At first glance, the 1983 Washington Quarter looks like any ordinary 25¢ coin. But don’t be fooled — in top condition or with rare mint errors, some 1983 quarters have sold for up to $250,000! 
Here’s everything you need to know about this coin: its history, design, mint marks, errors, and the values that make collectors go crazy.
A Quick History of the 1983 Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter was first released in 1932 to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday.
By 1983, the U.S. Mint had already switched from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition (back in 1965) due to rising silver prices.
That year, over 1.29 billion quarters were struck:
Philadelphia (P)
Denver (D)
San Francisco (S – Proof only)
Fast Facts: 1983 Quarter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Designer | John Flanagan |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Total Mintage | 1,294,620,572 |
| Face Value | $0.25 |
Design Details
Obverse (Front):
- George Washington’s profile
- “LIBERTY” above
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” left side
- Date 1983 below
- Mint mark near ponytail (if present)
Reverse (Back):
- Bald eagle with spread wings holding arrows
- Olive branches below
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above eagle
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” & “QUARTER DOLLAR” along edge
Value Breakdown of the 1983 Quarter
Condition matters! Here’s how values change based on grade (all potential max values up to $250,000):
| Grade | 1983 P Value | 1983 D Value |
|---|---|---|
| Poor – XF45 | $0.25 – $0.40 | $0.25 – $0.40 |
| AU50 – AU58 | $0.50 – $0.80 | $0.50 – $1 |
| MS60 – MS64 | $2 – $10 | $5 – $12 |
| MS65 – MS66+ | $10 – $230 | $12 – $250 |
| MS67 – MS67+ | $280 – $2,500 | $320 – $1,500 |
| MS68+ (Rare) | Up to $250,000 | Up to $250,000 |
Mint-Specific Value Highlights
1983-P Quarter (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: 673,535,000
- MS66: Up to $230
- MS67+: Up to $2,500
- MS68+ (ultra-rare): Up to $250,000
Fun Fact: One MS67 1983-P sold for $2,596, and experts believe a flawless MS68 could hit $250,000+ today.
1983-D Quarter (Denver)
- Mintage: 617,806,446
- MS66: $60 – $110
- MS67: $320 – $1,350
- MS68+: Estimated up to $250,000
1983-S Proof Quarter
- Mintage: 3,279,126
- Proof value: $2 – $15
- Cameo / Deep Cameo PR70: Up to $500
Rare Mint Errors That Add Value
Some error coins from 1983 are worth thousands:
- Spitting Eagle (Die Crack Error): Die crack makes eagle look like it’s “spitting.” MS65 sold for $250 – $435. Premiums can exceed $500.
Overstruck on Amusement Token: Super rare error, one graded MS65 sold for $15,862 in 2014. Estimated value today: up to $250,000.
Finned Rim + Reverse Indent: Unique double error. An MS63 sold for $310.
Off-Center Strike: Part of the design missing. Values range from $20 to $100+.- Struck on Nickel Planchet: Coin weighs less (5g) and smaller size. One MS64 sold for $258.
Final Thoughts
The 1983 Washington Quarter may look common, but the truth is: rare specimens and mint errors are worth serious money.
Whether it’s an MS68+ example or a dramatic error, collectors are paying up to $250,000 for the finest 1983 quarters.
Next time you check your change, take a closer look. That ordinary-looking coin in your hand might just be a life-changing treasure.
