What would you choose: A 1982 Quarter or a new Jacket? Initially, You would choose a new jacket. But what if we tell you that you just missed on some free cash of up to $450?
Yes, You heard (read) it right!
The value of the 1982 quarter can be from $0.30 to $450, depending on its condition, mintmark, and error. The 1982 Quarter is unique and among the highly valuable coins from the U.S. Mint. From the 1980s quarters produced, the 1982 and 1983 issued quarters are worth keeping for their intrinsic value.
Let’s understand why!
The reason why 1982 and 83 are among the best 1980s Quarters in terms of worth is because of the economic conditions.
| Obverse | Effigy of George Washington along with the inscriptions “LIBERTY. IN GOD WE TRUST. 1982” and the mintmark |
| Mintmarks | Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). |
| Reverse | The heraldic eagle holding a bunch of arrows, supported by two tied wreaths below. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. E PLURIBUS UNUM. QUARTER DOLLAR” |
| Designer | John Flanagan |
| Composition | Copper core clad in cupronickel |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 grams (0.1822 Troy oz) |
| Edge | Parallel grooves |
As mentioned, the value of the 1982 quarter depends on mintmarks, errors, and conditions. The Mintmark is the initials of the facility of the U.S. Mint on the coin was struck in. There are three mintmarks on the 1982 quarter. While these quarters are copper-nickel clad, serious collectors often transition to acquiring silver coins for long-term value preservation.
Let’s break it down:
The Philadelphia Mint generally produces coins without a mintmark. Surprisingly, the 1982 Quarter was the first quarter to feature the “P” mintmark, thus holding a special place in its history. Around half a billion coins were struck that year, making them easily accessible.
The P mintmark 1982 Quarters in the circulated condition are worth only about their face value. Even those in mint state or uncirculated condition are more than 50 million that survived.
The price becomes considerable after grades MS65, being valued from $45 and exceeding figures of $160. The finest MS68 Quarter graded by PCGS was sold at a crazy $9,000!
The Denver Mint struck quarters have the “D” mintmark. The mint produced almost 480 million coins; almost the same number as the Philadelphia Mint.
Similarly, their value starts from higher grades like MS68, since the lower MS60 graded quarters are worth their face value. The MS65 quarters fetch value around $28, rising up to $100 for MS66+, and shooting up to $350 for MS67.
An exceptional error is seen on the quarters carrying the D mintmark, which is discussed ahead. As for the grades above MS67, only a handful have been certified, fetching values around $2,500. This value rises drastically to $4,500 for quarters in MS68 graded (which is just one graded by PCGs).
The San Francisco minted quarters carry the mint mark “S.” These quarters. However, they were all proof quarters. Proof coins usually have a low mintage and are considerably valuable. But, around 3.4 million 1982 Proof quarters are available today from the 3.8+ million initially produced.
Among the highest proof grades like MS69, the quarters are hardly worth around $15. While those of the best quality with MS70, can push up to $36.
The Errors significantly changes the narrative for the value of 1982 Quarter. These are the manufacturing defects occurred at the facility which usually increase the value of the coin.
In the case of 1982 Quarters, there are two main errors:
The Double Die error occures during the striking process within the machine. If the die or coin moves from place then a doubled overlapping image or letter will be observed. In this case, the die will be termed as defective and coins struck under it will have a doubled design.
Depending on the side of the defect, the error is named. Here, the double die obverse is on the effigy of George Washington or surrounding inscriptions.
As for their values, the better the condition, the higher the value.
Similar to the Double Die Obverse, the 1982 quarters have a Double Die Reverse (DDR) error that originates from the Denver mint. In this case, the letters of the “QUARTER” generally depict this error.
Their values are certainly more because either not many were struck or they haven’t been identified yet.
Some of the other notable errors that have been identified are:
For more about the errors and their values, check out this explanatory video from BBCOINSINC
| Grading Scale | Grade Categories |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4,5,6 | Good |
| 7,8,10 | Very Good |
| 12,15 | Fine |
| 20,30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
There it is! The guide to get the best prices if you have a 1982 Quarter. The 1982 Quarter is among the most valuable coins of the 1980s quarters overall. For its historic events, mintage, and errors, this quarter becomes highly sought after by investors and collectors.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t find such a valuable coin in your attic! If you don’t find one, you can buy one. The U.S. Mint has been producing coins like the Morgan Dollar, American Silver Eagles, and Gold Buffalos, that are highly renowned and available for purchase at BOLD!
Happy Investing!
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