Most 1981 quarters are only worth 25 cents, but those that are uncirculated and in mint condition can be worth up to $7.
Many people enjoy collecting coins, and quarters are a popular choice. There are a wide variety of quarters to collect, from those minted for special occasions to those featuring unique designs.
Do you have any old quarters from 1981 lying around? If so, you may be wondering how much they are worth. In this blog post, we will take a look at the value of a 1981 quarter and provide some tips on how to sell them. Keep on reading!
What Does a 1981 Quarter Look Like?
The Washington quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The original design, by John Flanagan, depicted a head of Washington facing left, with “Liberty” above his head and the date below. The reverse of the coin featured an eagle with wings outspread, perched on a bundle of arrows. This design was struck until 1998, when it was replaced by the current design showing a close-up of Washington’s head.
The 1981 quarter is made of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a diameter of 24.3 mm and a mass of 5.67 grams. It has a reeded edge and is considered to be one of the more distinctively shaped coins in circulation.
The mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, below the wreath and above the “R”. The Philadelphia mint mark is a “P”, the Denver mint mark is a “D”, and the San Francisco mint mark is an “S”. These mint marks let you know where the coin was minted.
In 1981, the U.S. Mint produced two types of S proof Washington quarters. The Type 1 Filled S quarters had mint marks that were not as clear and were partially filled in. The Type 2 Clear S quarters had mint marks that were clearer and larger. Both types of quarters were minted at the San Francisco Mint.
How Rare are 1981 Washington Quarters?
These quarters are not particularly rare, which is why most are only worth face value. There were over four million 1981 S quarters minted, as well as over 600 million 1981 P and D quarters. However, some examples of these coins in pristine condition can be worth significantly more than their face value.
Are There any Errors on 1981 Washington Quarters?
When the U.S. Mint released the 1981 Washington Quarter, they made a mistake that has since made the coin more valuable to collectors. Some of the quarters were die struck, meaning that the peripheral obverse lettering was pressed right up against the design rim. This error is fairly rare, and it significantly increases the value of the coin.
In addition, some of the 1981 Washington Quarters were also struck on the wrong planchet. This means that the coin was minted using a blank that was intended for another coin. For example, a quarter might have been struck on a dime-sized planchet. Again, this error is quite rare, and it can make a 1981 Washington Quarter worth significantly more than its face value.
As a result, any coin collector should keep an eye out for these errors when searching for 1981 Washington Quarters.
To help ensure that you don’t miss any errors, it’s important to know what to look for. Cracks, cuds, and missing elements are all common types of errors, and they can often be spotted with a careful inspection. However, weight is also an important factor to consider. A coin that doesn’t match the standard weight for its type is likely to be struck on a wrong planchet.
What is the Value of a 1981 Quarter?
The 1981 quarter is worth around 25 cents in average condition. However, one in perfect mint state could sell for as much as $7. The main factor affecting the value of a 1981 quarter is its condition. A well-preserved coin will be worth more than one that has been heavily circulated.
The price of a Washingtong quarter also depends on the series and the mint mark location. For example, if it is a Type 1 Filled S Washington Quarter, it can be worth up to $13. If it is a Type 2 Clear S Washington Quarter, it can be worth up to $28.
Let’s take a look at some of the recently sold coins on eBay:
- Uncirculated gem-proof Type 2 1981 quarter sold for $5.
- A Type 1 1981 S quarter sold for $2.
- Two uncirculated coins, 1981 D and 1981 P Washington quarter, sold for only $2.
- A 1981 S Type 1 quarter professionally graded PR69 by PCGS sold for around $14.
As you can see, these quarters are not particularly valuable. However, the price increases if the coin has a unique error. For example:
- A 1981 P Washington quarter struck on a 5 cent planchet with powder-blue and straw-gold tints sold for $161.
- A similar error coin graded MS 66 by NGC sold for almost $260.
- A 1981 Washington quarter struck on a cent planchet graded MS62 sold for over $600!
As you can see, coin values are different depending on the overall condition and unique features of the coin. However, comparing prices to recently sold items can help you get a better understanding of how much you can sell your coin for.
What is the Most Expensive 1981 Quarter Ever Sold?
One of these quarters, minted at the Denver Mint, featured a double strike error that made it much rarer than other quarters from the same series. As a result, this quarter has become one of the most valuable Washington quarters ever sold. In 2020, one example of this quarter was sold at auction for $7,200.
This coin featured a double-struck Mint error that made it so valuable. The first strike occurred with a partial indent over the lower reverse, and the second strike occurred with another planchet between this piece and the reverse die. As a result, the date and mintmark are visible from both strikes, but the second impression is significantly sharper in the date area.
However, this is just an extreme example and most 1981 quarters won’t be worth this much.
Where to Sell a 1981 Quarter
When it comes to selling a 1981 quarter, there are a few different options available. For regular pieces, eBay is generally a good option. There are a wide variety of buyers on the site, and it’s easy to list items for sale. For error coins, Heritage Auctions is generally the best option. Error coins can be very valuable, and Heritage Auctions is one of the most reputable dealers in the business.
Of course, there are other options available for both regular and error coins. You can try selling your coin to a local coin dealer. The American Numismatic Association offers a free Coin Dealer Directory that can help you locate the one nearest to you.
No matter where you choose to sell your coin, it’s important to do your research in advance and be sure that you’re comfortable with the transaction process. With a little effort, you should be able to find the perfect buyer for your 1981 quarter.
Tips for Selling 1981 Quarters
If you have a stash of 1981 quarters, you may be wondering how to get the most money for your coins. Here are a few tips to help you sell your 1981 quarters:
- If you’re selling your 1981 quarters as part of a set or collection, take some time to present them in an attractive way. This can help you fetch a higher price from potential buyers.
- Before selling your 1981 quarters, take some time to research the current market value. This will help you determine how much you can expect to get for your coins.
- Be sure to price your coins competitively. If you set your prices too high, you may have trouble finding buyers; if you set them too low, you’ll miss out on potential profits.
- Good photos and detailed descriptions are key. Since most buyers won’t be able to see the coins in person, it’s important to give them a clear idea of what they’re bidding on.
- In addition to taking close-up photos of both the front and back of the coin, be sure to mention any relevant information in the descriptions, such as the condition of the coin and any unique features.
If you take the time to create an accurate and informative listing, you’ll be more likely to find a buyer who’s willing to pay a fair price for your 1981 quarters.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, most 1981 quarters are only worth 25 cents. However, those that are uncirculated and in mint condition can be worth up to $7. Error coins can be worth even more, sometimes hundreds of dollars. So, if you come across a 1981 quarter, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look to see if it might be valuable!
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in determining how much your 1981 quarter is worth. Happy coin collecting!
