Have you ever stumbled upon a 1981 quarter and are curious how much this oldish coin could be worth?
Or maybe you want to collect the 1981 Washington quarter, wanting to know more about the monetary value?
You are in the correct place! You will learn everything about the 1981 quarter value in this article.
Are quarters from 1981 worth money? The condition, quality, and rarity of these quarters, among other variables, will determine their worth. The value of the coin can also be increased by errors, albeit this also depends on the kind of defect.
We shall examine the 1981 quarter value and its varieties. These are the following:
Washington quarters totaling an estimated 601,716,000 were minted by the Philadelphia Mint. If you think these are a lot of quarters, you are correct! The mint mark P appears on the obverse of these coins, directly behind Washington's ponytail.
Since the mint produced over 500 million quarters, it should come as no surprise that 1981-P quarters are incredibly widespread; you may still easily find them in circulation today.
Because they are so abundant, Washington quarters from 1981 are worth around their face value. 1981-P Washington quarters in circulated condition can be valued anywhere from $0.30 to $0.75, depending on the state of the coin.
These coins can be found in mint sets and uncirculated rolls, and they are equally frequent in their mint state. A rare Washington 1981-P quarter-graded MS67 can buy as much as $70, yet a graded MS60 quarter can fetch as much as $1.50.
There are only three known examples of 1981-P quarters graded MS67, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The most valuableone sold for $700 at an online auction in 2018.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Mintage | 601,716,000 (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Mint Mark Location | "P" on the obverse, behind Washington's ponytail |
| Circulation | Common and easily found in circulation today |
| Value in Circulated Condition | $0.30 to $0.75, depending on the coin's condition |
| Availability in Mint State | Commonly found in mint sets and uncirculated rolls |
| Value in MS60 Grade | Approximately $1.50 |
| Value in MS67 Grade | Up to $70 |
| Number of MS67 Grade Examples | 3 known examples (according to PCGS) |
| Highest Auction Price for MS67 Grade (2018) | $700 |
At the Denver mint, almost 500 million 1981-D Washington quarters were produced. These are big coins, just like the Philadelphia lot.
The value of 1981-D quarters is likely to be somewhat low due to the large number of coins that were put into circulation. A 1981-D Washington quarter is valued between $0.30 and $0.85 in circulating condition.
Although they will sell for a little bit more, these coins are common in mint condition and even in gem condition. A rated MS61 from 1981 quarter should cost approximately $3, and a graded MS67 might cost as much as $195. An extraordinary $375 was raised at auction in 2011 for a rare specimen rated MS67.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Mintage | Almost 500 million (Denver Mint) |
| Circulation | Common, with a large number put into circulation |
| Value in Circulated Condition | $0.30 to $0.85, depending on the coin's condition |
| Availability in Mint State | Commonly found in mint condition, including gem condition |
| Value in MS61 Grade | Approximately $3 |
| Value in MS67 Grade | Up to $195 |
| Highest Auction Price for MS67 Grade (2011) | $375 |
Proof quarters for 1981 were produced by the San Francisco Mint and distributed to collectors. There were two varieties of proof coins that year, referred to as Type 1 and Type 2.
The S mint mark on Type 1 1981-S proof quarters is tiny, filled in, and ambiguous. However, the S mint mark on Type II proof quarters is more distinct, legible, and easy to read.
In 1981, almost 4 million proof quarters were produced. However, the coins are usually not worth much more, even if they were minted in relatively small quantities.
For instance, a Type I 1981-S proof quarter graded MS67 costs roughly $15, whereas a superb condition one graded MS70 costs roughly $22. 2018 saw the sale of the most costly 1981-proof Washington quarter-rated MS70 Deep Cameo (DCAM), which brought $508 at auction.
Graded MS67 Type II 1981-S proof quarters are valued at approximately $140, whereas graded MS70 ones can fetch up to $140. At a 2007 auction, a rare piece rated MS70 DCAM brought an enviable $2350.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Location | San Francisco Mint |
| Total Mintage | Almost 4 million proof quarters |
| Varieties | Type 1 and Type 2 |
| Type 1 Description | Small, filled-in, and ambiguous S mint mark |
| Type 2 Description | Distinct, legible, and easy-to-read S mint mark |
| Value of Type 1 MS67 Grade | Approximately $15 |
| Value of Type 1 MS70 Grade | Approximately $22 |
| Highest Auction Price for Type 1 MS70 DCAM (2018) | $508 |
| Value of Type 2 MS67 Grade | Approximately $140 |
| Value of Type 2 MS70 Grade | Up to $140 |
| Highest Auction Price for Type 2 MS70 DCAM (2007) | $2,350 |
Washington quarters are mostly flawlessly struck with very few faults, even the ones issued in 1981. Being aware of the 1981 quarter errors to search for is crucial because some flaws have the potential to greatly raise the value of a coin that has been circulated.
Even though double die errors are somewhat prevalent among quarter errors from 1981, collectors still find them to be highly desirable. You will primarily note the doubling on the date and the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST on the front.
One coin is struck by the die hub several times at somewhat varied angles, causing a mistake that display as double in the design and/or writing. For such an incorrect coin, you can get roughly $100.
For a 1981-quarter with a noticeable double die error, budget up to $150.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Error Type | Doubled-Die Obverse Error |
| Common Error Features | Doubling on the date and inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" |
| Cause of Error | Die hub strikes the coin multiple times at different angles |
| Value for Minor Error | Approximately $100 |
| Value for Noticeable Error | Up to $150 |
A few quarters that were inadvertently struck on dime planchets by Philadelphia mint employees in 1981 entered circulation.
The quarter's design and wording cannot fit on the dime due to its smaller size, which causes some words and images to be missing or shifted. A quarter that has between 30 and 80 percent missing data can sell for $200. Coins with the fewest details have the lowest value.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Error Type | Over Dime Planchet Error |
| Cause of Error | Quarters struck on dime planchets by mistake |
| Error Features | Some words and images missing or shifted due to smaller planchet size |
| Value for 30-80% Missing Data | Up to $200 |
| Value Based on Missing Details | Coins with fewer details have lower value |
When a partial indent was struck over the lower reverse of the coin, a complex mistake resulted. The current planchet and the reverse die were used on the second strike; this imprint was sharper and more distinct than the first, particularly in the date.
The satiny shine and clearly evident mintmark and date make this mistake piece stand out. In August 2020, Heritage Auctions fetched an incredible $7,000 for this artwork.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Error Type | Flip-Over Double Strike Error |
| Error Description | Partial indent struck over the lower reverse of the coin |
| First Strike | Less distinct imprint on the reverse |
| Second Strike | Sharper imprint using the current planchet and reverse die, especially in the date |
| Distinct Features | Satiny shine, clearly evident mintmark and date |
| Auction Sale | Sold for $7,000 at Heritage Auctions in August 2020 |
When the planchet is not positioned correctly in the hub, an off-center mistake happens, leading to an uncentered design. Consequently, the design appears sideways and lacks some parts rather than in the center. In Washington quarters, off-center errors are valued at almost $100.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Error Type | Off-Center Error |
| Error Description | Occurs when the planchet is not correctly positioned in the hub, leading to an uncentered design. |
| Appearance | The design appears sideways and lacks some parts instead of being centered. |
| Value | Valued at approximately $100 for Washington quarters with this error. |
The 1981 Washington Quarter value is identified in some different ways like its condition, mint mark, and any error that makes it unique. Due to the vast number minted during the year, not many 1981 quarters may hold more value than face value.
However, particular rarities and errors pump up the value for these certain quarters. Knowing what to look for can help you tell if your 1981 quarter is just another coin or a potential treasure. Be sure to look for mint errors and high-grade coins, as these could be the treasures hidden within your collection!
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