1980 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S”, “P” Mint Mark Worth)

The truth is, most people think any old quarter has collector value. That’s rarely the case. We analyzed recent sales and found that most 1980 quarters trade for face value in circulated grades, ranging from $0.25 to $0.67 in About Uncirculated condition. Only mint state examples show any premium, with Philadelphia reaching $10.83 and the San Francisco proof at $5.33.

Understanding which 1980 quarters deserve closer inspection—and which ones to keep versus spend—could turn your pocket change into a valuable discovery.

 

1980 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what 1980 quarters are actually selling for 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 1980 Quarter Worth Money

The most valuable 1980 quarters reveal a clear pattern: condition is everything. The 1980-D MS-67 leads the pack at $1,380, followed by the 1980-P MS-67 at $900. What’s striking is how dramatically values drop with each grade point—a 1980-D MS-65 brings just $408, less than 30% of the MS-67 price.

Denver quarters seem to command slight premiums over Philadelphia examples in high grades, likely due to their lower mintage.

Meanwhile, the proof coins from San Francisco plateau around $69 for perfect PR-70 specimens, reflecting their more common nature among collectors.

The gap between circulated and uncirculated examples is massive. While most 1980 quarters trade for face value, that perfect MS-67 specimen represents a 5,500% premium over a circulated coin.

 

History of the 1980 Quarter

1980 was a special year in the history of US coins. It was the first time that the Mint facility in Philadelphia was allowed to add its own mint mark to coins.

Until then, it had been the only facility not to have a mark. That was because it was also the first, so there was no need to distinguish its early coins from those produced elsewhere.

As new Mint facilities opened, each took its own mark – O for New Orleans, D for Denver, CC for Carson City, W for West Point, and S for San Francisco. The absence of a mint mark became itself a way to identify coins that had been struck in Philadelphia.

But in 1980, Philadelphia finally got its “P”. And it was allowed to add it to every coin struck there, except for the cent.

The 1980 quarters were the latest in the series known as Washington quarters. These were first issued in 1932 and were so named because of the portrait of George Washington on the obverse.

The first Washington quarters were made of 90 per cent silver, but rising silver prices brought that to an end. From 1964 onwards, the core of the coin was made of copper, while the silver color was achieved with a cupronickel cladding.

There was a brief return to silver in 1976, with some silver quarters struck to mark the bicentenary of American Independence. But the following year saw a return to the standard clad quarters, and it was this recipe that continued to be used in 1980.

The copper and nickel combination was harder than silver, which necessitated minor changes to the design. The relief of Washington’s portrait was lowered to ensure a clean strike.

Washington quarters continue to be issued to this day. The most recent coins feature prominent US women on the reverse, while the obverse features a different portrait of Washington by the artist Laura Gardin Fraser.

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

 

Is your 1980 Quarter rare?

These rankings explain why most examples trade at or near face value. When you’re dealing with coins that rank in the bottom half of the rarity scale, only perfect specimens command serious premiums. You can check the rarity ranking of any quarter using our CoinValueChecker App, which provides real-time rarity scores and market data.

 

Key Features of the 1980 Quarter

The Washington quarter from 1980 maintains the same classic design elements that have defined this coin series since 1932, with only minor variations in mint marks and production techniques distinguishing it from earlier decades.

The Obverse of the 1980 Quarter

The obverse, or “heads” side, of the 1980 quarter has a familiar image. It is the portrait of the nation’s first president, George Washington. And it’s the work of a sculptor named John Flanagan.

The choice of Flanagan’s portrait has been the subject of controversy through the years.

It had originally been intended to honor Washington with a half dollar coin on the bicentenary of his birth.

That coin would have been struck for a single year, and would have been part of the bicentenary celebrations. A committee had been set up to oversee these, and recommended a portrait of Washington by the artist Laura Gardin Fraser to appear on the coin.

But it was then decided that the Washington quarter would be a permanent addition to the nation’s coinage. As such, the decision on the design now fell to the Treasury Secretary, Andrew W. Mellon.

The committee wrote to Mellon recommending Fraser’s portrait – but he preferred the portrait by Flanagan.

Mellon stepped down from the role before the coin was issued, and the committee tried to get his successor, Ogden L. Mills, to think again. But Mills declined, and it was Flanagan’s portrait that appeared on the new coins.

Both Flanagan’s and Fraser’s portraits were based on the same source material: a bust of Washington by the French sculptor, Antoine Houdon. Flanagan’s image shows Washington in profile, facing left as the coin is viewed. He sports a roll of hair that didn’t appear on Houdon’s sculpture.

Above Washington’s portrait, the word “LIBERTY” arches across the top of the coin. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of the portrait, while the date is at the bottom.

The mint mark appears to the right of the image. Coins in Denver are marked with a “D”, those in Philadelphia with a “P”, and those from San Francisco with an “S”.

The Reverse of the 1980 Quarter

The reverse of the 1980 quarter depicts an eagle with outstretched wings. This design too was the work of John Flanagan.

The representation is stylized rather than strictly accurate, and some observers questioned what species of bird was shown. The New York Times took the matter to an ornithologist, who confirmed that it was indeed a bald eagle, traditional symbol of the USA.

Above the bird’s head is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. This means “From the many, one” and refers to the country’s creation from the union of individual states.

At the very top of the coin, running parallel with the edge, are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. And at the bottom, parallel with the lower coin edge, is the denomination, written as “QUARTER DOLLAR”.

Other Features of the 1980 Quarter

The quarter of 1980 may be silver in color, but unlike earlier mintages, it isn’t made with real silver. The color comes from nickel, which is mixed with copper to form the cladding for the coin.

The result is a coin that’s slightly lighter – 5.67 grams compared to 5.75 grams for silver quarters. The dimensions, however, are the same. Both types have a diameter of 24.3 millimeters.

1980 was the first year in which all quarters carried a mint mark, no matter where they were struck. Philadelphia, which had long gone without a mark, was authorized to mark its coins with a “P” for the first time.

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

 

1980 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage and survival data reveals why 1980 quarters are so common today.

Philadelphia dominated production with over 33.5 million coins, followed by Denver’s 7 million and San Francisco’s 3.6 million proof coins. But here’s where it gets interesting—the survival rates tell a different story. While regular strikes from Philadelphia and Denver show survival rates around 10%, the San Francisco proof coins have an impressive 85.5% survival rate.

This means roughly 3.4 million Philadelphia quarters, 709,000 Denver quarters, and over 3 million San Francisco proofs are still out there. The high survival numbers explain why even uncirculated examples struggle to command significant premiums.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1980 Quarter Value

Grading separates common 25-cent pieces from $700+ specimens. Most 1980 quarters grade Good-4 to Fine-12 from circulation wear, while About Uncirculated examples reach $1-2. The premium market begins at MS-65+, where pristine surfaces and full luster command hundreds. Our CoinValueChecker App estimates grades through photo recognition technology, helping you decide if professional grading justifies the cost before submission.

 

1980 Quarter Value Guides

Here are the three types of 1980 quarters:

• 1980-P Quarter (Philadelphia)
• 1980-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1980-S DCAM Quarter (San Francisco)

The 1980 quarter came in three distinct varieties, each serving different purposes. Philadelphia produced the bulk for everyday circulation, Denver contributed additional business strikes, and San Francisco created special proof coins exclusively for collector sets.

While all three share the same basic design, the proof coins feature superior strike quality and mirror-like surfaces that set them apart from their circulation counterparts. Understanding these varieties is crucial for accurate valuation.

 

1980-P Quarter value

The 1980-P quarter represents the Philadelphia Mint’s massive production run of over 33.5 million coins, making it the most common variety of the year.

What makes it notable isn’t rarity, but rather its role as the workhorse of American commerce during the early 1980s. Most examples show typical circulation wear, but pristine MS specimens can surprise collectors with their sharp details and original luster. The lack of a mint mark—Philadelphia’s traditional signature—makes identification straightforward for beginners.

Recent auction records show how condition dramatically affects values for this common-date quarter:

Market activity for 1980-P quarters shows steady patterns with March spikes and strong summer activity:

 

1980-D Quarter Value

The 1980-D quarter from Denver strikes a middle ground with its 7 million mintage—significantly lower than Philadelphia but still common enough to keep values modest.

The small “D” mint mark beneath the eagle distinguishes it from its Philadelphia counterpart. Denver quarters from this era often exhibit slightly different strike characteristics, with some showing stronger details in Washington’s hair curls. While not rare, the lower mintage compared to Philadelphia makes high-grade examples slightly more scarce in the collector market.

Recent auction results show the dramatic impact of grade differences, with MS-67 examples reaching $660 while MS-64 coins sell for just $25:

The 1980-D quarter shows volatile patterns, with March leading activity and summer months maintaining elevated levels:

 

1980-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1980-S quarter stands apart as a proof-only issue created exclusively for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. With mirror-like surfaces and frosted devices creating the coveted “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast, these coins were never intended for circulation.

The 3.6 million mintage makes it the scarcest 1980 quarter variety, though still common by proof standards. What makes them special is their exceptional preservation—85% survival rate means most examples retain their original pristine condition, making lower grades actually harder to find.

Auction records show these proof coins commanding modest but consistent premiums, with PR-70 examples reaching $69:

Market activity for 1980-S DCAM quarters peaks in March and August, showing strong collector interest:

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1980 Quarter Error List

Although 1980 quarters are typically common coins, specific error varieties can command values far exceeding their face value. These production anomalies happened during the minting process across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities, resulting in distinctive coins that attract serious collector interest.

1. 1980 D Quarter Struck on a 5 Cent Planchet

Very occasionally, coins are struck on something other than the correct planchet. And that happened to one 1980 quarter struck in Denver. It was somehow struck on a planchet intended for a nickel.

It was in uncirculated condition, graded MS61 by the coin grading agency ANACS. It sold at auction for $180.

2. 1980 P Quarter Double Die Obverse

Double die errors occur as a result of a problem during the process known as hubbing. This is when the die is struck by the hub to imprint the design. If there’s any movement between strikes, parts of the image will be doubled. That doubling is then transferred to the coins struck by the finished die.

Amongst the 1980 quarters struck in Philadelphia are a number that have doubling on the obverse. It’s evident throughout the text – particularly on the “R” of “DOLLAR”, the top of the date, and the tops of the letters of “IN GOD WE TRUST”.

The value again depends on the condition of the coin. An example graded AU50 is worth around $25, rising to $50 at MS63 and $75 at MS65.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1980 Quarter ?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

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

 

1980 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1980 Washington Quarters

1. How much is a 1980 quarter worth today?

A number of different factors affect the value of a 1980 quarter. The most important of those is the mint mark and condition.

A coin with the “S” mint mark is a proof, and even in the best possible grades they’re easy to find. So while they’re worth more than their face value, even the best is worth less than fifty bucks.

The finest possible examples of P and D quarters, however, are considerably rarer. And that means they are much more valuable. The best example of a 1980 P quarter is graded MS68 and is worth an amazing $10,000.

But values for mint state coins with these mint marks start at just a couple of dollars. So if you’re thinking of spending big money on a coin to add to your collection, get one that’s been independently graded by an agency like the PCGS or NGC.

The final factor that influences value is whether or not a coin has a Mint error. These are rare and collectible – but some types of error can be hard to distinguish from later damage.

2. How much is a 1980 S DCAM quarter worth?

The 1980 S DCAM quarter is a good-looking coin – but it isn’t particularly valuable. More than 3.5 million of them were struck in San Francisco. And today, the PCGS estimates that around 2.9 million survive in gem grades – PR65 and higher.

That means you can get your hands on a perfect example without spending a fortune. The PCGS has certified over 1,300 coins at the top level of PR70. And they’re all deep cameos into the bargain.

Because there are so many of them, the value is modest. They’re worth only around $36.