By Blake Alma
1982 Washington Quarter Value Guide
The 1982 Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad U.S. quarter and an important year for collectors. No official Mint Sets were produced in 1982, which makes high-grade examples harder to find than many surrounding years. Value is based on condition, mint mark, and errors rather than metal content.
Quick Facts
- Year: 1982
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Core: pure copper)
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded (copper visible on edge)
- Designer: John Flanagan
Mint Marks
The 1982 Washington Quarter was struck at two U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (No mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
⚠️ Important: No official U.S. Mint Sets were issued in 1982, contributing to the scarcity of high-grade coins.
Mint marks are located on the obverse, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail.
1982 Washington Quarter Value
Because this coin contains no silver, most circulated examples are worth face value. Higher-grade coins are significantly more desirable.
- Circulated (Good–Fine): Face value ($0.25)
- Extremely Fine: $0.50 – $1
- About Uncirculated: $1 – $3
- Mint State (MS-60+): $5 – $35+
Coins graded MS-65 and higher can sell for much more.
Clad Composition and Melt Value
The 1982 Washington Quarter contains no precious metal. Its melt value is minimal, so collector value is driven by condition, scarcity of high-grade coins, and demand.
What Impacts Value Most
- Condition / Grade: The most important pricing factor
- Mint Mark: Denver issues are often more difficult to find in high grade
- Strike Quality: Sharper strikes increase desirability
- Originality: Uncleaned coins with original luster are preferred
Common Errors and What They’re Worth
The 1982 quarter is known for several collectible error types.
- Off-center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Struck-through grease or debris
- Wrong planchet errors (rare and valuable)
Major errors can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on severity and condition.
How to Identify a 1982 Washington Quarter
- Confirm the date (1982) on the obverse
- Look for a mint mark near Washington’s ponytail (or none for Philadelphia)
- Check the edge for a visible copper stripe
- Examine luster and surface preservation
Is the 1982 Washington Quarter Valuable?
Most circulated 1982 Washington Quarters are worth face value, but Mint State examples are much more valuable due to the lack of Mint Sets that year. High-grade coins are especially sought after by collectors.