1982 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

1982-P Quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $10,200. That record sale was a Grade 68 example sold through Heritage Auctions in June 2019. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range based on your coin’s condition. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales to see what buyers are paying today.

 

1982 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s a quick breakdown of all three 1982 Washington quarter varieties, from circulated face-value coins to premium mint state and Deep Cameo proof pieces.

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 top spot belongs to a 1982-P graded MS68 by PCGS that sold for $10,200 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019. That’s the all-time record for any 1982 quarter. The finest-known 1982-D, a PCGS MS67+, brought $4,242 in 2015. These prices sound crazy for a coin minted by the half-billion, but PCGS has graded only 13 examples of the 1982-P at MS67 or better and just 14 of the 1982-D. Nearly a billion coins between both mints, and fewer than 30 made the cut.

The 1982-S DDO FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse proof variety has topped $6,400 in PR70 Deep Cameo, giving variety collectors another serious target in this series.

For collectors looking beyond 1982 issues, the guide 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarters Worth Money covers all years and mint marks in this iconic series.

 

History of the 1982 Quarter

Washington quarters debuted in 1932, so 1982 marked the coin’s 50th anniversary. The obverse portrait of George Washington was designed by sculptor John Flanagan, based on a bust by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon.

The early quarters were 90% silver. As silver prices climbed through the 1960s, hoarding got out of control and coins vanished from circulation faster than the Mint could replace them.

Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, switching Washington quarters to copper-nickel clad — no silver at all. The Mint even dropped all mint marks between 1965 and 1967 to discourage date-specific hoarding.

By 1982, the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia had only been on Washington quarters for a couple of years — it was first added to all denominations except cents beginning in 1980. That makes 1982-P quarters among the earliest to carry that mark, a detail that appeals to variety and type collectors. You’ll find the “P” on the obverse, to the right of Washington’s neck.

Here’s a fun one: the U.S. Mint also released a special commemorative 90% silver George Washington half dollar in 1982 to mark the 250th anniversary of Washington’s birth. These silver half dollars get confused with quarters at auction more often than you’d think, so always check the denomination.

The biggest factor driving 1982 quarter scarcity was the economy. The 1981–82 recession was the worst downturn since the Great Depression, with unemployment peaking at 10.8% in December 1982. 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. No officially preserved uncirculated coins went out 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 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 Coin Identifier and Value App for precise assessment and current market positioning.

 

Key Features of the 1982 Quarter

The 1982 quarter carries John Flanagan’s classic Washington design on both sides — the same look these coins had for 50 years before the series changed.

The Obverse Of The 1982 Quarter

You know this face. It’s the same Washington portrait by John Flanagan that appeared on quarters all the way through 2022.

The 1982 quarter shows Washington in profile, facing left. “LIBERTY” arches above his head, and the date sits at the bottom along the rim. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is on the left. The mint mark — “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver — appears to the right of Washington’s neck. On proof coins from San Francisco, look for the “S” in that same spot.

The Reverse of The 1982 Quarter

Flip it over. In 1982, you still got the original reverse that had been running since 1932: an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive sprigs below, all designed by John Flanagan. The State Quarters program didn’t start changing the reverse until 1999.

When the coin first came out in the 1930s, the New York Times actually consulted an ornithologist to identify the bird. Verdict: bald eagle. 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

These are copper-nickel clad coins — a copper core sandwiched between cupronickel layers for that silver look. They measure 24.3 millimeters in diameter and weigh 5.67 grams. Zero silver content. The overall composition is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Turn one on its edge and you’ll see parallel grooves called “reeds.” Those date back to the eighteenth century — originally designed to prevent coin clipping so anyone could spot immediately if precious metal had been shaved off.

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

 

1982 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia struck over 500 million quarters. Denver added about 480 million. Both numbers were more than 50% below 1981 levels thanks to the recession. Despite those huge totals, the Greysheet formally recognizes 1982 and 1983 Washington quarters as “legitimately scarce in uncirculated grades.” That’s a rare distinction for any modern coin.

Both the 1982-P and 1982-D show roughly 35% survival rates — around 175 million and 168 million coins still exist. But the vast majority are worn pocket change. With no official uncirculated mint sets produced, the number of true mint-state examples consciously set aside is probably well under 100,000 for each variety. Think about that: out of half a billion coins, fewer than 100,000 were saved in nice condition.

San Francisco’s proof quarters tell a completely different story. Nearly 3.9 million were struck, and about 90% survived — roughly 3.5 million examples. That high survival rate makes sense: collectors bought these in sealed proof sets and never touched them.

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 Coin Identifier and Value 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

Three varieties exist for 1982, each with a different collecting profile.

Philadelphia and Denver produced circulation strikes, while San Francisco made Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs with frosted design elements against mirror-like fields. DCAM is a designation from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) for proof coins showing that dramatic contrast.

1982 Quarter Types:

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

 

1982-P Quarter Value

Here’s a common misconception: 500 million minted means 500 million available in nice condition. Not even close. PCGS CoinFacts calls the 1982-P “extremely scarce” in MS66 and “even more difficult to find” in MS67. No official mint sets that year meant almost nobody was setting these aside uncirculated.

The 1982-P was also among the very first Philadelphia quarters to carry the “P” mint mark — a historical first that type collectors love. PCGS has certified only about 13 examples at MS67 or better from the entire known population. MS65 coins trade around $45. 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.

I think the 1982-P is one of the best cherrypicking opportunities in the modern Washington quarter series. If you find one raw that looks MS66 or better, get it slabbed immediately.

Here’s how these early clad Philadelphia quarters have performed at auction over time:

Current collector activity and market engagement for the 1982-P:

 

1982-D Quarter Value

What would you pay for one coin out of 480 million? If it’s the right one, apparently $4,242. That’s what the finest-known 1982-D — a lone PCGS MS67+ specimen — brought in 2015.

PCGS has certified only about 14 examples at MS67 or better. A Heritage Auctions lot description for a 1982-D at MS67 noted a PCGS population of just 22 at that level (none finer at the time) and an NGC census of only 34. MS65 examples trade around $28, MS66+ can reach $100, and MS67 coins command $350 or more.

Denver is also the source of a documented Double Die Reverse (DDR) error where doubling shows on the letters of “QUARTER” on the reverse. That’s a variety worth hunting for in rolls and bags.

Auction results showing how the market has recognized the grade scarcity of these Denver quarters:

Market activity for the 1982-D:

 

1982-S DCAM Quarter Value

If you’ve never held a Deep Cameo proof in hand, you’re missing out. The contrast is stunning — frosty white design elements floating on jet-black mirror fields. San Francisco struck 3,857,479 proof quarters in 1982, all sold in annual proof sets, none for circulation.

Standard proof examples without cameo designation sell for $2–$5. Perfect PR70 DCAM examples bring real money: one sold for $253 at Heritage Auctions in 2004. But the real prize is the 1982-S DDO FS-101 variety in PR70 DCAM — that one has exceeded $6,400, showing how a recognized die variety can multiply value dramatically.

Auction performance for Deep Cameo proofs:

Market activity for the 1982-S DCAM:

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1982 Quarter Error List

Error coins from 1982 are especially collectible. High production volume, reduced quality control under recession budget pressures, and no mint sets created a perfect storm for interesting mistakes. Here’s what to look for:

1. 1982-S DDO FS-101 Error

This is the king of 1982 quarter varieties. DDO stands for Doubled Die Obverse — the hub impressed the design onto the working die more than once at slightly different angles, locking a doubled image into the die permanently. Every coin struck from that die shows the doubling.

You can see it on Washington’s portrait, the “LIBERTY” inscription, and the date numerals. Because it’s a San Francisco proof coin, the frosted design elements against mirror fields make the doubling pop dramatically. 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

When the blank planchet isn’t properly seated under the die during striking, the design prints toward one edge and leaves a blank crescent on the other. The more off-center, the more valuable.

The most dramatic documented example? An 85% off-center 1982-P quarter that sold for $2,415 through Heritage Auctions in 2006. For a coin to be that far off-center yet still show a readable date is extraordinary. More modest examples — 10–20% off — still bring $50–$150. The key for attribution: the date “1982” must be legible.

3. 1982 Wrong Planchet Error

These are some of the most exciting finds. A nickel planchet weighs 5.0 grams. A quarter planchet weighs 5.67 grams. When the wrong blank enters the quarter press, you get a compressed, undersized quarter design on the wrong metal.

A 1982-P Washington quarter struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet, graded PCGS AU-58, was documented at GreatCollections. Quarters on nickel planchets can bring 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. Pro tip: weigh any suspected wrong-planchet coin first. It’s the fastest confirmation before you spend money on authentication.

4. 1982 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error

Denver produced a documented DDR where doubling appears on the letters of “QUARTER” on the reverse. Like the DDO, this happened during die-making when the hub struck the die more than once with slight misalignment. In AU50, these are valued around $10. MS65 examples reach about $75. Strong, clearly doubled specimens in uncirculated condition can command $100–$500 depending on grade and doubling clarity.

5. 1982 Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike happens when the collar die — the ring that creates the reeded edge — fails to engage. Without that collar holding the planchet in place, the metal spreads outward. You get a coin that’s wider and thinner than normal with a smooth edge. No reeds at all. Broadstruck 1982 quarters typically sell in the $15–$50 range for minor examples. Dramatic broadstrikes with significant expansion can reach $100+.

6. 1982 Clipped Planchet Error

This happens when the metal strip isn’t fed correctly through the blanking machine, and the punch overlaps a previously cut hole. The result is a coin with a curved or straight “bite” out of its edge. You can confirm a genuine clip by checking for the “Blakesley effect” — a weakness in the rim directly opposite the clip. For 1982 quarters, clipped planchet errors trade from $50 to $200 depending on clip size and overall condition.

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 are worth face value — 25 cents. But the 1982-P and 1982-D are recognized semi-key dates because no official uncirculated mint sets were produced that year. Uncirculated examples start around $1 in MS60 and climb fast: 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 bring hundreds to thousands.

2. What is a 1982 D quarter worth?

Circulated? 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. 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?

Two things happened at once. First, the U.S. Mint cancelled its annual uncirculated sets due to federal budget cuts, eliminating the main way collector-quality coins got preserved. Second, the severe 1981–82 recession caused many collectors to spend rather than save uncirculated coins. The Greysheet formally recognizes the scarcity of 1982 and 1983 quarters in uncirculated grades. Mintage numbers alone don’t tell the story here.

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

Essentially yes. The Philadelphia Mint began placing “P” on all denominations except cents starting in 1980 (it first appeared on Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979). Before that, Philadelphia quarters carried no mint mark. This gives 1982-P quarters historical appeal as early examples of the “P”-marked series, and it’s one reason the 1982-P is considered more significant than the 1982-D among type collectors.

5. What is the most valuable 1982 quarter error?

The highest auction record for a strike error is the 85% off-center 1982-P quarter that sold for $2,415 at Heritage Auctions in 2006. Wrong planchet errors can also exceed $1,000–$1,275+ depending on grade. The 1982-S DDO FS-101 in PR70 Deep Cameo has sold for over $6,400, though technically that’s a die 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?

It’s a Doubled Die Obverse error variety on the San Francisco proof quarter. The hub struck the die more than once with slight misalignment, permanently locking doubling into the die. “FS-101” is the Fivaz-Stanton catalogue attribution number. Prominent doubling is visible on Washington’s portrait, “LIBERTY,” and the date. The mirror proof surfaces make it especially dramatic. In PR70 DCAM, this variety has sold for over $6,400.

7. Is the 1982 quarter silver?

No. Zero silver. They’re copper-nickel clad: 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. Silver left circulating quarters in 1965. However, 1982 was also the year the Mint produced a commemorative George Washington silver half dollar (90% silver) for Washington’s 250th birthday — that coin gets confused with the quarter at auction sometimes.

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

Federal budget cuts under President Reagan’s administration during 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 themselves.

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

Look at the reverse: “QUARTER DOLLAR” vs. “HALF DOLLAR.” The commemorative is also physically larger — 30.6mm diameter versus 24.3mm for the quarter. It’s 90% silver and weighs 12.5 grams; the quarter weighs only 5.67 grams. A coin scale settles it instantly if you’re unsure about the visual cues.

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

PCGS has graded only approximately 13 examples at MS67 or better. NGC’s population at the same grade is about 29 coins. Combined, fewer than 45 certified coins at MS67+ from a mintage of 500,931,000 — roughly one in every 11 million coins struck. That’s a completely different kind of rare. Even finding a raw example that looks MS67 is genuinely difficult, which is why PCGS recommends you “definitely set it aside” if you find one.