1981-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide and Rarities

The 1981-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $2 in typical proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While you won’t find these in your pocket change, they are common in proof sets and hold a special place in collectors’ hearts due to specific minting variations.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
PR65 Proof (Common)	$2.00 – $5.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Type 1)	$25.00 – $40.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Type 2)	$350.00 – $550.00

Understanding the 1981-S Proof Washington Quarter

If you have stumbled upon a shiny, mirror-like quarter with an “S” mint mark dated 1981, you are looking at a proof coin. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. They were never meant to be spent at the grocery store. Because they were handled with care and sold in protective plastic cases, most survive today in excellent condition.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard strike or a special proof, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various minting finishes. Most 1981-S quarters feature a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish, where the frosted portrait of George Washington stands out sharply against a highly polished, mirror-like background.

When evaluating these coins, collectors look closely at the “S” mint mark. In 1981, the U.S. Mint transitioned between two different mint mark punches. This created two distinct varieties: the “Type 1” (Filled S) and the “Type 2” (Clear S). Identifying which one you have is the key to unlocking the true value of your collection. If you need a quick second opinion, the CoinKnow app provides high-resolution comparisons to help you spot these tiny details.

The Rare Type 2 Clear S vs. Type 1 Filled S

The most important factor in the 1981-S Washington Quarter value is the shape of the mint mark. During the production year, the old, worn-out mint mark punch (Type 1) was replaced with a new, sharper punch (Type 2). The Type 1 “S” appears blob-like or “filled,” where the loops of the letter are nearly touching the center. These are very common and constitute the majority of the 4 million proof quarters struck that year.

The Type 2, or “Clear S,” is much scarcer. On these coins, the “S” has clear, well-defined bulbous ends and a distinct separation in the loops. Collectors pay a significant premium for the Type 2. For those tracking market trends, the current 1981 Washington Quarter price data shows a massive jump for the Clear S variety, especially in perfect PR70 grades.

To check your coin, you will likely need a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe. The difference is subtle but financially rewarding. If you find the clear, sharp “S” and the coin is flawless, you could be looking at a several hundred dollar windfall. Many hobbyists use CoinKnow to organize their finds and track whether they have located the elusive Type 2 variant.

Grading and Condition: Why PR70 Matters

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since 1981-S quarters are proof coins, they are prefixed with “PR” or “PF.” A PR65 is a beautiful coin with a few tiny hair-like scratches, while a PR70 is absolute perfection—no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.

Because many of these coins have remained in their original mint packaging, PR69 specimens are quite common. However, the move from PR69 to PR70 represents a massive leap in value. For a Type 2 Clear S, a PR69 might sell for $50, but a PR70 can fetch over $500 at auction. Understanding the 1981-S Washington Quarter worth and rarity is essential before you consider sending your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Grade	Type 1 Value	Type 2 Value
PR67	$4.00	$15.00
PR68	$7.00	$25.00
PR69	$12.00	$60.00
PR70	$40.00	$525.00

Professional grading costs money, usually between $20 and $50 per coin plus shipping. Therefore, it only makes sense to grade a 1981-S Washington Quarter if you are certain it is a Type 2 Clear S and it appears to be in flawless condition. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to high-resolution reference images before you spend money on professional certification.

Comparing the 1981-S to Philadelphia and Denver Strikes

While the 1981-S is a collector-only proof coin, the quarters minted in Philadelphia (1981-P) and Denver (1981-D) were made for everyday use. Billions of these were produced, and if you find a rusty, worn 1981 quarter in your change today, it is almost certainly worth only 25 cents. However, uncirculated versions of these coins—those that never touched a cash register—can still be valuable.

Interestingly, 1981-P and 1981-D quarters are surprisingly hard to find in “Mint State 67” (MS67) or higher. Because they were tossed into bags and shipped across the country, they often suffered “bag marks.” A 1981-P quarter in MS67 can actually be worth more than a standard 1981-S proof quarter because of this scarcity.

If you the lucky owner of an entire 1981 Uncirculated Mint Set, do not break it apart! The value of the set as a whole is often higher than the individual coins unless one of them is a potential top-pop grade. For anyone hunting for “pocket change” treasures, the 1981-P and 1981-D are the ones to watch for in high-grade condition, whereas the 1981-S is all about the “S” variety.

How to Sell Your 1981-S Washington Quarter

Once you’ve identified your coin as a potential winner—perhaps a sparkling Type 2 Clear S—the next step is knowing how to sell it. For common Type 1 quarters, you might find that local coin shops aren’t interested in buying individual coins because the profit margins are too thin. In these cases, selling as part of a larger lot on eBay is often the best route.

For high-value PR70 Type 2 coins, specialized auction houses or reputable online marketplaces are the way to go. Make sure you have clear, high-resolution photos that show the mint mark and the surface of the coin. Buyers want to see that the “S” is indeed the clear variety and that there are no “milk spots” (cloudy white patches that sometimes form on proof coins).

Before selling, always double-check the current market prices. Rare coin values fluctuate based on demand. A coin that sold for $600 two years ago might be worth $450 today, or vice versa. Keeping a digital inventory in CoinKnow allows you to watch price trends and sell when the market is at its peak.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1981 quarter shiny but has no “S” mint mark?

A: A 1981 quarter with no mint mark was minted in Philadelphia. If it is very shiny, it might be an “Uncirculated” coin from a mint set, or someone may have polished it (which actually destroys its collector value). Philadelphia only minted “P” and “No Mint Mark” coins for circulation that year, not proofs.

Q: Is there a 1981 silver quarter?

A: No, there are no standard 1981 Washington Quarters made of silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for quarters in 1964. All 1981 quarters, including the “S” proofs, are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. They weigh 5.67 grams. If your coin weighs significantly less or more, it might be a rare error.

Q: How can I tell for sure if I have a Type 2 Clear S?

A: Look at the ends of the “S”. The Type 2 has round, bulbous ends (serifs) that are clearly separated from the rest of the letter. The Type 1 looks like the letter “S” is squashed, and the ends almost touch the middle curve. Using a digital microscope linked to your phone is the most reliable way to see this.

Q: Are there any 1981-S error quarters?

A: While rare, some 1981-S proofs can be found with “doubled die” errors, where the lettering or the date looks like it was printed twice. However, these are extremely uncommon for 1981. Most “errors” people think they find are actually just post-mint damage or the Type 1/Type 2 mint mark variations discussed above.