The 1998-P Washington Quarter is worth between $0.25 and $10 in typical circulated condition, but in high-grade mint state it can fetch $15 or more — and a few exceptional examples have sold for well over $100. If you found one in your change or a coin jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
If you’re not sure what you’re holding, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the coin’s details before you start researching its value. Once you know what you’ve got, the rest is easy. CoinHix is one of the most popular tools collectors use to look up real-time coin prices, and it works great for Washington Quarters from the 1990s.
What Is the 1998-P Washington Quarter?
The 1998-P Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which is why it carries the “P” mint mark on the obverse, just to the right of Washington’s portrait. This coin is part of the classic Washington Quarter series that ran from 1932 all the way until the 50 State Quarters program kicked off in 1999.
These quarters were minted in a composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel — what collectors call a “clad” coin. They were produced in enormous quantities for everyday circulation, which is why most of them aren’t rare.
That said, coin condition matters enormously, and a well-preserved 1998-P quarter is worth more than you might expect.
1998-P Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Most 1998-P quarters you find in a pocket or change jar will be in circulated condition — meaning they show some wear on the high points of the design. These are generally worth face value to maybe a dollar or two at most.
The real value jump happens in uncirculated or mint state grades. Coins that were never spent and show no wear can be worth several times face value, especially if they grade MS65 or higher by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Here’s a simple breakdown of typical values:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to Fine) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-45) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Mint State 63 (MS63) | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Mint State 65 (MS65) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Mint State 67 (MS67) or Higher | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
You can check live 1998-P Washington Quarter price data across all mint state grades to see what these coins are actually selling for right now in the collector market.
How Many Were Minted and Does That Affect Value?
The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 896,268,000 quarters in 1998. Yes, that’s nearly 900 million coins. This huge mintage is the main reason most circulated examples are only worth face value — they’re simply not scarce enough to command a premium in lower grades.
However, high-grade examples are a different story. Even with a massive mintage, coins that survived in pristine, uncirculated condition are far less common. A coin graded MS67 or above by a top-tier grading service becomes genuinely rare, which drives the price up significantly.
So if your coin looks sharp, with crisp lettering, no scratches, and strong luster, it could absolutely be worth getting graded professionally.
Errors and Special Varieties Worth Looking For
Like many modern quarters, the 1998-P has a small number of known error coins that attract attention from collectors. These can be worth significantly more than a standard example.
Common errors to watch for include:
– Die cracks — small raised lines on the coin’s surface caused by a cracked die
– Off-center strikes — where the design is shifted and part of the blank shows
– Doubled die — faint doubling visible on lettering or the portrait
– Clipped planchet — a coin with a curved or straight chunk missing from the edge
If your 1998-P quarter looks “off” in any way — misaligned, doubled, or oddly shaped — don’t spend it. Get it examined. You can learn more about what makes 1998 Washington Quarters valuable, including error coins, to see if yours matches any known varieties.
CoinHix also keeps an updated database of error coins and auction results, making it a great resource if you think you’ve found something unusual.
Should You Get Your 1998-P Quarter Graded?
For most people, the answer is no — unless your coin looks truly exceptional. Professional grading through PCGS or NGC typically costs $20–$40 per coin at the basic tier. If your quarter is only worth $5 even in great shape, the grading fee doesn’t make financial sense.
But if you believe your coin is MS66 or higher — meaning it’s virtually perfect, with strong luster, no contact marks, and sharp detail everywhere — grading could unlock real value. An MS67 example has sold for over $100 at auction.
Use CoinHix to research recent sales before committing to grading fees. It’ll help you set realistic expectations and make a smarter decision.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1998-P Washington Quarter rare?
A: No, it’s not rare in circulated condition due to its massive mintage of nearly 900 million coins. However, high-grade mint state examples (MS67 and above) are genuinely scarce and can be quite valuable to collectors.
Q: How do I know if my 1998-P quarter is worth more than face value?
A: Look closely at the coin’s surfaces. If it has no visible wear, retains its original shine, and shows no scratches or contact marks, it may be in uncirculated condition and worth a few dollars or more. An error or variety can also boost value significantly.
Q: Where can I find the current market value for a 1998-P Washington Quarter?
A: You can check recent auction results and price guides on CoinHix, which tracks real-time market data for Washington Quarters across all grades. A free coin identifier app can also help you confirm coin details and get a quick estimate.
