1978 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1978 Washington Quarter reveals how age and circulation patterns affect modern coin collecting. In Good and Fine conditions, these quarters typically trade near their $0.25 face value, reflecting their common status in lower grades.

The market shows clear grade sensitivity for higher-quality specimens, where Philadelphia mint examples reach $9.33 in MS condition compared to $7.00 for Denver pieces.

The DCAM proof variety, priced at $4.89, demonstrates how specialized collector preferences create distinct market segments within this relatively common series.

 

1978 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s a quick breakdown of 1978 quarter values based on condition and mint mark. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1978 Quarter Worth Money

When it comes to the most valuable 1978 quarters, condition is absolutely everything. The chart reveals that how much grade can impact value. While you might expect the 1978-S DCAM proofs to dominate the top spots, it’s actually the highest-grade circulation strikes that command the premium prices.

What’s particularly interesting is seeing how dramatically values jump between grade levels. The difference between a lower-grade coin and a top-condition example can be thousands of dollars, highlighting why professional grading and proper storage are so important for collectors.

These results demonstrate that even “common” coins can become valuable when preserved in exceptional condition. The 1978 quarters shown here represent just a fraction of what’s possible in the Washington quarter series.

 

History of the 1978 Quarter

The Washington quarter appeared in public in 1932 as a one-year commemorative coin. The intention was to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington, the first US President. Although the Committee originally wanted to use a half-dollar coin for this occasion, the quarter with Washington’s face was permanently adopted.

Although the anniversary was in 1932, the Congress started preparations for celebrating this jubilee as early as 1924 and established the George Washington Bicentennial Commission. However, it was not very active, and the new one replaced it in 1929.

Additionally, Congress announced a competition to replace the existing design showing Lady Liberty on the quarter’s obverse. In response to the competition, 98 sculptors submitted over 100 works. The winning design was Laura G. Fraser’s creative solution.

Unfortunately, plans quickly changed as then-Treasury Secretary Mellon chose John Flanagan’s design. Despite disagreements and protests, he stood by his decision. Even his departure from office didn’t change anything. His successor, Ogden Mills, only reminded the commission members that their role is exclusively advisory.

Flanagan’s design was simple but without artistic weight. However, such a solution suited the mint officials in terms of production. The low relief made it possible to mint coins with just one strike. The disadvantage was weak design elements that required periodic changes to the central hub.

The basis for Flanagan’s obverse design was the George Washington bust created in 1785 by the French sculptor J.A. Houdon. Washington posed to the artist at the family home in Mount Vernon.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1978 Quarter Rare?

You can easily check the rarity of any coin you find using our CoinValueChecker App, which provides instant rarity rankings and value estimates.

 

Key Features of the 1978 Quarter

As the quarters are long-lasting coins, they have inevitably changed over the years, but much less so than other American coins. In any case, they have consistently retained the image of Washington on the coin obverse from 1932 to the present day.

Most of the quarters from 1978 were in circulation, so many of them show signs of wear. Therefore, only specimens in the mint state attract more attention from collectors.

The Obverse of the 1978 Quarter

The Washington quarter obverse features a portrait of the first American President and Founding Father, George Washington. His bust sits in the coin center with the profile facing left on display. The image is quite simple, aside from the details in the curly hair and a ponytail with a bow tie.

This coin has three inscriptions. The first one is the word LIBERTY, at the top of the coin arching along the upper rim. Left to the President, just below his chin, you can see the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST. The minting year goes along the lower rim.

On some coins, you can see the mint mark just behind the President’s lower neck beside the bow. It represents the mint that produced the particular quarter.

The Reverse of the 1978 Quarter

The Washington quarter reverse depicts several elements that symbolize the US. The first is an American Bald Eagle. The bird takes up most of the coin’s reverse due to its spread wings.

While its body is facing forward, the eagle’s gaze is directed to the left. It keeps its talons around an arrow’s bundle while two olive branches outstretch beneath, symbolizing peace.

Along the coin’s upper rim goes the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Just below is E PLURIBUS UNUM, the motto of the United States. The QUARTER DOLLAR denomination is along the lower rim, just below the two olive branches.

Other Features of the 1978 Quarter

The quarter is a coin composed of an alloy of copper and nickel. That actually means it has a core of pure copper coated with two layers of copper nickel. Consequently, the overall composition of the coin contains only 8.33% nickel, while the most part is made of copper.

The coin is round in shape, with a reed rim and 0.9551 inches (24.26 mm) in diameter. This specimen meets the quarter’s standards with a thickness of 0.06889 inches (1.75 mm) and a weight of 0.20 ounces (5.67 g).

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1978 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage and survival data for 1978 quarters reveals some fascinating insights into their current availability. The Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) produced over 521 million quarters, while Denver minted about 287 million. However, both show similar survival rates of just 35%.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the 1978-S DCAM proof quarter. Despite having the smallest mintage at just over 3.1 million coins, it boasts an impressive 81% survival rate. This higher survival rate makes sense since proof coins were specially made for collectors and typically stored more carefully than circulation strikes.

These survival statistics directly impact today’s market values and availability. The relatively low survival rates of circulation strikes, combined with their massive original mintages, help explain their current common status.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1978 Quarter Value

Most 1978 quarters remain at face value in circulated condition, but uncirculated specimens can fetch premiums based on preservation quality.

Focus on surface condition: look for original mint luster, absence of scratches or discoloration, and crisp strike details throughout Washington’s portrait and the eagle’s features.

Error varieties occasionally surface from this era, including off-center strikes and die breaks that dramatically increase desirability. Simply snap a photo with the CoinValueChecker App to receive professional-grade assessment and current market pricing in seconds.

 

1978 Quarter Value Guides

The 1978 quarter was produced in three distinct varieties, each with different characteristics and values:

• 1978 No Mint Mark Quarter – Philadelphia mint production
• 1978-D Quarter – Denver mint production
• 1978-S DCAM Quarter – San Francisco proof with Deep Cameo finish

Each variety has its own mintage figures, survival rates, and collector appeal. While the Philadelphia and Denver issues are common circulation coins, the San Francisco proof stands out as the most collectible due to its special Deep Cameo finish and lower mintage numbers.

 

1978 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1978 No Mint Mark Quarter represents the largest mintage of Washington quarters that year, with over 521 million coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint.

What makes this coin particularly interesting is its role in the transition period of quarter production, as it was among the last years before significant design changes in the Washington quarter series.

While most examples remain common in circulated grades, finding one in pristine Mint State condition can be surprisingly challenging due to the coin’s age and widespread circulation over nearly five decades.

Let’s take a look at the auction records to see what collectors have been paying for top-quality examples.

The market activity data also shows some interesting patterns in collector demand for this Philadelphia issue.

 

1978-D Quarter Value

The 1978-D Quarter, minted in Denver with a production of over 287 million coins, holds significance as one of the more substantial mintages from the Denver facility during this era.

What sets this coin apart is the quality of the Denver mint’s production during 1978, which often resulted in sharper strikes and better detail preservation compared to some other years.

The “D” mint mark, behind the President’s lower neck beside the bow, is a key identifier for collectors. While still considered common, high-grade examples are notably scarcer than their mintage suggests due to heavy circulation.

The auction records reveal some interesting price movements for premium condition specimens over the years.

Current market activity shows varying levels of collector interest depending on grade and overall market conditions.

 

1978-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1978-S DCAM Quarter stands out as the premium collectible of the 1978 quarter series. Produced exclusively as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint, the “DCAM” designation refers to its Deep Cameo finish—a striking contrast between the frosted, raised designs and mirror-like background fields.

With only about 3.1 million minted and an exceptional 81% survival rate, this coin represents the pinnacle of 1978 quarter collecting. The special production process required multiple strikes with polished dies, creating the dramatic visual effect that collectors prize.

The auction records provide insight into how these Deep Cameo proofs have performed across different market conditions and platforms.

Market activity data shows the various trading patterns and collector engagement for this distinctive San Francisco issue.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1978 Quarter Error List

There is probably no coin set without at least one piece with an error. The 1978 Washington quarters, with a mintage of over 800,000,000 pieces, are no exception. These coins with errors often have significantly more value than regular ones.

1. Off-center

As the name suggests, this error occurs when striking is done outside the center. The reason is that the tile didn’t sit properly in the mold, resulting in only the partially present design. Generally, the higher the percentage of the missing design, the higher the coin value.

The 1978 off-center Washington quarters value is between $30 and $50. For instance, the 1978 MS 66 coin with 15% off-center can cost you about $45. When that defect is 50% of the design with the date visible, the price can be over $250.

2. Strike off-center with a double struck

In this quarter, two errors come together, a double strike and an off-center. That is an unusual, rare, and interesting error. The design is significantly away from the center at the second strike, resulting in a unique coin shape.

Instead of the usual circular shape, such a specimen looks more like a weird 8. The interest for this coin is high, and one collector paid $293 to get one.

3. Rotated double struck

You can find coins with a double strike error when a die strikes the planchet twice instead of once. When the coin slightly rotates along the collar during the second strike, another error type with the doubling of the design occurs.

In this case, you can hardly distinguish the second image due to the existing overlap. This piece can reach over $170 at an auction.

4. Wrong planchet

This error type occurred when a quarter was accidentally struck on the wrong planchet of another coin. In this case, the most noticeable differences are in the coin’s weight, and a part of the design can be missing due to the inadequate size.

The 1978 Washington quarter appears on several inadequate planchets. One specimen struck on a 10-cent planchet reached over $375 at an auction. Pieces on the 5-cent planchet were valued at $180, while those minted on the 1-cent planchet cost approximately $600.

5. Improperly annealed planchet

The planchet is made hot during minting in a process called annealing. This error occurs when the planchet is incorrectly heated in the first place and then inadequately cooled during the process. Because of this, the copper molecules in the planchet can break out on its surface, showing a reddish-orange toning.

Such coins are amusing and attractive to collectors because of their appearance. Although their value depends on the variety and condition, the price is typically around $100.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1978 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your 1978 quarters, do you know the best places to sell them for top dollar? Don’t worry, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering the most reliable platforms, along with their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1978 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about the 1978 Washington Quarter

1. What makes a 1978 Washington Quarter coin rare?

The 1978 quarters are modern coins you can still find in use. The high circulation makes them abundant on the market and relatively inexpensive. However, a few specimens with specific errors are valuable for collectors.

2. Which 1978 Washington Quarter Are Worth A Lot Of Money?

• The 1978 MS 67+ quarter sold at $2,875 in 2021
• The 1978 D MS 67+ quarter sold at $1,528 in 2016
• The 1978 S PR 70 quarter with DCAM quality sold at $472 in 2003

3. How much are the 1978 Washington Quarter from Philadelphia worth?

The 1978 No Mint mark quarter value is not exceptionally high, although it largely depends on each coin condition. You can buy an unpreserved specimen from circulation for its face value, while even pieces in MS 65 grade are worth barely a dollar.

4. What Are The Priciest Washington Coins?

The US Mint began producing the Washington quarters in 1932, and most of those coins were in circulation for years. For this reason, finding coins from that early period in high grades is a real challenge.

Nowadays, the most expensive quarter is a coin from 1932 marked D and graded MS 66. A collector paid an incredible $143,750 for this piece at auction in 2008.

It is followed by the 1932 S MS 66 quarter with a price of $45,500 from the 2020 auction. Finally, the 1949 D MS 68 coin sold for $43,475 in 2019, while the 1932 MS 67 quarter from Philadelphia reached $40,250 in 2012.