1986-P Washington Quarter Value Guide

The 1986-P Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin minted in Philadelphia that remains highly common in modern circulation. While standard examples are worth face value, those with unique environmental toning or chemical damage often catch the eye of curiosity collectors.

What Is 1986-P Washington Quarter Worth?

The typical price range for 1986-P Washington Quarter is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Circulation wear significantly impacts the coin, as most 1986-P quarters are found with heavy surface marks.
• Environmental damage or chemical exposure typically does not add premium value and often renders the coin worth only $0.25.
• High-grade Mint State examples (MS65 or higher) are the only versions that command a premium over face value.
• The presence of legitimate minting errors, rather than post-mint damage, is the primary driver for collector interest.

How to Identify 1986-P Washington Quarter?

• Look for the 'P' mint mark located on the right side of the obverse, just behind Washington's ponytail.
• Verify the copper-nickel clad composition by checking for a visible copper stripe along the coin's edge.
• Distinguish environmental toning from true mint errors by checking if the discoloration is topical or part of the metal strike.
• Confirm the 1986 date on the obverse to ensure it belongs to this specific mid-80s production run.

History of 1986-P Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. While originally composed of 90% silver, the composition was changed to a copper-nickel clad format in 1965 due to rising silver costs. The 1986-P issues were minted in Philadelphia and are common in circulation.