1982-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
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The 1982-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $150 for flawless deep cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a popular and affordable treasure for those diving into the world of numismatics.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Typical Proof) | $4 – $7 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $15 – $25 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $140 – $220 |
Understanding the Unique Status of the 1982-S Quarter
If you have discovered a 1982 Washington Quarter with an “S” mint mark, you have found a piece that was never intended for grocery store transactions. In 1982, the San Francisco Mint dedicated its production entirely to “Proof” sets for collectors. These coins were struck using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish and sharp details. Using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between a standard circulation coin and these special collector versions.
Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver that year, the 1982-S was sold by the US Mint as part of a multi-coin proof set. Over the years, many of these sets have been broken open, and individual quarters have made their way into private collections or even back into general circulation by mistake. Because they were handled with care by the Mint, most surviving examples are in excellent condition.
However, because the 1982-S is common in proof sets, its value is heavily dependent on its “perfection.” Professional grading services look for microscopic scratches or “haze” on the surface. If you are unsure of what you have, the CoinKnow app provides an easy way to scan your coin and get an instant idea of its significance in today’s market.
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Grading and 1982-S Proof Quarter Values
When evaluating your 1982-S Washington Quarter value, the term “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is vital. This refers to the contrast between the frosted portrait of George Washington and the shiny, mirror-like background fields. Almost all 1982-S quarters were struck with this effect, but only those with perfectly preserved surfaces command high premiums.
For the everyday person, a typical 1982-S proof found in a plastic holder is worth a few dollars. However, if you have a coin that looks absolutely flawless under a magnifying glass, it could be a candidate for professional grading. In the world of high-stakes collecting, a single point in grade can mean a difference of over $100.
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| Professional Grade | Market Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Proof 67 (Minor imperfections) | $8.00 |
| Proof 68 (Near perfect) | $12.00 |
| Proof 69 (Flawless to the naked eye) | $22.00 |
| Proof 70 (Absolute perfection) | $185.00+ |
Why 1982 Was a Special Year for Quarters
The year 1982 is historically significant for coin rolls and collectors because the US Mint did not produce traditional “Uncirculated Mint Sets” for the public that year. This makes high-grade uncirculated quarters from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) surprisingly rare. While the “S” proof coins are beautiful, they aren’t the only ones people are hunting for.
Collectors often look for “Mint State” examples from the other mints to fill their albums. For instance, the 1982 Washington Quarter price for P mint marks in high grades can actually exceed the value of the proof “S” version because they were so much harder to find in pristine condition.
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If you are sorting through a collection you inherited, keep an eye out for both. The CoinKnow app can help you photograph the mint mark—located just to the right of Washington’s ponytail—to ensure you aren’t missing a rare variety or a high-grade business strike.
Spotting 1982-S Proof Errors and Varieties
While the 1982-S proof series was generally high-quality, errors do happen. Proof errors are rare because the inspection process at the San Francisco Mint is much stricter than at the Philadelphia or Denver Mints. However, “Doubled Die” varieties or “Struck Through” errors can occasionally be found.
A doubled die error occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, leaving a faint doubling on the letters or numbers. On a 1982-S, check the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. Even a small error can turn a $5 coin into a $50 treasure. If you think you see doubling, it is worth consulting more detailed 1982 quarter value reports and error lists to compare your find with known examples.
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Many collectors also look for “toning.” This occurs when the metal reacts with the packaging, creating beautiful rainbows of blue, gold, or purple on the coin’s surface. While some call it “tarnish,” in the coin world, attractive toning can actually increase the value of a 1982-S quarter to niche buyers.
Is the 1982-S Washington Quarter Silver?
One of the most common questions from beginners is whether the 1982-S quarter is made of silver. The answer for this specific year is almost always no. The United States stopped making circulating quarters out of 90% silver in 1964. By 1982, all quarters intended for both circulation and proof sets were made of a “clad” composition—a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of cupro-nickel.
You can easily tell if your coin is clad by looking at the edge. If you see a distinct copper-colored stripe, it is a clad coin. Silver quarters have a solid silver-colored edge. While the silver value doesn’t exist for the 1982-S, its collector value still remains higher than its 25-cent face value.
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If you are ever in doubt about the metal composition of an old coin, tools like CoinKnow can provide technical specifications like weight and diameter, which are foolproof ways to tell cladding from silver. A 1982-S clad proof quarter should weigh approximately 5.67 grams.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 8.33% Nickel, Balance Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Mark | “S” (San Francisco) |
How to Store and Sell Your 1982-S Quarter
If you find a 1982-S quarter, the most important rule is: Do not clean it! Cleaning a proof coin with a cloth or chemicals will create tiny scratches (hairlines) that instantly destroy its collector value. A proof coin’s value lies entirely in its mirror-like finish. Instead, hold the coin only by its edges and place it in a protective plastic flip or a coin capsule.
When you are ready to sell, you have a few options. Selling to a local coin shop is the fastest way, but you will likely receive a “wholesale” price (perhaps $1 or $2). For better prices, you might consider selling on eBay or a specialized coin auction site. Before you list it, make sure you have used a reliable guide to determine if your coin is a standard proof or a high-grade specimen that warrants a higher price tag.
1982-S Quarter Value FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1982-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare, but possible. These were only sold in proof sets. If you find one in change, it is likely “impaired,” meaning it has scratches and wear from being spent. In that condition, it is usually only worth its 25-cent face value or perhaps $1 to a curious collector.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1982-S Washington Quarter?
A: In recent years, perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold at auction for over $200. Most average 1982-S quarters sell for significantly less, usually between $5 and $10.
Q: Does the “S” mean it is rare?
A: While there were fewer 1982-S quarters made (about 3.8 million) compared to the hundreds of millions in Philly and Denver, most of the “S” quarters have survived in great condition. Therefore, they are not “rare” in the sense that they are hard to find, but they are more “special” than regular quarters.
Q: How can I tell if my 1982-S is “Deep Cameo”?
A: Look at the contrast. If Washington’s head looks white and “frosted” like a winter window, while the background looks like a dark, shiny mirror, it is a Deep Cameo. If the contrast is weak, it is just a standard proof.
