1983 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1983 quarter stands as an unexpected numismatic treasure born from economic crisis.

During the severe 1981-1982 recession, unemployment peaked at 10.8% in December 1982, prompting President Reagan’s administration to slash federal budgets and eliminate the popular U.S. Mint coin sets in 1982 and 1983. This budget-cutting measure inadvertently created collector scarcity—despite massive mintages exceeding 1.2 billion coins, fewer examples were preserved in mint condition.

The economic impact is reflected in current values: while circulated pieces remain at face value of $0.25, the scarcity premium elevates AU specimens to $0.67 and pushes exceptional MS examples to $30.17.

 

1983 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s how much each 1983 quarter variety is actually worth – and as you can see from the chart below, the value differences between mint marks and condition grades are pretty dramatic.

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 1983 Quarter Worth Money

Looking at the auction records for the most valuable 1983 quarters sold since 2001, there’s one result that absolutely dominates the chart.

The standout performer is a 1983-P quarter graded MS-65, which achieved an incredible $15,863 sale price – nearly ten times higher than the second-place coin.

This extraordinary result demonstrates just how much condition matters when it comes to modern quarters. The remaining top performers show a more predictable pattern, with 1983-P coins generally commanding higher prices than their Denver counterparts at similar grade levels, ranging from $188 for a 1983-P MS-64 up to $2,597 for a 1983-P MS-67.

Interestingly, the proof 1983-S DCAM quarters occupy the lower portion of this top-10 list, with values ranging from $16 to $80 depending on grade. While these are still impressive premiums over face value, they pale in comparison to the high-grade circulation strikes.

 

History of the 1983 Quarter

The 1983 quarter is part of the Washington quarter series that appeared in 1932, based on John Flanagan’s design. The idea was to create a jubilee coin to commemorate 200 years of the President’s birth, so no pieces were minted in 1933. However, Americans loved their new coins, so they stayed, and the US Mint has still minted them.

Unfortunately, one of the most famous controversies and injustices was connected with this coinage. Laura Fraser was the real competition winner for the most beautiful design. However, the private treasury secretary’s views and beliefs prevailed, and Flanagan got the job.

By 1964, all quarters were made of silver, but then the US Mint introduced cupronickel coin composition for financial reasons. Therefore, pieces from 1983 don’t contain precious metals. However, that was not the only change about this coin.

For instance, the Bicentennial commemorative quarter design appeared in (1975) 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the US independence. You can recognize the double date (1776-1976) on the obverse and the drummer replacing the eagle.

In 1999, the US Mint issued the commemorative 50-state quarter program with a unique reverse design for each state and redesigned obverse. Five types of these coins appeared yearly, and the entire process lasted ten years.

The first coin was dedicated to Delaware, the first state to become a part of the new country, on December 7, 1787. The last one was Hawaii because this state joined the union almost two centuries later, on August 21, 1959.

Like most Washington quarters, particularly those from the first decades, those minted in 1983 have their place in American coinage history. Collectors enjoy including these coins in their collections to complete the series and often look for a unique error typical for this minting year.

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

 

Is Your 1983 Quarter Rare?

if you’re curious about checking the rarity of any quarter in your collection, you can quickly verify it using our CoinValueChecker App for instant rarity assessments.

 

Key Features Of The 1983 Quarter

The Obverse Of The 1983 Quarter

Each 1983 Washington quarter has the first American President’s portrait on the coin obverse. Flanagan based it on a bust created by French sculptor J.A. Houdon, but you can notice a difference when looking at his roll of hair non-existed in the original sculpture.

As for the inscriptions, there are only two, except for the year of minting. There is one word (LIBERTY) and motto (IN GOD WE TRUST). All three coin types have the mint mark (D, P, or S) just right of the bow, tiding President’s ponytail. The JF, the designer’s initials, are moderately struck on the truncation.

The Reverse Of The 1983 Quarter

The 1983 quarter reverse is full of details and clear symbolism. You can see a proud eagle in the central position with arrows and olive twigs below its claws. They symbolize American readiness for war and peace solutions, depending on circumstances.

The New York Times journalists consulted ornithologists to check the depicted eagle species. They confirmed it was an American bald eagle, the informal symbol of this country.

Below the olive wreath is the denomination, while the name of the country is placed along the rim above the bird’s head. The space in between is reserved for the Latin motto, symbolizing the union of independent and differently structured states.

Other Features Of The 1983 Quarter

The 1983 Washington quarters are historically significant American copper coins of twenty-five cents. Besides having a reeded edge, you should know that they weigh 0.2000 ounces (5.67 g), have a diameter of 0.9567 inches (24.3 mm), and are 0.0689 inches (1.75 mm) thick.

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

 

1983 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced massive quantities in 1983, with over 673 million P quarters and nearly 618 million D quarters hitting circulation.

But here’s the amazing part: both varieties have identical 35% survival rates, meaning roughly two-thirds of these coins have been lost to wear, damage, or melting over the past four decades.

The real standout is the 1983-S DCAM proof quarter. While it had the smallest original mintage at just 3.3 million coins, it boasts an impressive 85.5% survival rate – more than double the circulation coins. This makes perfect sense when you consider that proof coins were sold directly to collectors who typically preserved them much better.

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

 

1983 Quarter Grading

Grading your 1997 quarter accurately makes the difference between a 25-cent coin and one worth hundreds of dollars. The value gap exists because condition directly impacts collectibility—pristine examples with sharp cheekbone details, well-defined eagle feathers, and original luster command premium prices, while worn pieces trade near face value. The challenge is that assessing these subtle condition differences requires trained observation.

CoinValueChecker App solves this problem by providing instant expert-level analysis. Photograph your 1997 quarter and receive an immediate grading assessment with accurate market valuation, eliminating guesswork from the process entirely.

 

1983 Quarter Value Guides

The 1983 quarter was produced at three different U.S. Mint facilities, each creating distinct varieties for collectors and circulation.

The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints focused on producing circulation quarters with massive mintages exceeding 600 million each, while the San Francisco (S) facility created special Deep Cameo proof quarters exclusively for collectors.

The DCAM designation refers to the striking contrast between frosted raised elements and mirror-like fields that characterize high-quality proof coins.

Understanding these three varieties is essential for determining your 1983 quarters’ potential value, as each has different rarity levels and market demand despite sharing the same basic Washington quarter design.

1983 Quarter Types：

• 1983-P (Philadelphia)  
• 1983-D (Denver Mint) 
• 1983-S DCAM (San Francisco Mint)

 

1983-P Quarter Value 

The 1983-P quarter stands out as the most intriguing variety among the three 1983 types, despite having the largest mintage at over 673 million coins.

What makes it special is the dramatic value jump in MS condition – while circulated examples are worth face value, pristine MS specimens can command up to $590 currently.

This Philadelphia mint quarter also ranks highest among the three varieties in the Washington quarter rarity system at position 355. Additionally, the 1983-P is known for several interesting die varieties, including the notable FS-901 “Spitting Eagle” variety that adds extra appeal for variety collectors.

Let’s see how this translates into actual auction performance over the years.

So what does the market activity pattern look like for 1983-P quarters specifically?

 

1983-D Quarter Value 

The 1983-D quarter from the Denver Mint presents an interesting contrast to its Philadelphia counterpart.

With a mintage of 617.8 million coins, it’s slightly less common than the P-mint version, yet paradoxically ranks lower in the rarity system at position 398. What makes the Denver quarter particularly notable is its more modest but still significant MS-grade premium

The 1983-D also exhibits fewer documented die varieties compared to the P-mint, making it the more “straightforward” option for collectors seeking clean, variety-free examples of this date.

Here’s how 1983-D quarters have been performing at auction over time.

And the market activity shows some interesting patterns for Denver Mint quarters.

 

1983-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1983-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) proof quarter is the true outlier of the trio, representing an entirely different category of coin production.

Struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors, it features the distinctive frosted devices against mirror-like fields that define Deep Cameo proofs. With only 3.3 million produced – a fraction of the circulation strikes – it boasts an exceptional 85.5% survival rate thanks to careful collector preservation.

Interestingly, despite its much lower mintage, the 1983-S DCAM commands a modest $5.11 value, making it the most affordable way to own a high-grade 1983 quarter. It ranks 424th in the Washington quarter rarity system, reflecting its proof-only status.

Let’s examine how these proof quarters have traded in the auction market.

Now, here’s what the market activity data reveals about collector interest in 1983-S DCAM quarters.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1983 Quarter Error List

While 1983 quarters aren’t known for dramatic mint errors, several interesting die varieties and minor errors have been documented by collectors over the years. These range from subtle die cracks and cuds to more distinctive varieties like the “Spitting Eagle” that can add extra value for variety hunters.

1. 1983-P FS-901, “Spitting Eagle”

This popular die variety features a distinctive raised line extending from the eagle’s beak on the reverse, creating the appearance that the eagle is “spitting.” The error results from a small crack or gouge in the die that transferred to struck coins.

The FS-901 designation comes from the Fivaz-Stanton reference guide for die varieties. While not dramatically valuable, examples typically sell for $5-15 above face value depending on condition, making it an accessible entry point for variety collectors interested in modern Washington quarter errors.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1983 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)

 

1983 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1983 Quarter

1. What features make 1983 quarters special?

Most quarters minted in 1983 are common and moderately valuable. However, the whole mintage was released into circulation, making impeccable specimens with shiny finish rare. Besides, you can expect to pay more for a coin with a Spitting Eagle error.

2. Which are the most expensive 1983 quarters sold at auctions?

• 1983 P MS 65 Washington quarter sold at $15,863 (01-08-2014 • Heritage Auctions)
• 1983 D MS 67 Washington quarter sold at $1,410 (09-07-2016 • Heritage Auctions)
• 1983 P MS 66+ Washington quarter (Spitting Eagle) sold at $504 (03-13-2018 • Heritage Auctions)
• 1983 S PR 70 Washington quarter (DCAM) sold at $495 (09-02-2003 • Heritage Auctions)
• 1983 S PR 69 Washington quarter (DCAM, Treasure Hunt June LB 2017) sold at $72 (03-05-2019 • eBay)
• 1983 S PR 69 Washington quarter (DCAM, Treasure Hunt September LB 2017) sold at $25 (04-06-2018 • eBay)

3. How much money can you get for the 1983 P Washington quarters?

The 1983 Washington quarters that spent years in circulation are worth their face value, while well-preserved ones cost $7 to $45. Only the best-looking specimens in the highest grades can reach $100 to $600 at auctions.

4. What are the most expensive quarters with Washington’s image on the coin obverse?

• 1932 D MS 66 quarter sold at $143,750
• 1932 S MS 66 quarter sold at $45,500
• 1949 D MS 68 quarter sold at $43,475
• 1948 MS 68+ quarter sold at $43,200
• 1932 MS 67 quarter sold at $40,250
• 1950 PR 68 DCAM quarter sold at $31,200
• 1966 MS68+ quarter sold at $21,000