sonically-sealed holder for posterity.
Q: What‘s the most valuable 1998 error quarter?
A: The unique 1998-P struck on a cent planchet is the current record-holder at $18,400. In second place is a 1998-P quarter with a triple off-center strike that sold for over $2,000.
Q: Is it illegal to own or sell mint error coins?
A: Not at all – the U.S. government considers mint errors to be legal tender at face value, and they‘re widely collected. Unless a coin was deliberately made or altered outside the mint, it‘s fair game for collectors.
The Future of 1998 Washington Quarters
In hindsight, 1998 was more than just another year for the Washington quarter. It marked the end of an iconic design era that stretched back to the Great Depression – and the last "normal" year before the State Quarter juggernaut changed the game.
As the series fades into history, pristine examples of this last pre-State quarter are already attracting attention from Registry Set collectors. The 1998-P and D in MS67 and 68 are capable of vying for "top pop" honors, and the hunt will only intensify as the pool of high-grade candidates shrinks.
But beyond the complete sets, 1998‘s true legacy may lie in its trove of spectacular mint errors and varieties. Few other modern issues can boast such a range of visually striking, coin-altering gaffes – from blatant planchet mix-ups to wildly misaligned dies.
As more numismatists discover these fascinating coins, demand and values seem poised to grow. An advantage of error collecting is that even "raw" coins can be attributed, meaning discoveries are still waiting in ordinary pocket change.
Wherever your tastes lie, there‘s never been a better time to start appreciating 1998 Washington quarters. Whether you‘re assembling a grading set, hunting down Wide AMs or just searching rolls for off-centers, this unassuming year offers challenges and rewards for every collector.
By studying the diagnostics, knowing the key issues and cultivating an eye for quality, you can assemble a collection of 1998 quarters that will be cherished by generations to come. And who knows – maybe you‘ll even find that next $20,000 cent-struck rarity in the process!
