1982 Quarter Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 1982 Washington Quarter carries more hidden history than almost any other modern coin. It was the year of America’s worst recession since the Great Depression — unemployment hit nearly 11% — and the U.S. Mint responded by canceling its annual uncirculated sets for the first time in decades. That decision, combined with a nation too strapped to save pocket change, created the perfect storm of scarcity that now drives collector demand.

To make things even more interesting, 1982 was the very first year a Washington quarter bore the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia. Add in one of the most documented error lists in modern coinage, and you have a coin that rewards careful examination. Most worn examples are worth just 25 cents. But a pristine 1982-P MS68 sold for $10,200 at Heritage Auctions in June 2019 — and that’s just the beginning of the story.

 

1982 Quarter Value By Variety

This value chart shows 1982 Washington quarters ranging from face value for circulated examples to premium mint state Denver specimens and specialized Deep Cameo 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 1982 Quarter Worth Money

The auction records reveal dramatic value differences across 1982 quarter grades and varieties, with Philadelphia mint quarters leading the premium market and condition serving as the primary determining factor.

The record books are clear: a 1982-P graded MS68 by PCGS sold for $10,200 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019 — the highest price ever paid for any 1982 quarter. The finest-known 1982-D, a PCGS MS67+, commanded $4,242 in 2015. What makes these results truly astonishing is that PCGS has graded only 13 examples of the 1982-P in MS67 or better and just 14 of the 1982-D — out of the nearly one billion coins struck between both mints.

The 1982-S DDO FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse proof variety has sold for over $6,400 in PR70 Deep Cameo, adding another layer of opportunity for collectors who pay attention to die varieties.

For collectors seeking broader investment opportunities beyond 1982 issues, the comprehensive guide 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarters Worth Money provides essential insights across all years and mint marks in this iconic series.

 

History of the 1982 Quarter

The very first Washington quarters were struck in 1932, making 1982 a significant milestone — it was the coin’s 50th anniversary year. The portrait on the obverse is President George Washington, the nation’s first president, and it was designed by sculptor John Flanagan based on a bust by the French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon.

The early quarters were made of 90% silver. But as silver prices climbed through the 1960s, hoarding became rampant, and the coins started disappearing from circulation faster than the Mint could produce them.

Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, and from that point forward, Washington quarters were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition — no silver at all. The Mint even removed all mint marks between 1965 and 1967 to discourage date-specific hoarding.

By 1982, the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia had only been in use on Washington quarters for a couple of years — it was first added to all denominations except cents beginning in 1980. This makes 1982-P quarters among the earliest Washington quarters to carry that mark, a historical distinction that appeals to variety collectors. The “P” on the 1982 quarter is found on the obverse, to the right of Washington’s neck.

The year 1982 was also significant in another way: the U.S. Mint released a special commemorative 90% silver George Washington half dollar to mark the 250th anniversary of Washington’s birth. These silver half dollars are occasionally confused with quarters at auctions, so always check the denomination.

The most powerful factor driving 1982 quarter scarcity, however, was the economy. The 1981–82 recession was the worst downturn since the Great Depression, with unemployment peaking at 10.8% in December 1982 under President Reagan’s administration. The Mint slashed production — the 1982-P mintage of 500.9 million and the 1982-D mintage of 480 million were both more than 50% lower than 1981 mintages. The Mint also cancelled its annual uncirculated sets entirely that year, meaning no officially preserved uncirculated coins were distributed through collector channels. Instead, the Mint offered limited “souvenir sets” at its gift shops for $4 each — Philadelphia sets in light blue envelopes, Denver in dark blue — and these are now the best source for gem-quality 1982 quarters. Numismatic authors Scott Schecter and Jeff Garrett recognized the collector significance of this period, featuring 1982–83 Washington quarters in their book 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins.

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

 

Is Your 1982 Quarter Rare?

Instantly evaluate the rarity level of any 1982 quarter variety in your collection with our CoinValueChecker App for precise assessment and current market positioning.

 

Key Features of the 1982 Quarter

The 1982 quarter features the iconic designs that defined Washington quarters for decades, showcasing John Flanagan’s timeless artistry on both obverse and reverse sides before the series underwent major changes in later years.

The Obverse Of The 1982 Quarter

The image of President George Washington on the obverse — or “heads” side — of the 1982 quarter is very familiar. It is the same portrait, created by the artist John Flanagan, that appeared on modern quarters until 2022.

The 1982 quarter shows Washington in profile, facing left. Above his head arches the word “LIBERTY,” while the date is inscribed at the bottom, parallel with the lower coin edge. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is on the left, while the mint mark — “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver — appears on the right of Washington’s neck. For proof coins from San Francisco, look for the “S” in that same position.

The Reverse of The 1982 Quarter

The reverse of the Washington quarter changed regularly after 1999, when the State Quarters program began. But in 1982, it displayed the same design that had appeared for the previous 50 years: an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows, with two olive sprigs below, all crafted by John Flanagan.

The eagle’s species was famously debated when the coin was first released. The New York Times consulted an ornithologist, who concluded it was a bald eagle — the traditional symbol of the United States. The bird fills nearly the entire reverse, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arching around the wings and “QUARTER DOLLAR” at the base.

Other Features of the 1982 Quarter

The quarters struck in 1982 have a copper core clad in cupronickel (copper-nickel alloy) to give them their silver appearance. They measure 24.3 millimeters in diameter and weigh 5.67 grams. The coin contains zero silver — it is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel overall.

If you turn one on its edge, you’ll see a series of parallel grooves called “reeds.” These were originally introduced in the eighteenth century to prevent coin clipping and allow anyone to see immediately whether precious metal had been shaved off the edge.

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

 

1982 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1982 quarter mintage and survival data reveals the massive production scale of early clad-era quarters and their distinct preservation patterns across different mint facilities.

Philadelphia dominated production with over 500 million quarters struck, while Denver contributed approximately 480 million pieces. Both mintages were more than 50% below 1981 levels, a direct result of reduced economic demand during the recession. Despite these large total numbers, the Greysheet (the CDN publishing price guide used by professional dealers) formally recognizes 1982 and 1983 Washington quarters as “legitimately scarce in uncirculated grades” — a rare distinction for any modern coin.

The 1982-P and 1982-D circulation strikes recorded uniform 35% survival rates, with surviving populations reaching approximately 175 million and 168 million coins respectively. However, the vast majority of those survivors are circulated, worn coins. Because no official uncirculated mint sets were produced, the number of true mint-state examples that were consciously preserved is believed to be well under 100,000 for each variety.

The proof varieties tell a completely different story. San Francisco’s Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens demonstrate dramatically superior preservation, with nearly 3.9 million originally produced and a remarkable 90% survival rate that preserved about 3.5 million examples. This exceptional rate reflects the careful handling proof coins received from collectors who bought them in sealed annual proof sets.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1982 Quarter Value

Most 1982 quarters are worth face value, but mint state examples can fetch over $650 — and the finest-known sold for $10,200. The challenge is that determining grade requires analyzing Washington’s cheekbone wear, eagle feather definition, and the unique luster of copper-nickel clad surfaces, all details that vary dramatically between grade levels.

Skip the complexity. Our CoinValueChecker App technology evaluates your coin instantly, identifying mint marks, assessing condition, and providing accurate market values. Just photograph your 1982 quarter and get professional-grade results in seconds. Download today!

 

1982 Quarter Value Guides

The 1982 quarter series encompasses three distinct varieties that collectors should understand, each representing different aspects of early clad-era production and specialized proof manufacturing.

Philadelphia and Denver produced massive circulation strikes forming the foundation of most collections, while San Francisco’s proof facility created Deep Cameo (DCAM) collector-quality coins with enhanced contrast effects. DCAM is a designation used by grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) for proof coins that show dramatic contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields.

1982 Quarter Types:

• 1982-P (Philadelphia)
• 1982-D (Denver Mint)
• 1982-S DCAM (San Francisco)

 

1982-P Quarter Value

The 1982-P quarter carries a unique place in Washington quarter history as the first Philadelphia-minted quarter to bear the “P” mint mark — a designation that had only been added to Philadelphia coins beginning in 1980. This numismatic first makes the 1982-P particularly appealing to variety and type collectors who build historical collections.

With 500,931,000 pieces struck, the coin appears common at first glance. But PCGS CoinFacts notes that examples are “extremely scarce” in MS66 and “even more difficult to find” in MS67, since no official mint sets were produced that year to preserve uncirculated examples. PCGS has certified only about 13 examples at MS67 or better across the entire known population — an extraordinary scarcity for a coin produced by the half-billion. MS65 coins trade for around $45, while MS66 examples can reach $100 or more. The record? A single 1982-P in MS68 sold for $10,200 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019.

Historical auction records below demonstrate how these early clad Philadelphia quarters have performed in the marketplace, tracking collector recognition and price evolution across different preservation levels.

Current collector engagement reveals the sustained interest and activity patterns that continue to drive appreciation for these historically significant transitional quarters.

 

1982-D Quarter Value

The 1982-D quarter stands as Denver’s contribution to early clad quarter production, with over 480 million coins struck bearing the distinctive “D” mint mark on the obverse to the right of Washington’s neck.

What makes the 1982-D particularly intriguing for collectors is the extreme grade rarity that exists despite that enormous mintage. PCGS has certified only approximately 14 examples at MS67 or better — and the finest-known, a single MS67+ specimen, sold for $4,242 in 2015. A Heritage Auctions lot description for a 1982-D at MS67 noted a PCGS population of just 22 examples at that level (with none finer at that time), and an NGC census of only 34. MS65 examples trade around $28, MS66+ examples can reach $100, and MS67 coins command $350 or more. The Denver mint is also the source of a documented Double Die Reverse (DDR) error on 1982 quarters, where doubling appears specifically on the letters of the word “QUARTER” on the reverse — a highly sought variety.

Auction data below reveals how the market has recognized the grade scarcity and premium potential of these high-mintage Denver quarters.

Market activity demonstrates the sustained collector interest that continues to drive appreciation for these challenging early clad Denver issues.

 

1982-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1982-S Deep Cameo (DCAM) quarter represents the absolute pinnacle of contrast and visual appeal achievable in early clad proof production. San Francisco struck 3,857,479 proof quarters that year — all for annual proof sets sold to collectors, none for circulation — featuring mirror-like fields and frosted, white-looking design elements that give DCAM coins their dramatic black-and-white appearance.

Standard proof examples without cameo designation sell for $2–$5. The highest grades command much more: a 1982-S proof graded PR70 DCAM by PCGS sold for $253 at Heritage Auctions in 2004, which is the benchmark price for a perfect-grade example. The 1982-S DDO FS-101 variety — the Doubled Die Obverse proof discussed in the error section — has exceeded $6,400 in PR70 DCAM, demonstrating just how dramatically a recognized variety can multiply value.

Auction performance below reflects how collectors have consistently valued Deep Cameo proofs as the ultimate expression of early clad proof excellence.

Market dynamics show the collector pursuit and premium valuations that set Deep Cameo proofs apart as the pinnacle of 1982 quarter collecting.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1982 Quarter Error List

Error coins from 1982 are particularly sought-after because the combination of high production volume, reduced quality control under recession budget pressures, and the absence of mint sets created a higher-than-usual incidence of interesting errors. Here are all the major 1982 quarter errors to look for:

1. 1982-S DDO FS-101 Error

The 1982-S DDO FS-101 is the most prominent catalogued variety in the entire 1982 quarter series. DDO stands for Doubled Die Obverse — a die error where the hub impressed the design onto the working die more than once at slightly different angles, permanently locking a doubled image into the die that then appeared on every coin struck from it.

On this variety, the doubling is prominently visible on Washington’s portrait, the “LIBERTY” inscription, and the date numerals. The error occurred during preparation of the proof die. Because it is a San Francisco proof coin, the frosted design elements against mirror fields make the doubling especially visible and dramatic. In PR70 Deep Cameo condition, this coin has sold for over $6,400 — making it the most valuable 1982 quarter variety outside of condition rarities.

2. 1982 Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet is not properly aligned under the die during striking, causing the design to print toward one edge while leaving a blank crescent on the other side. The percentage of misalignment determines the coin’s value.

The most valuable documented 1982 off-center error is dramatic: an 85% off-center 1982-P quarter sold for $2,415 through Heritage Auctions in 2006. For a coin to be this dramatically off-center yet retain a visible date and recognizable design elements is extraordinarily rare. More modest off-center examples — 10–20% off — can still bring $50–$150. The key is that the date “1982” must still be legible for the coin to be properly attributed.

3. 1982 Wrong Planchet Error

Some of the most exciting 1982 quarter errors involve coins struck on metal blanks intended for another denomination. When a Jefferson nickel planchet (weighing 5.0 grams instead of a quarter’s 5.67 grams) or a Roosevelt dime planchet (weighing 2.27 grams) accidentally enters the quarter press, the resulting coin shows a compressed, undersized quarter design.

A 1982-P Washington quarter struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet, graded PCGS AU-58, was documented at GreatCollections. Quarters struck on nickel planchets can be worth around $2,000 in pristine condition. A 1982-P quarter struck on a dime planchet, graded MS-64 by PCGS, sold for $1,275 through Heritage Auctions in 2023. Always weigh a suspected wrong-planchet coin — it is the fastest way to confirm the error before investing in professional authentication.

4. 1982 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error

The Denver Mint produced a documented Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) error on 1982 quarters, where the letters in the word “QUARTER” on the reverse show visible doubling. Like the DDO, this error was created during the die-making process when the hub struck the die more than once with a slight misalignment. DDR errors on 1982-D quarters in AU50 condition are valued around $10; this rises to around $75 for MS65 examples. Strong, clearly doubled specimens in uncirculated condition can command $100–$500 depending on grade and the clarity of the doubling.

5. 1982 Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike occurs when the collar die — the ring that holds the planchet in place and creates the reeded edge — fails to engage during striking. Without the collar’s restraint, the planchet expands outward, producing a coin that is noticeably wider and thinner than normal with a smooth, reed-free edge. Broadstruck 1982 quarters typically sell in the $15–$50 range for minor examples. More dramatic broadstrikes with significant expansion can reach $100+.

6. 1982 Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error happens when the metal strip is not fed correctly through the blanking machine, causing the punch to overlap a previously cut hole. The result is a coin with a curved or straight “bite” taken out of its edge. Genuine clips can be identified by the “Blakesley effect” — a weakness in the rim on the opposite side from the clip. For 1982 quarters, clipped planchet errors typically trade from $50 to $200 depending on clip size and the overall condition of the coin.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1982 Quarter?

From pocket change finds to inherited collections, your 1982 quarter deserves a closer look beyond its common appearance — careful evaluation of mint marks, preservation quality, and variety characteristics could reveal a valuable high-grade example or rare error worth significantly more than its 25-cent face value.

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

 

1982 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1982 Quarter Value

1. Are any 1982 quarters worth anything?

Most circulated 1982 quarters — those showing scratches and wear — are worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, the 1982-P and 1982-D are recognized as semi-key dates in the Washington quarter series precisely because no official uncirculated mint sets were produced that year. Uncirculated (mint state) examples start around $1 in MS60 and climb significantly: MS65 examples fetch $28–$45, and the record is $10,200 for a 1982-P in MS68. Error coins and the 1982-S DDO FS-101 proof variety can also be worth hundreds to thousands.

2. What is a 1982 D quarter worth?

A circulated 1982-D quarter is worth face value. Uncirculated examples sell for around $5 in MS60, and $10–$20 in MS63–MS65. In MS66, values exceed $100, and MS67 examples trade at $350 or more. The finest-known 1982-D — a PCGS MS67+ — sold for $4,242 in 2015. PCGS has certified only about 14 examples at MS67 or better from Denver’s 480 million-piece mintage, making those top grades genuine condition rarities. Documented errors like the Double Die Reverse (DDR) and wrong planchet varieties add further premium.

3. Why is the 1982 quarter a semi-key date?

The 1982 Washington quarter is classified as a semi-key date because uncirculated examples are scarce in a way not reflected by mintage numbers alone. Two factors combined to create this scarcity: first, the U.S. Mint cancelled its annual uncirculated sets that year due to federal budget cuts, eliminating the primary preservation mechanism for collector-quality coins; second, the severe 1981–82 recession caused many collectors to spend rather than save uncirculated coins. The Greysheet — the professional dealer price guide — formally recognizes the scarcity of 1982 and 1983 quarters in uncirculated grades.

4. Was 1982 the first year for the “P” mint mark on Washington quarters?

Yes — 1982 is among the very first years a Washington quarter bore the “P” for Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Mint began placing “P” on all denominations except cents starting in 1980 (it first appeared on Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979). Prior to 1980, Philadelphia quarters carried no mint mark at all. This gives 1982-P quarters a specific historical appeal as early examples of the “P”-marked series, and it is one reason the 1982-P is considered the more historically significant of the two business-strike varieties.

5. What is the most valuable 1982 quarter error?

The most valuable single 1982 quarter error in terms of auction record is an 85% off-center 1982-P quarter that sold for $2,415 at Heritage Auctions in 2006. Wrong planchet errors (quarters struck on nickel or dime planchets) can also exceed $1,000–$1,275+ depending on grade and the denomination of the planchet used. The 1982-S DDO FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse in PR70 Deep Cameo has sold for over $6,400, though technically that is a variety rather than a strike error. All high-value errors should be authenticated by PCGS or NGC before purchase.

6. What is the 1982-S DDO FS-101 quarter?

The 1982-S DDO FS-101 is a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error variety on the San Francisco proof quarter. “DDO” means doubling was permanently introduced into the obverse die during the die-making process, so the doubling appears on every coin struck from that die. The “FS-101” designation is the attribution number assigned by the Fivaz-Stanton variety catalogue. On this coin, prominent doubling is visible on Washington’s portrait, “LIBERTY,” and the date. Because it is a proof coin, the mirror surfaces make the doubled design elements especially dramatic. In the highest grade of PR70 DCAM (Deep Cameo), this variety has sold for over $6,400.

7. Is the 1982 quarter silver?

No. Standard 1982 Washington quarters contain zero silver. They are struck in a copper-nickel clad composition: a pure copper core bonded to outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving an overall composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The United States stopped using silver in circulating quarters in 1965 under the Coinage Act of that year. However, 1982 was the year the Mint also produced a commemorative George Washington silver half dollar (90% silver) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s birth — that coin is sometimes confused with the quarter at auction.

8. Why didn’t the Mint produce uncirculated sets in 1982?

The U.S. Mint cancelled its annual uncirculated sets in 1982 and 1983 due to federal budget cuts ordered under President Reagan’s administration to address the severe recession. The Mint had produced these sets nearly every year since 1947. Without them, there was no reliable way to preserve uncirculated coins for collectors. Instead, limited souvenir sets were sold at Mint visitor centers for $4 each — Philadelphia coins in light blue envelopes, Denver in dark blue. These souvenir sets are now the best source for gem-quality 1982 quarters, and unopened examples are increasingly scarce in their own right.

9. How do I tell a 1982 quarter from a 1982 silver commemorative half dollar?

The easiest way is by denomination: look for “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the reverse of the quarter and “HALF DOLLAR” on the commemorative. The Washington silver half dollar is also physically larger — it measures 30.6mm in diameter versus 24.3mm for the quarter. The commemorative half dollar is made of 90% silver and weighs 12.5 grams, while the quarter weighs only 5.67 grams. Using a coin scale is the fastest way to distinguish them if you are unsure about the visual cues.

10. How many 1982-P quarters have been graded MS67 or better?

As of the most recently available census data, PCGS has graded only approximately 13 examples of the 1982-P Washington quarter at MS67 or better, while NGC’s population for the same grade is only about 29 coins. Combined, that is fewer than 45 certified coins at the MS67+ level from a mintage of 500,931,000 — roughly one in every 11 million coins struck. This extreme condition rarity is what drives the record prices at the top of the grade scale. Even finding a raw (ungraded) example that appears to be MS67 is genuinely difficult, which is why the PCGS recommendation is to “definitely set it aside” if you find one.