1982-D Washington Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?
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The 1982-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While most of these coins found in your change are only worth twenty-five cents, certain “Condition Rarities” are highly sought after by collectors due to unique historical circumstances.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) | $30.00 – $250.00+ |
| Top Grade (MS67 and above) | $350.00 – $1,000+ |
Why the 1982-D Washington Quarter is Special
If you just pulled a 1982-D quarter out of your pocket, you might be surprised to learn that it is more interesting than a typical George Washington coin. The early 1980s were a turbulent time for the United States Mint. During 1982 and 1983, the U.S. Mint did not produce traditional “Uncirculated Mint Sets” for collectors. This means that if you wanted a pristine, shiny 1982-D quarter, you couldn’t just buy a set from the government; you had to hope to find one in a bank roll or a “Souvenir Set” sold at the mint gift shops.
Because of this lack of official mint sets, finding an MS66 or MS67 grade 1982-D Washington quarter is significantly harder than finding coins from the years before or after. Most of these coins entered general circulation and were banged up, scratched, and dulled by years of use in vending machines and laundromats. If you think you’ve found a high-quality specimen, using a top coin identifier and value app like CoinKnow can help you determine if it’s worth sending to a professional grading service.
Collectors are always looking for “Condition Rarities.” In the numismatic world, condition is everything. A 1982-D quarter that looks like it just rolled off the press is a prize because so few were preserved. When you use CoinKnow, you can quickly compare your coin’s luster and strike quality against known high-value examples to see how it stacks up.
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Understanding the Denver Mint Mark “D”
The “D” on the 1982-D Washington Quarter stands for the Denver Mint. You can find this small letter on the right side of the coin’s obverse (the face side), just behind George Washington’s ponytail. In 1982, the Denver Mint produced 480,142,788 quarters. While nearly half a billion coins sounds like a lot, the survival rate of these coins in “Gem” condition is remarkably low.
Compared to its Philadelphia counterpart (the 1982-P), the 1982-D is generally considered to have a slightly better average strike quality, but it is still difficult to find in grades above MS65. High-grade collectors often pay a premium for Denver coins that show full details in Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse.
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For those tracking the market, checking the 1982-D mint state quarter auction records reveals that prices can spike dramatically for coins that receive a “67” grade from NGC or PCGS. Even a single point on the grading scale can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars.
Grading and 1982-D Quarter Value Factors
To determine the true worth of your coin, you need to understand the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Most 1982-D quarters you find in pocket change will grade between F (Fine) and AU (About Uncirculated). These coins are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, if the coin has a high level of original “mint luster”—that frosty sheen found on new coins—it might be an Uncirculated (MS) coin.
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Heavy wear, flattened details | $0.25 |
| MS63 | Typical mint state with some marks | $5 – $15 |
| MS65 | Attractive luster, very few marks | $35 – $60 |
| MS67 | Near-perfect, sharp strike | $400 – $800+ |
When analyzing your coins, look for “bag marks.” Since these quarters were shipped in large canvas bags, they often banged against each other, creating small nicks. A coin without these marks is rare. CoinKnow can be a great asset here, as it allows you to zoom in on high-resolution images to identify these tiny imperfections that professional graders look for.
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The detailed 1982 quarter value guide shows that while the Denver mint was prolific, the “condition census” (the list of the finest known coins) remains relatively small. This scarcity in high grades is what drives the prices for collectors trying to complete a “Register Set” of Washington quarters.
Rare 1982-D Quarter Errors to Look For
Beyond standard grading, errors can make a 1982-D Washington quarter worth a small fortune. Errors occur during the minting process and are often caught by quality control—but when they slip through, they become highly collectible. For the 1982-D series, stay alert for “Off-Center Strikes,” where the coin design isn’t perfectly centered on the planchet.
Another common error is the “Doubled Die.” While there are no famous 1982-D doubled dies like the 1955 penny, minor doubling on the letters or the date can still add value. You should also watch for “Clipped Planchets,” where a piece of the coin’s circular edge is missing, or “Wrong Planchet” errors, where a quarter is accidentally struck on a dime or penny blank.
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If you find a coin that looks “weird” or has extra metal (known as a “Die Chip” or “Cud”), don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use an app like CoinKnow to identify if the anomaly is a recognized error. Many “garage finds” turn out to be valuable errors that can sell for $50 to $200 depending on the severity of the mistake.
Historical Context and Composition
The 1982-D quarter is made of a “clad” composition. This means it has an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer made of a mix of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This has been the standard for U.S. quarters since 1965 when the government stopped using silver for circulating coinage. Therefore, a 1982 quarter does not have any “melt value” from precious metals.
Its value is derived entirely from its collector demand and its rarity in high grades. During the early 80s, the U.S. economy was struggling with inflation, and many people weren’t thinking about saving new coins for the future. This lack of hoarding contributed to the “circulated” nature of the surviving population.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Outer: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (119 reeds) |
Because the 1982-D is a clad coin, you are looking for physical beauty rather than silver content. A “pretty” coin with rainbow-like “toning” can sometimes fetch a higher price than a brilliant white one. Toning occurs when the chemicals in a coin folder or the atmosphere react with the nickel jacket of the coin, creating vibrant colors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Sell Your 1982-D Quarter
If you’ve identified a high-value 1982-D quarter using a coin app, your next step is determining how to sell it. For coins worth only a few dollars, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. However, if you believe you have a coin that could grade MS66 or higher, it is worth investing in professional grading from PCGS or NGC.
A “slabbed” (certified) coin usually sells for much more because the buyer is guaranteed the coin’s authenticity and grade. When listing your coin online, take clear, high-resolution photos in natural light. Avoid using a flash, as it can hide the very luster that buyers are looking for.
Remember that the coin market fluctuates. Prices for 1982 and 1983 quarters have been on a general upward trend because younger collectors are realizing how scarce they are in top condition. Keeping an eye on recent auction sales is the best way to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1982-D quarter made of silver?
A: No, the 1982-D Washington Quarter is a clad coin made of copper and nickel. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for quarters in 1964 and stopped using 40% silver for non-proof quarters in 1970.
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Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1982-D quarter?
A: Auction records show that a 1982-D Washington Quarter graded MS67+ has sold for over $1,000 at major auction houses. These prices are rare and only apply to almost flawless coins.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1982 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse side (heads) of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s bust, just below his hair tie. If you see a “D,” it was minted in Denver; a “P” means Philadelphia.
Q: Why are 1982 quarters harder to find in good condition than 1981 quarters?
A: The primary reason is that the U.S. Mint did not produce official Uncirculated Mint Sets in 1982. This meant far fewer coins were set aside by collectors immediately after being minted, leading most to be worn down in circulation.
