The 1982-P Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily circulated condition to over $15 or more in top mint state grades — and a few certified gems have sold for much higher. If you found one in a coin jar or old drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Is the 1982-P Washington Quarter?
The 1982-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 was actually one of the first years the Philadelphia Mint began using a mint mark on quarters — a small but meaningful change in U.S. coinage history.
These quarters were made from a clad composition: a copper core sandwiched between layers of copper-nickel on the outside. Hundreds of millions were produced for everyday circulation, so most examples you’ll find are well-worn from pocket change.
That said, coins that never made it into circulation — or ones pulled from original mint sets — can be worth a surprising premium. If you’re not sure what you have, using a free coin identifier app is a great first step to quickly assess your coin before taking it to a dealer.
1982-P Washington Quarter Value by Grade
The value of a 1982-P Washington Quarter depends almost entirely on its condition, which coin collectors call “grade.” A coin showing heavy wear might only be worth face value, while one that looks like it just rolled off the mint press can bring real money.
Here’s a general value breakdown by grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, design clear | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Trace wear, mint luster present | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| MS-63 | Uncirculated, some contact marks | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| MS-65 | Gem uncirculated, strong luster | $12.00 – $20.00+ |
| MS-67 or higher | Superb gem, near perfect | $50.00 – $200.00+ |
For more detailed auction records and certified coin sales, you can check out the latest 1982-P Washington Quarter price data by grade on CoinHix, which tracks real market activity across major platforms.
Are Any 1982-P Quarters Worth Big Money?
Most 1982-P quarters are common coins — over 500 million were minted that year. But here’s where things get interesting: coins graded MS-67 or higher by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can fetch serious premiums because so few survive in that condition.
There are also a small number of known error coins from this era, including off-center strikes and die cap errors, that can push values into the hundreds of dollars territory.
If your quarter looks unusually bright, has sharp details everywhere, and shows no signs of wear or bag marks, it might be worth getting it professionally graded. That small investment could pay off.
CoinHix is a great tool to look up current prices before you decide whether to send a coin in for grading. It gives you realistic market data so you’re not guessing.
How to Check the Value of Your 1982-P Quarter at Home
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get a rough idea of your coin’s value. Start by checking the mint mark — look for a small “P” above the date on the front of the coin. No mint mark at all on a 1982 quarter is actually quite rare and worth looking into separately.
Next, examine the coin under good lighting. Look at Washington’s hair above the ear — if the details are sharp and distinct, that’s a good sign. Check the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. The more detail you can see, the higher the grade.
For a more precise assessment, the 1982 quarter value guide at CoinValueApp breaks down what to look for by condition with easy-to-follow descriptions perfect for beginners.
You can also scan your coin using CoinHix, which helps you identify the coin, find comparable sales, and get an instant estimated value — all from your phone.
FAQ About the 1982-P Washington Quarter
Q: Is a 1982-P quarter rare?
A: Not in circulated grades — over 500 million were made. However, finding one in gem uncirculated condition (MS-65 or higher) is genuinely difficult, and those examples can carry a real premium among collectors.
Q: What makes a 1982-P quarter valuable?
A: Condition is the biggest factor. Coins with sharp details, original luster, and no signs of wear are the most desirable. Error coins — like off-center strikes — can also be worth significantly more than a standard example.
Q: Should I clean my 1982-P quarter before selling it?
A: No, never clean a coin you think might be valuable. Cleaning removes the original surface and actually destroys value. Even a coin that looks dirty or dull should be left as-is — collectors and graders prefer originality over a polished appearance.
