1989 Quarter Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 1989 Washington quarter carries more potential than its 25-cent face value suggests. Collectors and beginners alike are often surprised to learn that a single pristine example from Philadelphia once sold for nearly $2,000 at Heritage Auctions.

Most circulated examples trade close to face value, with worn pieces worth around $0.25 to $0.29. The real story emerges with higher grades and special varieties — especially the San Francisco Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs that maintain steady collector demand, and the rare Philadelphia Mint State coins that command extraordinary premiums in superb gem condition.

Collectors who recognize these key variations can quickly identify which 1989 quarters merit closer examination far beyond their standard 25-cent face value.

 

1989 Quarter Value By Variety And Mint Mark

Here’s the current market value breakdown for 1989 quarters across different mint marks and conditions, showing how grade dramatically impacts worth. 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 1989 Quarter Value Records At Auction

The most valuable 1989 quarters reveal a fascinating hierarchy dominated by Philadelphia Mint strikes in superb gem grades. The 1989-P MS-67 (MS stands for Mint State, the numerical scale used to grade uncirculated coins from 60 to 70) commands an impressive $1,955, making it the clear champion among all 1989 varieties — a sale recorded at Heritage Auctions in 2007.

Denver examples follow at significantly lower but still substantial premiums, with the 1989-D MS-67 reaching $764 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. What’s particularly striking is how Philadelphia coins consistently outperform their Denver counterparts at identical grade levels — a 1989-P MS-66 brings $216 compared to just $114 for the Denver equivalent.

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) population reports show fewer than five 1989-P quarters have ever been graded MS-67 or higher, explaining the dramatic price premium. NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) data tells a similar story of extreme scarcity at the top of the grade scale.

The San Francisco Deep Cameo proofs represent the most affordable path to four-figure potential, though even these require perfect PR-70 grades to crack the top rankings. This data underscores the critical importance of condition — single grade point differences on modern quarters can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in market value.

 

1989 Quarter Value History: From Silver To Clad

Quarters began their history back in 1796, initially featuring a bust of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. After 134 years, a new Standing Liberty design followed, keeping Lady Liberty on the obverse and the American bald eagle on the reverse.

The Washington quarter series launched in 1932, originally intended as a one-year commemorative coin marking the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Congress began preparations as early as 1924 by establishing a Commission to oversee the jubilee celebration.

The Commission proposed a commemorative half-dollar and announced a design competition, specifying that the obverse feature an image based on the bust sculpted by Jean-Antoine Houdon in 1785. Sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser won both rounds of the competition with her elegant design — but Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled the judges and awarded the commission to John Flanagan, a medalist rather than a coin designer, sparking protests from arts officials.

Congress ultimately decided to redesign quarters rather than half-dollars for Washington’s honor. What began as a one-year commemorative became a permanent circulating design that lasted unchanged until 1998.

The original composition was 90% silver and 10% copper. Rising silver prices forced a pivotal change: the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver entirely from dimes and quarters, replacing them with copper-nickel clad construction. This legislation is why every quarter dated 1965 or later — including the 1989 issue — shows a copper-colored stripe when viewed edge-on.

A notable milestone for the 1989 issue: the Philadelphia Mint only began adding its “P” mint mark to quarters in 1980. Before 1980, Philadelphia quarters carried no mint mark at all, which is why older pre-1980 Philadelphia quarters are identified by the absence of a letter rather than a “P.”

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

 

Is Your 1989 Quarter Value Above Face Value? Rarity Explained

For instant rarity verification of any coin in your collection, try our CoinValueChecker App which provides real-time scarcity ratings and market data.

 

1989 Quarter Value Key Features And Specifications

The Washington quarter design remained visually unchanged for an extraordinary 66 years — from the first 1932 issue straight through to the final traditional design in 1998, a record of consistency unmatched by any other denomination in U.S. coinage history. The U.S. Mint changed the composition in 1965 but left the design alone.

One quick way to confirm a post-1964 clad quarter: look at the edge. The reeded (ridged) edge of a clad quarter shows a visible copper-colored stripe between the two outer nickel-silver layers, while a pre-1965 silver quarter shows a uniform silver edge. The 1989 quarter has 119 individual reeds along its edge — the same standard count used on all modern Washington quarters.

The Obverse Of The 1989 Quarter

The central part of the obverse features a left-facing portrait of George Washington based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1785 marble bust. This sculpture — created from life sittings at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate — is widely considered the most accurate likeness of the first President ever produced.

The word “LIBERTY” arcs along the upper rim above Washington’s bust. The minting year stretches along the lower rim, just below the neck. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in front of the portrait at chin height, and the mint mark (P, D, or S) is struck to the right of the portrait.

The Reverse Of The 1989 Quarter

The American bald eagle dominates the reverse, depicted with spread wings and head turned left. The eagle clutches a bundle of arrows in its talons — representing America’s military readiness — balanced below by two crossed olive branches symbolizing peace.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of many, one”) arcs above the eagle’s head. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” stretches along the upper rim, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears along the bottom rim.

Other Features Of The 1989 Quarter

The 1989 Washington quarter is struck on a copper-nickel clad planchet: the outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded over a pure copper core. This gives the coin its distinctive silver-like appearance while eliminating the silver content removed by the Coinage Act of 1965.

The coin weighs 5.67 grams (0.2 oz), measures 24.3 mm (0.955 inches) in diameter, and is 1.75 mm (0.069 inches) thick — dimensions unchanged from those established at the series’ 1965 composition transition and consistent across all clad Washington quarters.

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

 

1989 Quarter Value Mintage And Survival Data

The mintage and survival data for 1989 quarters reveals fascinating insights into their current availability. The Denver Mint dominated with nearly 897 million pieces, while Philadelphia struck approximately 513 million for circulation. Together, more than 1.4 billion 1989 quarters entered commerce — one of the highest combined mintages in Washington quarter history.

However, survival rates tell a more nuanced story. Both the Denver and Philadelphia circulation strikes show identical 35% survival rates, meaning roughly two-thirds of all originally minted coins have been lost to wear, damage, or destruction. Of those surviving coins, only a tiny fraction emerge in the highest Mint State grades that collectors prize.

The San Francisco Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs present a striking contrast, with over 3.2 million minted and an impressive 85.5% survival rate. This dramatically higher preservation rate reflects the careful handling these collector-oriented pieces receive — originally sold in 1989 U.S. Proof Sets at an issue price of $11.00 directly from the Mint. The Philadelphia Proof-Like (PL) variety’s mintage remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to this variety’s true scarcity.

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

 

The Easy Way To Know Your 1989 Quarter Value

Grade determines value dramatically: worn examples worth face value contrast sharply with MS-67 specimens commanding $764–$1,955. Look for minting errors including off-center strikes, missing clad layers, and doubled dies that can significantly boost value.

San Francisco proof varieties with Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast — meaning mirror-like fields surrounding frosty, opaque design elements — deserve special attention. A quick visual test: tilt a proof coin under a light; true Deep Cameo shows sharp, white-frosted devices against a mirror-black field.

Our CoinValueChecker App streamlines authentication by detecting errors, assessing grades, and delivering current market prices through simple photo capture.

 

1989 Quarter Value Guides By Type

Understanding the different types of 1989 quarters is essential for collectors looking to build complete sets or identify valuable varieties. Each type represents a distinct minting process and intended purpose — from circulation strikes designed for everyday commerce to special proof coins crafted exclusively for collectors.

The Denver and Philadelphia mints handled regular circulation strikes, while San Francisco focused on proof coins with mirror-like surfaces and frosted devices. Proof coins are made with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, giving them the distinct “cameo” appearance collectors seek. The Philadelphia Proof-Like (PL) variety bridges regular Mint State coins and full proof strikes — it exhibits some mirror-like qualities without meeting the full proof standard — making it a particularly interesting target for specialists who appreciate these nuanced differences.

1989 Quarter Types:

• 1989-D (Denver Mint)
• 1989-P (Philadelphia Mint State)
• 1989-P PL (Philadelphia Proof-Like)
• 1989-S DCAM (San Francisco Deep Cameo)

 

1989-D Quarter Value: Denver Mint Guide

The 1989-D quarter represents the highest mintage Washington quarter of that year, with the Denver Mint striking nearly 897 million pieces for circulation — a number so large it averages out to roughly 3.5 coins for every person then living in the United States. Despite this enormous production run, truly flawless examples are genuinely rare.

The PCGS population report shows fewer than 25 examples graded MS-67, making pristine specimens scarce despite the high original mintage. MS-70 examples have surfaced at auction above $300, reflecting the challenge of finding perfectly preserved specimens from such a heavily circulated issue where even minor contact marks or weak strikes significantly impact desirability among registry set collectors.

The following auction records demonstrate how condition-sensitive pricing has evolved for this variety over recent years.

Current market activity reveals strong collector interest, with patterns showing significant momentum building through 2025.

 

1989-P Quarter Value: Philadelphia Mint Guide

The 1989-P quarter stands out as the most condition-sensitive variety among 1989 quarters, with an extraordinary price curve that showcases extreme rarity in top grades. PCGS population data confirms fewer than five examples have ever been certified at MS-67 — an astonishing scarcity given the original mintage of over 513 million coins.

While common examples trade near face value, the leap to superb gem grades creates astronomical premiums — MS-67 specimens have reached nearly $1,955 at Heritage Auctions in 2007. This dramatic grade-to-value relationship reflects the Philadelphia Mint’s challenging strike quality that year, as high-speed production and minimal die care produced millions of coins with microscopic surface marks that prevent top-grade certification.

Recent auction records highlight the volatility and opportunity present in this market, with significant price variations even within the same grade levels.

Current market activity shows sustained collector engagement, with spikes during key periods throughout 2025.

 

1989-P PL Quarter Value: Proof-Like Variety Guide

The 1989-P PL quarter represents one of the most enigmatic varieties in the Washington quarter series, with “PL” denoting Proof-Like characteristics — a coin struck on regular planchets but displaying mirror-like fields that resemble proof coins. These qualities typically arise when freshly polished dies strike early coins in a production run before normal wear dulls the die surfaces.

This transitional variety exhibits the steepest price curve among all 1989 quarters, with MS-67 examples reaching an impressive $1,840 at auction. The unknown mintage and survival data add mystery to its scarcity, but market performance clearly indicates exceptional rarity in top grades, making it a serious target for advanced collectors seeking condition rarities within the modern Washington quarter series.

Market activity shows consistent collector interest throughout 2025, with a notable surge in March reflecting growing awareness of this variety’s unique characteristics and investment potential.

 

1989-S DCAM Quarter Value: San Francisco Proof Guide

The 1989-S DCAM quarter offers the most accessible entry point among proof varieties from 1989, yet still rewards condition-conscious collectors seeking superb examples. “DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo — the highest cameo designation awarded by PCGS, indicating maximum contrast between mirror-like fields and frosted, opaque devices. NGC uses the equivalent designation “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) for the same quality level.

With an 85.5% survival rate from the original 3.2 million mintage, these coins are relatively available in lower proof grades, but the price curve shows meaningful premiums in superb gem territory. PR-70 DCAM examples — essentially perfect coins — have reached $253 at Heritage Auctions in 2004, and strong demand continues for flawless specimens among proof set specialists.

Historical auction records reveal the steady appreciation this variety has experienced over the past decade, with consistent collector demand across all grade levels.

Market activity throughout 2025 demonstrates robust collector engagement, highlighted by particularly strong activity in March and a notable resurgence in August as summer auction season peaked.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1989 Quarter Value Errors To Look For

Error coins are the unintended accidents of the minting process — and for collectors, they’re often far more exciting than regular strikes. The 1989 Washington quarter’s enormous mintage of over 1.4 billion coins means that statistically, thousands of error specimens entered circulation. Below are the known error types and their current market values, including several varieties not widely discussed elsewhere.

1. Off-Center Strike

An off-center error occurs when the planchet (the blank metal disc) is not properly centered beneath the die at the moment of striking. The result is a coin with part of the design missing, shifted toward one side. Numismatists (coin specialists) express the severity as a percentage — a “50% off-center” coin is missing half its design.

Percentage directly affects value, but the minting date and mint mark must remain visible for maximum worth. The value of a 1989 Washington quarter with this error ranges from $10 to over $100, depending on the error percentage and whether the date is fully visible.

2. Broad Struck

Mint workers use collar rings to control the diameter and thickness of each coin as it’s struck. If the collar is loose, damaged, or missing entirely, the coin metal spreads outward, producing a piece that is thinner and wider than normal — called a broad struck error — while retaining its full design.

The value of a 1989 quarter minted this way is modest, typically $4 to $80, depending on how dramatically the coin differs from standard dimensions.

3. Doubled Die (DDO / DDR)

A doubled die error occurs during the die-making process when the design hub is pressed into the working die more than once at a slightly different angle. This creates a second, shifted impression of some or all design elements — letters, numbers, or the portrait itself may appear doubled. On the 1989 Washington quarter, known Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties show doubling on the word “LIBERTY” and Washington’s profile. The more visible the doubling, the higher the coin’s value. Prices range from $3.50 to $20 on the secondary market for common doubled die specimens, with dramatic examples potentially reaching $50 or more.

4. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

Before modern computerized die production, mint mark punches were applied by hand. If the punch slipped or was repositioned, a secondary impression appeared slightly offset from the first. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) errors on 1989 quarters show a faint shadow or second letter alongside the primary P or D. These varieties typically sell for $2 to $20, with strong RPMs commanding the highest premiums.

5. Missing Clad Layer

This error is unique to clad coinage and does not exist on pre-1965 silver quarters. It occurs when a planchet is produced with one of its outer nickel-silver layers missing, exposing the pure copper core on that side. A 1989 quarter missing its obverse clad layer shows a copper-colored Washington portrait; a missing reverse clad layer exposes copper on the eagle side.

Missing clad layer errors are visually striking and significantly more valuable than doubled dies or RPMs. A 1989 quarter with a full missing clad layer typically sells for $50 to $200 or more, depending on which side is affected and the overall condition of the coin.

6. Wrong Planchet Error

Occasionally, a foreign planchet — a blank intended for a different denomination — finds its way into the quarter press. A 1989 quarter struck on a dime planchet, for example, would be smaller and lighter than normal, with the quarter design running off the edges of the smaller blank. Wrong planchet errors are rare and dramatic, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 or higher depending on the planchet type and the overall quality of the error.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1989 Quarter Value For Maximum Return

Whether you choose online platforms for maximum reach, local coin shops for immediate transactions, or auction houses for rare high-grade specimens, success depends on accurate grading, competitive research, and selecting the right venue for your coin’s condition and rarity level. High-grade examples (MS-66 and above) and dramatic errors are best served by major numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, which attract the serious collectors willing to pay top dollar.

For common circulated examples and lower-grade mint state coins, platforms like eBay, local coin shows, or coin dealers offer faster sales with less overhead. Always have high-value coins certified by PCGS or NGC before selling — a graded, slabbed coin consistently commands significantly higher prices than a raw, ungraded example, and the certification protects both buyer and seller.

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

 

1989 Quarter Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1989 Quarter Value

1. What makes a 1989 Quarter rare enough to be worth real money?

With a combined circulation mintage of nearly 1.41 billion coins, the 1989 quarter is not rare in absolute terms. However, condition rarity drives value: PCGS has certified fewer than five 1989-P quarters at MS-67, the grade that commands $1,955. Finding a flawless, untouched example is genuinely difficult despite the enormous original mintage.

2. Which 1989 quarter varieties are worth the most money?

The top auction records show: the 1989-P MS-67 sold for $1,955 at Heritage Auctions in 2007; the 1989-P PL MS-67 reached $1,840; the 1989-D MS-67 sold for $764 at Heritage Auctions in 2017; and the 1989-S PR-70 DCAM brought $253 at Heritage Auctions in 2004. Superb gem grades are where the real money lies.

3. How much is a 1989-P quarter worth from Philadelphia?

Circulated examples are worth face value at $0.25. Mint State coins start around $1–$2 for MS-60 to MS-63, climb to roughly $15–$30 for MS-65, jump to $216 for MS-66, and reach nearly $2,000 for the extremely rare MS-67. The Philadelphia issue is the most condition-sensitive of all 1989 quarters.

4. What does “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) mean on a 1989-S proof quarter?

Deep Cameo — abbreviated DCAM by PCGS, or Ultra Cameo (UCAM) by NGC — is the highest cameo designation for proof coins. It describes maximum contrast between mirror-like fields (the flat background areas) and heavily frosted, opaque devices (the raised portrait and eagle). A DCAM coin shows dramatic black-and-white contrast when tilted under light, making it far more visually striking — and more valuable — than a regular proof or a standard Cameo (CAM) coin.

5. Is a 1989 quarter with a missing clad layer valuable?

Yes — a missing clad layer is one of the most valuable errors possible on a clad-era quarter. A 1989 quarter with a full missing obverse or reverse layer typically sells for $50 to $200 or more, depending on condition. The error exposes the pure copper core, giving the affected side a distinctly orange-brown color that makes the mistake immediately obvious.

6. How can I tell if my 1989 quarter has a doubled die error?

Examine the coin under a 5x to 10x loupe (a small magnifying lens used by collectors) and look carefully at the letters in “LIBERTY,” the date numerals, and Washington’s portrait. A genuine doubled die shows a second, offset impression of these elements — not just a blurry or worn appearance, but an actual distinct second image. A 1989-P DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) shows doubling on “LIBERTY.” Values range from $5 to $50+ depending on how dramatic the doubling appears.

7. What are the most expensive Washington quarters ever sold?

The series splits into two types by composition. Among silver (Type 1) Washington quarters: the 1932-D MS-66 sold for $143,750 in 2008; the 1932-S MS-66 brought $45,500 in 2020; and the 1949-D MS-68 reached $43,475 in 2019. Among clad (Type 2) quarters: the 1966 MS-68+ sold for $21,000 in 2023; the 1983-P MS-65 fetched $15,862.50 in 2014; and the 1970-D MS-69 brought $15,000 in 2023.

8. Should I clean my 1989 quarter before selling it?

Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with mild soap or a soft cloth — removes the original surface patina and creates microscopic scratches that permanently damage its numismatic value. A cleaned coin will be graded lower by PCGS or NGC, often receiving a “Details” designation that dramatically reduces its market value. Collectors and dealers strongly prefer original, unaltered surfaces, even if they look tarnished or dull.

9. What’s the difference between the 1989-P PL and the regular 1989-P quarter?

The “PL” stands for Proof-Like. A Proof-Like coin is a regular circulation strike produced from fresh, highly polished dies at the very beginning of a production run, before normal press use dulls the die surface. The result is a coin with unusually reflective fields that resemble a proof coin, without being an official proof. The 1989-P PL commands significantly higher prices than a regular 1989-P — compare an MS-67 PL at $1,840 versus a standard MS-67 at $1,955 — and its unknown mintage makes it a genuine mystery for specialists.

10. How should I store my high-grade 1989 quarters to protect their value?

Store uncirculated coins individually in inert Mylar flips, airtight coin capsules (AirTites), or PCGS/NGC certified holders (“slabs”). Never use PVC-based soft plastic flips — the plasticizer in PVC slowly leaches onto coin surfaces and causes green corrosion damage that is irreversible. Keep stored coins away from humidity, temperature fluctuations, and direct sunlight. For coins worth submitting to grading services, handle them only by the edges and never touch the surfaces with bare fingers, as skin oils permanently damage mint luster.