The 1982-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $500 for perfect specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, many Americans discover them in inherited collections or old proof sets and wonder if they have hit the jackpot.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $350.00 – $650.00 |
Understanding the Unique History of the 1982-S Washington Quarter
The year 1982 was a transitional period for the United States Mint. While the Denver and Philadelphia mints were busy striking coins for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint was dedicated exclusively to creating “Proof” coins for collectors. If you have any doubt about what you are holding, the 1982-S Washington Quarter is easily identified by the small “S” mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
If you are a beginner, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and strike type instantly. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, the “S” version was struck at least twice using polished dies and planchets. This results in a mirror-like background and frosted details, a finish known as “Cameo.”
Because these were sold in protective plastic sets, most have been preserved well. However, because they weren’t meant for wallets, finding one in wild circulation is rare. If you do find one in a jar of change, it likely suffered “impaired” status, meaning it has scratches or dullness that significantly lowers its market price compared to its boxed counterparts. For a broader look at the era, you can check the 1982 quarter value across all mint locations.
Distinguishing the 1982-S Proof from Standard Business Strikes
To the untrained eye, a shiny quarter is just a shiny quarter. But for a numismatist, the distinction between a business strike and a proof strike is everything. The 1982-S Washington Quarter was produced with a copper-nickel clad composition, weighing 5.67 grams. What sets it apart is the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This refers to the heavy contrast between the shiny, reflective fields (the flat parts) and the milky, white frosted appearance of Washington’s portrait.
When evaluating your collection, the CoinHix app is an excellent tool for comparing your coin’s luster against high-resolution archive photos. Most 1982-S quarters found today are Deep Cameo. If the frosting is light or non-existent, the coin loses significant appeal. During 1982, the Mint produced approximately 3,857,479 of these proof sets. While nearly 4 million sounds like a lot, the number of “perfect” specimens is much lower.
The “S” mint mark is the key. While the 1982-P Washington Quarter price data shows that high-grade circulation coins from Philadelphia are also rare and valuable due to the lack of official unminted sets that year, the San Francisco proof remains a staple for those completing a year-set of the Washington series.
The Grading Scale and Its Impact on Your Quarter’s Value
In the world of coin collecting, the condition is graded on a scale from 1 to 70. For the 1982-S Washington Quarter, almost all coins fall between PR 65 and PR 70. A grade of PR 65 indicates a high-quality coin with a few minor distracting marks or “hairlines.” These are common and usually sell for the price of a coffee.
| Numeric Grade | Description | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 | Very Choice Proof | $8 – $12 |
| PR 68 | Extraordinary Quality | $15 – $22 |
| PR 69 | Near Perfection | $25 – $40 |
| PR 70 | Flawless under 5x Mag | $450+ |
The jump from PR 69 to PR 70 is where the “big money” happens. To a layperson, these two coins look identical. However, to a professional grader at PCGS or NGC, a PR 70 coin must be absolutely flawless under magnification. Because so few coins survive transition and packaging without a single microscopic scratch, a certified PR 70 Deep Cameo 1982-S Washington Quarter can command prices upwards of $500 at major auctions.
Common Errors and Varieties in 1982 Quarters
While 1982 is famous among collectors for being a year without official Mint Sets (which usually contain the highest quality business strikes), the 1982-S Proof doesn’t have many documented major varieties. However, there are a few things to look out for. Every once in a while, a “Double Die” error might occur, where the letters or numbers appear to have a slight shadow or doubling effect.
If you suspect you’ve found an error, using CoinHix to zoom in on the “In God We Trust” motto or the date can help you compare your coin to known error databases. Another thing to look for is “Mechanical Doubling,” which is often confused with a true Hub Doubling error. Mechanical doubling is caused by the die shifting slightly during the strike and does not typically add value to the coin.
Additionally, look at the edges of your 1982-S Washington Quarter. Since it is a clad coin, you should see a distinct copper stripe. If you find a 1982 quarter that appears to be silver and lacks that copper stripe, it could be an experimental planchet error or a silver proof, though 1982 was not a year for silver quarters. Such an error would be worth thousands.
Market Rareness: Why 1982-S is a Collector Favorite
Even though millions were made, the 1982-S Washington Quarter holds a special place in the hearts of 1980s enthusiasts. Because the 1982-P and 1982-D circulation quarters are so hard to find in high grades (due to everyone spending them and the Mint not releasing sets), the 1982-S Proof is often the only “gem” quality coin people can easily acquire for that year.
| Year/Mint | Mintage | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-P | 488 Million | Common (High Grade Rare) |
| 1982-D | 491 Million | Common (High Grade Rare) |
| 1982-S Proof | 3.8 Million | Low/Medium Collector Value |
The CoinHix community often discusses how the 1982-S fits into a “Type Set.” A type set is a collection that includes one of every design and mint style. Because the 1982-S represents the peak of minting technology for that year, it is the “face” of 1982 quarters in most professional collections. If you have one that looks exceptionally white and frosted, it might be worth sending it in for professional grading.
Tips for Selling Your 1982-S Washington Quarter
If you’ve decided to part ways with your coin, there are several ways to ensure you get the best price. First, never clean your coin. Even a soft cloth can leave tiny scratches that professionals will notice, instantly dropping the grade from a PR 69 to a “Damaged” or “Impaired” status.
Second, check current auction realized prices. Don’t rely on the “asking price” on eBay, as people can list a common coin for thousands of dollars. Instead, look for “Sold Items.” If your 1982-S is still in its original United States Proof Set purple plastic case, it is usually better to sell the whole set rather than breaking the quarter out, unless the quarter looks like a potential PR 70.
Finally, consider the buyer. Local coin shops might offer you a wholesale price (usually 50-60% of retail), while selling directly to a collector online can net you more. For a high-grade 1982-S Washington Quarter, documented certification is your best friend. A small investment in grading can sometimes turn a $5 coin into a $500 windfall if you have a perfect strike.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1982-S Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the 1982-S Washington Quarter is a clad coin made of a copper core with a nickel-copper coating. The last 90% silver quarters intended for circulation were made in 1964, though the Mint did release some 40% silver Bicentennial quarters in 1976.
Q: How can I tell if my 1982-S is a “Proof”?
A: Proof coins have a very distinct look. The “fields” (the background) will be as reflective as a mirror—you should be able to see your reflection in it. The “devices” (Washington’s head and the lettering) will usually have a frosted, matte finish. It will also always bear the “S” mint mark.
Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1982-S Quarter?
A: In some major auctions, a perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo 1982-S Washington Quarter has sold for over $700. However, these prices depend heavily on the specific auction and the demand from registries (collectors who compete to have the highest-graded sets).
Q: Why are the 1982-P and 1982-D quarters sometimes worth more than the S-Proof?
A: Paradoxically, because the Mint did not produce “Mint Sets” for 1982-P and 1982-D coins, finding those business-strike coins in perfect, uncirculated condition is actually harder than finding a perfect S-Proof. This makes high-grade P and D coins very valuable to specialized collectors.
