The 1990-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $15 or more for deep cameo examples — and if you stumbled across one in an old collection or coin album, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Makes the 1990-S Quarter Different From Regular Quarters
First things first — the “S” mintmark on this coin is a big deal. That tiny letter stands for the San Francisco Mint, which stopped making quarters for everyday circulation decades ago. Instead, San Francisco focuses on producing proof coins, which are specially struck with polished dies on carefully prepared blanks. The result is a coin with mirror-like fields and sharp, frosted design details — quite different from the worn quarters you’d find in your pocket change.
If you’ve got a coin with an “S” mintmark and it still looks shiny, almost like a mirror, chances are you’re holding a proof. These were sold directly to collectors as part of annual proof sets, not released into general circulation. That’s what makes them a little special right off the bat.
To quickly check what you have, you might want to use a free coin identifier app — these tools can help you confirm the mintmark, year, and even grade your coin using your phone camera. It takes the guesswork out of the process.
Understanding the 1990-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Proof coins are graded on the same 1–70 Sheldon scale used for regular coins, but they also get special designations like Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) based on the contrast between the frosted portrait and the reflective background. The better the contrast, the higher the value.
Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1990-S Washington Quarter is worth depending on condition:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $3 – $5 |
| PR 67 (Proof) | $5 – $8 |
| PR 69 DCAM (Deep Cameo) | $10 – $15 |
| PR 70 DCAM (Perfect Deep Cameo) | $30 – $60+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing, you can check detailed 1990-S Washington Quarter value data by grade and condition to see how these coins have been selling in recent auctions and dealer listings.
How Many Were Minted and Does That Affect the Value?
The U.S. Mint produced approximately 3.3 million 1990-S proof sets, which means there are quite a few of these quarters out there. That relatively high mintage is one of the main reasons most 1990-S quarters are modestly priced in the $3–$15 range — supply is plentiful.
That said, perfectly graded examples — especially those certified as PR 70 DCAM by major grading companies like PCGS or NGC — are genuinely scarce. Getting a perfect score is rare no matter the mintage, and those top-pop coins can command surprising premiums.
So if yours is raw (ungraded and unslabbed), it’s probably worth a few dollars. If it’s been professionally graded and came back a PR 70, it could be worth real money.
Where to Find Current 1990-S Washington Quarter Prices
Coin values shift over time based on collector demand, precious metal prices, and what’s being traded at major auctions. The best way to stay current is to check live market data.
You can browse Washington Quarter price trends and recent sales data to get a sense of where the market stands today. Sites like eBay’s “sold listings” section are also useful — they show you what buyers are actually paying, not just what sellers are asking.
Another great option is CoinHix, a coin valuation app that gives you real-time market prices and historical data for U.S. coins including the 1990-S Washington Quarter. It’s a handy tool whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector.
Should You Get It Graded or Just Sell It Raw?
This is a common question, and the honest answer depends on the coin’s condition. If yours looks flawless — no spots, no scratches, strong cameo contrast — it might be worth submitting to PCGS or NGC for grading. A PR 69 or PR 70 certification can dramatically increase resale value.
But if there are any hairlines, hazy spots, or fingerprints on the surface, grading fees might not be worth it. Typical proof sets sell for just a few dollars, and spending $30–$50 on grading doesn’t make financial sense unless the coin is truly exceptional.
When in doubt, use CoinHix to compare the value of raw vs. graded examples before you make a decision. It can save you time and money.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1990-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not particularly rare in terms of mintage — over 3 million proof sets were made that year. However, perfectly graded examples (PR 70 DCAM) are genuinely scarce and worth significantly more than average specimens.
Q: Can I find a 1990-S quarter in circulation?
A: It’s very unlikely. The San Francisco Mint made these exclusively as proof coins for collector sets. If you find one in change, it was almost certainly removed from a proof set at some point and may show wear, which reduces its value.
Q: How do I know if my 1990-S quarter is worth getting professionally graded?
A: Examine it carefully under good lighting. If the surfaces are mirror-bright with strong frosted contrast on Washington’s portrait and no visible marks, it may grade high enough to be worth the submission fee. You can also run it through CoinHix to estimate its potential value before committing to grading costs.
