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

The 1982 quarter stands as a unique testament to American resilience during one of the nation’s most challenging economic periods since the Great Depression. Prior to the 2007-09 recession, the 1981-82 recession was the worst economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression, with unemployment reaching nearly 11 percent by late 1982. 1982 quarters particularly compelling for collectors is the perfect storm that created their scarcity.

These challenging economic circumstances transformed ordinary 1982 quarters into unexpected numismatic treasures, with values ranging from face value for worn examples to $59.43 for premium mint state specimens, proving that sometimes the most turbulent times create the most sought-after collectibles.

In this article we’re going to investigate the 1982 quarter value, history and design. We’ll look at what separates a run of the mill quarter from something special. And we’ll check out some interesting Mint errors too.

 

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.

Premium examples demonstrate the surprising potential hidden in these early clad quarters, topped by a spectacular 1982-P MS-68 that commanded an impressive $10,200 at auction.

Denver quarters show strong performance across multiple grade levels, with a 1982-D MS-68 achieving $4,320 and a 1982-D MS-67 reaching $2,640.The clear value progression from lower grades up to superb gems highlights why professional grading matters tremendously for 1982 quarters.

What makes these results particularly noteworthy is how early clad quarters have established legitimate collector markets beyond face value, proving that 1982 quarters can achieve substantial premiums when preserved in exceptional condition.

 

History of the 1982 Quarter

The very first Washington quarters were struck in 1932. They get their nickname from the portrait on the obverse, the first president of the US, George Washington.

The early quarters were made of silver. But over the years, the price of silver rose, and the coins became steadily more expensive to produce.

Their intrinsic value also meant that people started to hoard them. With silver prices apparently only moving in one direction, it was hoped that the coins might be worth more as scrap than their face value.

The Mint couldn’t afford to keep producing expensive coins that didn’t circulate. So in 1965, they took action. They continued to strike quarters dated 1964 well into the following year.

The original Mint facility in Philadelphia produced quarters too. And the 1982 mintage is noteworthy as the first quarters to be marked with a “P” on the reverse.

That year saw the Denver and Philadelphia facilities both strike large numbers of clad quarters for circulation. The San Francisco facility, meanwhile, produced proof coins in smaller numbers, and these were marketed at collectors.

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’s 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 is on the right.

The Reverse of The 1982 Quarter

The reverse of the Washington quarter has changed regularly since 1999. But in 1982, it was the same design that had appeared for the previous 50 years. It shows an eagle perched on a fletch of arrows, with two olive sprigs below. And like the obverse, it’s the work of John Flanagan.

The appearance of the eagle prompted much speculation as to its species when the coin was launched. The New York Times put the matter to an ornithologist, who concluded that it was a bald eagle, the traditional symbol of the USA.

The bird covers almost the whole of the surface area of the reverse. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” fit around the edge, filling the area alongside the curve of the eagle’s wings.

Other Features of the 1982 Quarter

The quarters struck in 1982 have a copper core clad in cupronickel to give them their silver appearance. They measure 24.3 millimeters in diameter and weigh 5.67 grams.

If you turn one on its edge, you’ll see a series of parallel grooves. These are known as “reeds”and were originally introduced in the eighteenth century to prevent coin clipping. They allowed anyone offered the coin to see at once if any precious metal had been sliced 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 to meet the massive demand for circulating coinage during this critical transition period.

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.

The proof varieties tell a completely different preservation story altogether. San Francisco’s Deep Cameo specimens showcase dramatically superior dynamics, with nearly 3.9 million originally produced and an remarkable 90% survival rate that preserved about 3.5 million examples.

This exceptional preservation rate reflects the careful handling and dedicated collector focus that proof coins consistently received compared to their heavily circulated counterparts.

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. The challenge? Determining grade requires analyzing Washington’s cheekbone wear, eagle feather definition, and the unique luster of copper-nickel clad surfaces—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 collector-quality coins with enhanced contrast effects.

1982 Quarter Types：

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

 

1982-P Quarter Value

The 1982 Philadelphia quarter represents a significant milestone in American coinage as one of the early clad-era quarters that helped establish the new copper-nickel composition in everyday circulation.

These quarters carry the distinction of being produced during America’s economic expansion of the early 1980s, when consumer spending and commercial activity were driving unprecedented demand for circulating coinage.

What makes the 1982 Philadelphia quarter particularly compelling is its role in the transition from precious metal currency to modern clad composition, serving as everyday money during a period when most Americans had fully adjusted to the post-silver monetary system.

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 massive contribution to early clad quarter production, with over 480 million coins representing one of the highest mintages in Washington Quarter history and reflecting the enormous economic demand of the early 1980s.

What makes the 1982-D particularly intriguing is how Denver’s production quality during this period created genuine scarcity in high grades despite the enormous mintage numbers.

This phenomenon occurred due to striking inconsistencies and surface quality challenges inherent in early clad production processes at the Denver facility.

The Denver mint during 1982 often exhibited characteristic striking weaknesses and contact marks that made truly exceptional specimens remarkably difficult to achieve, creating a fascinating collecting dynamic where seemingly common coins become genuinely rare in premium condition.

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 quarter represents the absolute pinnacle of contrast and visual appeal achievable in early clad proof production, showcasing the most dramatic difference between heavily frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields that San Francisco’s proof facility could create with copper-nickel composition.

These exceptional proofs achieved their Deep Cameo designation through optimal die conditions and striking parameters that created maximum textural contrast.

What makes the 1982-S Deep Cameo truly remarkable is its proof that the new clad composition could achieve the ultimate in proof quality and eye appeal, demonstrating that collectors need not sacrifice visual excellence when transitioning from silver to copper-nickel proof coinage.

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 represent some of the most fascinating varieties in early clad quarter collecting, created by die preparation issues and mechanical anomalies during the high-production demands at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.

1. 1982-S DDO FS-101 Errors

The 1982-S DDO FS-101 combines San Francisco proof rarity with dramatic doubled die characteristics, creating one of the most sought-after error varieties. This proof displays prominent doubling in Washington’s portrait and “LIBERTY” inscription, particularly visible in the date numerals.

The error occurred when the proof die received misaligned multiple impressions during preparation. The superior proof surface quality allows the doubling effects to appear with exceptional clarity against mirrored fields.

The contrast between the frosted doubled devices and brilliant mirror backgrounds enhances the visual impact significantly. This superior preservation of detail makes authentication and appreciation much easier than on circulation strike doubled dies.

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

1. Are any 1982 quarters worth anything?

Most coins in circulated condition – that is, with scratches and other signs of wear – will only be worth their face value. But uncirculated coins are worth at least a dollar, and potentially much more.

The higher the grading of the coin, the more valuable it will be. The best-in-class examples of Philadelphia and Denver 1982 quarters are worth several thousand dollars.

And if your coin has an interesting Mint error, it will be worth more too. Look for signs of doubling on either side, or coins that have been struck off-center. Their exact value will depend on their condition and the rarity of the error.

2. What is a 1982 D quarter worth?

That will depend on its condition, and on whether it has a Mint error.

Coins that have been circulated will show signs of wear and will usually only be worth their face value of a quarter.

But if they’re in mint state, they can be worth anything from one dollar to hundreds, or even thousands. The finest known example, graded MS68, is worth $4,500.

Mint errors add a premium to the value. So an error coin in a high mint state grade could be very valuable.