1982-P Washington Quarter Value Guide

The 1982-P Washington Quarter is a significant issue for modern coin collectors because the U.S. Mint did not produce official uncirculated mint sets during this year. This absence makes finding high-grade, pristine specimens from the Philadelphia mint much more challenging and desirable than other quarters from the same era.

What affects the value of 1982-P Washington Quarter?

• Numerical Grade: Because no mint sets were issued, coins in MS-65 or higher condition command significant premiums.
• Luster and Strike: Sharpness of the strike and original mint bloom greatly impact the value of uncirculated examples.
• Surface Preservation: The absence of 'bag marks' or scratches is rare for this year as most coins entered general circulation.
• Errors: Look for doubled die varieties or minting errors which can increase the value beyond the standard $0.25 face value.

How to Identify 1982-P Washington Quarter?

• Locate the 'P' mint mark situated on the obverse side to the right of George Washington's ponytail.
• Verify the composition is a copper-nickel clad, visible as a distinct copper stripe along the coin's reeded edge.
• Check for the designer initials 'JF' (John Flanagan) at the base of Washington's neck.
• Confirm the date 1982 is clearly struck on the bottom center of the obverse.

History of 1982-P Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. While 1982 is a common year, it is noted by collectors because the U.S. Mint did not produce official uncirculated mint sets that year, making high-grade specimens slightly more desirable than other modern issues. The Philadelphia mint did not use a P mint mark on quarters until 1980; prior to that, Philadelphia coins were unmarked.