1981 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

Most collectors dismiss the 1981 Washington quarter as ordinary pocket change, yet this assumption creates an unexpected paradox in modern numismatics.

While over 1.1 billion coins flooded circulation from Philadelphia and Denver mints, the very abundance that makes them seem worthless also makes pristine examples extraordinarily difficult to find. Unlike silver predecessors that were hoarded, these copper-nickel quarters entered everyday use immediately, with only 30-35% surviving today.

The challenge lies not in locating a 1981 quarter, but in discovering one worthy of serious collecting—where circulated examples trade at face value of $0.25, yet specialized San Francisco proof varieties like the Type 2 Deep Cameo can reach $8.44.

The real treasure hunt begins when you examine these seemingly common coins for doubled dies, off-planchet errors, and other minting anomalies that can transform a 25-cent piece into a $100-150 collector’s prize.

 

1981 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s what 1981 quarters are actually selling for based on condition and mint mark, from regular circulation coins to rare proof varieties. 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 1981 Quarter Worth Money

Despite over 1.1 billion 1981 quarters minted, the top auction prices reveal a clear hierarchy dominated by condition and strike type. The record-holder at $705 is a perfect PR-70 Type 2 Deep Cameo – proving that even modern quarters can achieve significant premiums in flawless condition.

Business strikes claim six of the ten spots, with high-grade Philadelphia and Denver examples ranging from $31 to $312. The key takeaway? Grade is everything for 1981 quarters. While circulated examples trade near face value, the dramatic scarcity of gem specimens creates substantial premiums for MS-64 and above.

Interestingly, the top ten showcases both business strikes and proof Deep Cameos competing for the highest values, with the perfect Type 2 proof claiming the record while high-grade business strikes fill most other positions. This reflects how exceptional preservation trumps strike type – whether a coin was meant for circulation or collectors, surviving in pristine condition after four decades remains the ultimate challenge.

 

History of The 1981 Quarter

The Washington quarter entered circulation on August 1, 1981 and is still in circulation as the current quarter dollar.

Congress established a bicentennial committee to organize George Washington’s 200th birth anniversary. The committee proposed that the United States Mint create a Washington half dollar as part of the celebrations. This new coin would, ideally, replace the Walking Liberty half dollar for 1932 only but Congress had other plans.

Instead of replacing the Walking Liberty half dollar, Congress replaced the Standing Liberty quarter with a permanent Washington quarter. The new silver coin would feature Washington’s portrait on the obverse.

The bicentennial committee and Commission of Fine Arts had engaged a well-known sculptor, Laura Gardin Fraser to design a commemorative medal. The committee and commission had expected Fraser to use medal’s design to create the newly proposed Washington quarter.

However, then-Treasury Secretary Andrew Melon rejected Fraser’s design, instead organizing a new competition to choose the coin’s next design. In the end, Mellon, who was in charge of approving coin designs, chose John Flanagan’s design and this decision was publicly announced on April, 16 1932.

When the coin’s first entered circulation, they were struck but the metal composition changed to copper-nickel in 1965 at the peak of the silver coin shortage. Washington’s bust, as portrayed on the obverse of the coin was based on the work of sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

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

 

Is Your 1981 Quarter Rare?

Not sure which variety you have? Our CoinValueChecker App can help identify your 1981 quarter type and rarity level instantly.

 

Key Features of The 1981 Quarter

Now, let’s look at the features of a 1981 quarter.  Knowing what to look for can help you identify quarters worth money.

The Obverse Of The 1981 Quarter

The obverse or heads of the 1981 quarter features the left-facing portrait of George Washington based on Jean-Antoine Houdon sculpted bust of our country’s first president.

The word LIBERTY appears above his head while the date 1981 appears at the bottom of his truncated neck. The country’s motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is displayed on the coin’s surface to the left. You will also notice the mint mark right behind Washington’s low ponytail.

The Reverse Of The 1981 Quarter

On the reverse of the 1981 quarter is an intricate design of the American heraldic eagle with wings spread out while perched on a bunch of arrows, symbolizing independence and readiness to defend the country. Two olive branches, entwined at the middle, frame the eagle’s portrait.

Above the eagle’s head is our country’s name followed by the motto E PLURIBUS ENUM. The coin’s denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, appears below the olive branches.

Other Features Of The 1981 Quarter

The Washington 1981 quarter comprises a pure copper core with a 75% copper and 25% nickel cladding. The coin weighs 5.67 grams and measures 24.30 millimeters with a reeded edge.

In 1981, the U.S. Mint struck quarters at the Denver and Philadelphia minting facilities. These coins have mint marks P and D, representing the respective facilities where the coins were minted. You will notice the mint mark located at the back of Washington’s pony tail.

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

 

1981 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Beyond physical condition, mintage numbers and survival rates form the second pillar of coin valuation.

The 1981 quarter represents the modern era of mass-minted copper-nickel quarters, with over 1.1 billion coins struck between Philadelphia (601,716,000) and Denver (575,722,833).

Unlike their silver predecessors, these clad quarters weren’t hoarded by the public, resulting in typical survival rates of 30-35%. This translates to roughly 180 million Philadelphia and 201 million Denver quarters still in existence today – astronomical numbers that explain their common status and modest values.

The proof varieties tell a different story entirely. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Deep Cameo quarters have unknown mintage and survival figures, reflecting their specialized nature as collector-focused strikes rather than circulation coins. This data gap itself suggests limited quantities compared to the massive business strike runs.

Understanding these survival dynamics helps explain pricing patterns across the series.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1981 Quarter Value

Identify mint marks behind Washington’s ponytail—P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco proofs. For S-mint proofs, distinguishing Type 1 (filled, unclear S) from Type 2 (clear, readable S) is critical, as Type 2 varieties command $4-$2,530 versus Type 1’s lower values.

Our CoinValueChecker App eliminates confusion by instantly identifying proof types, detecting valuable errors, and providing precise market valuations through quick photo analysis.

 

1981 Quarter Value Guides

Understanding 1981 quarter values starts with identifying the main types.

Unlike earlier silver quarters with their diverse varieties, 1981 quarters fall into four straightforward categories. The regular business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver represent the vast majority of surviving coins, trading near face value except in exceptional grades.

The real collector interest lies in the proof varieties struck at San Francisco.

These Deep Cameo quarters showcase maximum contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields, with Type 1 and Type 2 variations distinguished by subtle die differences. While not rare by classic standards, these proofs command modest premiums and represent the pinnacle of 1981 quarter collecting.

1981 Quarter Types:

• 1981-P (Philadelphia)
• 1981-D (Denver)
• 1981-S Type 1 DCAM (Philadelphia)
• 1981-S Type 2 DCAM (Philadelphia)

 

1981-P Quarter Value

The 1981-P Quarter represents the standard Philadelphia mint strike from this post-silver era. With over 601 million coins minted, it’s among the most common Washington quarters ever produced. Most circulated examples trade at or near face value, making them readily available for casual collectors.

However, the grade-price relationship tells a different story entirely. While lower grades show minimal premiums, the curve explodes dramatically at MS-67 and above, where pristine examples can command $300+ due to their exceptional rarity in top condition.

The auction records below demonstrate this dramatic value progression across different grades, showing actual marketplace results for 1981-P quarters.

Let’s also examine the 1981-P quarter’s market activity to understand current collector interest and demand trends.

 

1981-D Quarter Value

The 1981-D Quarter from the Denver Mint actually had a slightly smaller mintage than its Philadelphia counterpart at 575 million coins, yet it follows a similar pattern in the marketplace. Most circulated examples remain common, almost near face value.

Interestingly, the Denver quarter shows a somewhat more gradual price progression than the Philadelphia version, with the dramatic spike beginning around MS-66. Top-grade examples still reach significant premiums, though generally lower than comparable Philadelphia quarters.

The auction records below showcase real-world pricing data across the full grade spectrum for 1981-D quarters.

Let’s also review the 1981-D quarter’s current market activity to gauge collector interest.

 

1981-S Type 1 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1981-S Type 1 Deep Cameo Quarter represents the first proof variety from San Francisco, featuring the spectacular contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that defines Deep Cameo designation. Unlike business strikes, these coins were specially made for collectors with enhanced striking techniques.

The pricing structure differs dramatically from regular strikes, showing a much more gradual and steady upward progression. Values begin around $1-2 in lower proof grades and climb to $7+ in top condition, reflecting consistent collector demand across all grade levels.

Here are the actual auction records demonstrating market performance for 1981-S Type 1 DCAM quarters across different grades.

Let’s examine the current market activity for 1981-S Type 1 Deep Cameo quarters to understand collector interest trends.

 

1981-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter Value

The 1981-S Type 2 Deep Cameo Quarter represents the second proof variety from San Francisco, distinguished by subtle die differences from the Type 1. This variety demonstrates the most interesting pricing dynamics among all 1981 quarters, combining proof quality with enhanced scarcity.

The price progression shows a relatively flat curve through most grades, then explodes dramatically at the highest levels, reaching $180 in perfect condition. This pattern suggests Type 2 examples are particularly challenging to find in top grades, creating significant premiums for pristine specimens.

The auction records below reveal how Type 2 DCAM quarters have performed in actual marketplace transactions across the grade spectrum.

Let’s also examine the market activity trends for 1981-S Type 2 Deep Cameo quarters to gauge current collector demand.

1981-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter Value (FS-501)

The 1981-S Type 2 DCAM Quarter (FS-501) represents a specialized variety within the Type 2 classification, designated by its FS (Fivaz-Stanton) number for specific die characteristics.

This particular variety shows more modest pricing compared to the general Type 2 population, suggesting it may be slightly more available or less dramatic in its distinguishing features.

The price curve demonstrates a gentle upward slope through most grades, with values remaining quite reasonable until the highest proof levels where it reaches nearly $40. This more accessible pricing makes FS-501 an attractive entry point for variety collectors interested in 1981 proof quarters.

Let’s review the market activity patterns for this specialized Type 2 FS-501 variety to understand current collector interest.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1981 Quarter Error List

Washington quarters, including those minted in 1981, are generally well struck and feature only a few errors. Some errors can significantly increase the value of a circulated coin, so it is important to know the 1981 quarter errors to look for.

1. 1981 Quarter Doubled-Die Obverse Errors

Double die errors are quite common among the 1981 quarter errors but they remain very desirable to collectors. on the obverse, you will mostly notice the doubling on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and on the date.

This error occurs when the die hub strikes one coin multiple times at slightly different angles so you will notice doubling in the design and/or lettering. You can get about $100 for such an error coin. Expect to pay up to $150 for a 1981-quarter with a visible double die error.

2. 1981 Quarter Over Dime Planchet Errors

In 1981, the workers at the Philadelphia mint accidentally struck several quarters on dime planchets and these made their way into circulation.

Because the dime is much smaller than a quarter, the quarter’s design and lettering cannot properly fit on the dime, leading to some missing or displaced words and images. A quarter with 30-80% missing details can fetch as much as $200.Coins with too few details are worth the least.

3. 1981 Quarter Flip-Over Double Strike Errors

This complex error occurred when a partial indent was struck over the coin’s lower reverse. On the second strike the reverse die was used alongside a different planchet and the current one, with this impression being clearer/sharper than the first one especially in the date.

This error piece stands out for satiny luster as well as the visible mintmark and date. Heritage Auctions sold this piece in August 2020 for a whopping $7,000.

4. 1981 Quarter Off-Center Errors

An off-center error occurs when the planchet is not placed properly in the hub, resulting in an uncentered design. So instead of the design appearing in the middle, it appears sideways with some features missing. Off center errors in Washington quarters are worth about $100.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1981 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your 1981 quarter, do you know where to sell it for the best price? Don’t worry, there’s a list of the top selling platforms, including their fees, pros, and cons to help you choose the right option.

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

 

1981 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1981 Quarter

1. What does the P mint mark mean on a quarter?

The P on your 1981 quarter means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia mint. Coins with mint marks are generally worth slightly more than those without but other factors such as the condition and grading will also affect the coin’s value.

2. Is my 1981 quarter worth anything?

Although Washington quarters are a favorite collectors’ item, these coins are usually not worth more than their face value. If you have a circulated 1981 quarter, it is probably worth only face value of $0.25.

If the coin seems to be uncirculated i.e. has little to no signs of wear and tear and has mint luster, it might be worth slightly more than face value. If you suspect to have a gem quality or min 1981 quarter, we recommend getting it graded by a professional coin grading company.

3. How much is a 1981 P quarter filled in mint mark worth?

There is nothing special about a 1981 P quarter with a filled in mint mark; such a coin is not considered an error and is general worth its face value in circulated condition. But, your coin can also bring in at least $100 in gem condition.