1982-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors

The 1982-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, understanding its unique proof status is essential for anyone evaluating a collection of modern American coinage.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 67 Deep Cameo	$8.00 – $12.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$150.00+

Why the 1982-S Washington Quarter is Special

If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1982 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you have found a Proof coin. Unlike the quarters we use at the grocery store, which were minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), the San Francisco (S) mint produced these specifically for collectors. If you are unsure about the quality or origin of your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and strike type instantly.

During the early 1980s, the United States Mint did not produce official uncirculated Mint Sets, which makes the Proof sets from this era, including the 1982-S Washington Quarter, even more desirable for those trying to complete a year-set. These coins were struck using specially polished dies and planchets (the metal discs), resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.

Because they were sold in protective plastic cases, most 1982-S quarters remain in excellent condition. However, if a coin is removed from its case and handled, it can lose its value quickly. Professional collectors often use tools like CoinKnow to track the market fluctuations of these proof issues, ensuring they don’t overpay for common grades.

Understanding Proof Grades and Deep Cameo Effects

When researching the 1982-S Washington Quarter value, you will frequently see terms like “Cameo” (CAM) and “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). These refer to the visual contrast between the design (George Washington’s portrait) and the background. A “Deep Cameo” coin has a very thick, white frost on the portrait that stands out sharply against a black, watery mirror field.

For this specific year, almost all surviving 1982-S quarters are Expected to be Cameo or Deep Cameo. If you find one that looks “flat” or lacks that mirror finish, it may have been “impaired,” meaning it was spent as regular money and suffered scratches. Such coins are rarely worth more than their face value of 25 cents to a casual buyer, though a collector might pay a small premium for the novelty.

Evaluating these subtle differences in frost and mirrors can be tricky for the naked eye. Many hobbyists rely on the CoinKnow app to compare high-resolution images of various grades. This allows you to see what a PR69 vs. a PR70 looks like without needing an expensive magnifying glass.

Designation	Visual Description	Price Range
Brilliant Proof	Shiny but little contrast	$2.50 – $4.00
Cameo (CAM)	Light frost on Washington	$5.00 – $8.00
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Heavy frost, deep mirror	$10.00 – $25.00

Comparing the 1982-S to P and D Mint Quarters

It is important to understand where the 1982-S sits in the hierarchy of 1982 quarters. While the S-mint proof is beautiful, the real “treasures” of this year are actually found in the P and D mint marks. Because no Mint Sets were produced in 1982, finding a Philadelphia quarter in perfect, uncirculated condition is actually much harder than finding a San Francisco proof.

For example, checking the 1982-P quarter MS67 value reveals that a business-strike coin from Philly can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in top grades. In contrast, the 1982-S was preserved on purpose, so the supply is much higher.

However, the 1982-S remains a staple for people collecting “S” mint marks specifically. Because it was the only way to get a “new” 1982 quarter from the mint at the time, many Proof sets were broken open just to get this coin. This has created a steady market for individual 1982-S quarters in the $5 to $15 range for those filling holes in their albums.

Are There Any Rare 1982-S Errors to Look For?

While the San Francisco mint is known for its high quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. For the 1982-S Washington Quarter, collectors should look for “Double Dies.” A doubled die occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at a slightly different angle, creating a blurred or doubled appearance on the lettering or the date.

Another rare occurrence is the “Impaired Proof.” This isn’t exactly an error, but rather a proof coin that found its way into circulation. If you find a 1982-S in your pocket change, it is technically an impaired proof. While it is worth less than a pristine one, it is still a cool find that most people would keep.

If you think you’ve spotted a doubling on the “In God We Trust” motto, you can check the CoinKnow database for verified 1982-S error listings. Comparing your coin to known errors is the best way to determine if you have a multi-hundred dollar rarity or just a common proof.

The Value of 1982-S Quarters in Professional Grading

For a 1982-S Washington Quarter to be worth significant money—meaning over $100—it must be graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC as a PR70 Deep Cameo. A “70” grade means the coin is flawless under 5x magnification. Even a single tiny hairline scratch invisible to the eye can drop the grade to a PR69, which significantly lowers the price.

Most casual collectors will find that their coins are in the PR67 or PR68 range. While these are virtually perfect to the naked eye, the market for them is saturated. To get a better sense of how condition affects price across all 1982 versions, you can review this detailed 1982 quarter value summary which breaks down the differences between the mints.

Before spending $30 to $50 to get a coin professionally graded, make sure it is worth the investment. Generally, unless the coin is a strong candidate for a PR70 grade, the cost of grading will exceed the actual value of the coin.

Mintage Year	Mint Mark	Total Mintage
1982-P	Philadelphia	480,042,000
1982-D	Denver	496,930,684
1982-S	San Francisco	3,857,479

How to Store and Protect Your 1982-S Quarter

If you have a 1982-S quarter that is still in its original government-issued plastic lens, the best thing you can do is leave it there. The 1982 Proof Set also includes a cent, nickel, dime, and half dollar. Breaking the set often reduces the total value unless the quarter is a perfect candidate for grading.

If the coin is already loose, place it in a PVC-free 2×2 flip or a hard plastic capsule. Exposure to air can cause “toning,” where the copper-nickel surfaces turn shades of yellow, brown, or blue. While some collectors love toned coins, most proof collectors prefer the crisp, silver-white look of a fresh strike.

Keeping your coins in a cool, dry place is essential. Humidity can cause spotting, which is the “death knell” for a proof coin’s value. By taking these simple steps, you ensure that your 1982-S Washington Quarter maintains its value for decades to come.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1982-S Washington Quarter made of silver?

A: No. The 1982-S quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint did not produce silver quarters for general proof sets in 1982. It has the same brownish-orange edge as a regular quarter.

Q: How can I tell if my 1982 quarter is an “S” mint?

A: Look on the right side of the coin’s front (obverse), just behind George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “S” letter. If there is a “P”, “D”, or no letter at all, it is not a San Francisco proof.

Q: I found a 1982-S in my change. Is it valuable?

A: While it is an exciting find, a 1982-S proof found in circulation is usually “impaired.” Because it likely has scratches and lost its mirror finish, it is generally worth between $0.50 and $2.00 to a collector.

Q: Which 1982 quarter is the most valuable?

A: Interestingly, the 1982-P and 1982-D quarters in high uncirculated grades (MS67 or higher) are often more valuable than the 1982-S. This is because business-strike coins from that year were rarely saved in perfect condition.