The 1983-P Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily worn condition to over $15 in uncirculated grades — and in top mint state, certified examples can fetch $100 or more.
If you pulled one of these out of an old coin jar or found it in your change, you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth holding onto. Let’s break it all down for you in plain English.
What Makes the 1983-P Washington Quarter Special
The 1983-P Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which is what the “P” mintmark stands for. In 1983, the U.S. Mint produced over 673 million of these quarters — that’s a massive number, which means most circulated examples aren’t rare.
However, collectors still pay a premium for coins in exceptional condition. The 1983-P is part of the clad Washington Quarter series, made from a copper-nickel sandwich rather than silver. So unlike earlier Washington Quarters from 1964 and before, this one has no silver melt value to fall back on.
That said, pristine uncirculated examples with sharp details and original mint luster can still command solid prices. If you’re not sure what grade your coin might be, using a coin identifier and value app is one of the easiest ways to get a quick read on its condition and potential worth.
1983-P Washington Quarter Value by Grade
The value of any coin depends heavily on its condition, and the 1983-P is no exception. Coins that have been passed around in everyday commerce are graded as circulated and typically carry little premium above face value. But coins that were set aside in mint bags or rolls right from the start can be worth meaningful money to collectors.
Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (G–VF) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $5 – $10 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $12 – $20 |
| Mint State (MS-67 or higher) | $75 – $200+ |
For a more detailed breakdown of auction results and certified coin sales, you can check out the 1983-P Washington Quarter price data on CoinHix, which tracks real market transactions across major grading tiers.
How to Tell If Your 1983-P Quarter Is Worth More
Grab a magnifying glass and take a close look at your coin. The key things to check are the high points of the design — Washington’s cheek, the eagle’s breast feathers, and the hair above his ear. These are the spots that wear down first in circulation.
If those details are still crisp and the coin has a natural luster rather than a dull, flat look, you might have an uncirculated example on your hands.
Also look carefully for any errors. The 1983-P is known to have a small number of doubled die varieties and off-center strikes that were released into circulation. These error coins can be worth significantly more than a regular strike — sometimes $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the type and severity of the error.
CoinHix is a great tool for researching whether your specific coin matches any known varieties or errors. The app’s database includes variety listings and recent sale prices that can help you figure out if you’ve got something special.
Where to Sell a 1983-P Washington Quarter
If your coin is in circulated condition, spending it or saving it as a novelty is probably your best bet. But if it grades MS-65 or higher, it’s worth getting it looked at more seriously.
Options for selling include eBay, coin shows, and local coin dealers. For top-grade coins, submitting to PCGS or NGC for professional grading can dramatically increase buyer confidence and selling price.
Before you sell, do your homework. Check out this detailed 1983 quarter value guide to understand what comparable coins have actually sold for in the current market. Knowing your coin’s true value before you list it can make a real difference in what you walk away with.
CoinHix also lets you scan your coins and compare them against certified examples, making it easier to figure out where your piece fits in the market before you approach a dealer.
FAQ About the 1983-P Washington Quarter
Q: Is the 1983-P Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No. The 1983-P Washington Quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad composition, not silver. U.S. quarters stopped being made with silver after 1964, so this coin carries no silver melt value.
Q: How many 1983-P Washington Quarters were made?
A: The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 673,535,000 quarters in 1983. Because of this high mintage, circulated examples are common and generally worth face value. Uncirculated coins with strong eye appeal are where collector interest picks up.
Q: What is a 1983-P quarter worth if it has a doubling error?
A: Doubled die varieties on the 1983-P can be worth anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars depending on how visible and dramatic the doubling is. Look at the lettering and date under magnification — if letters appear doubled or blurred in a specific direction, you may have a variety worth researching further.