1988 P Washington Quarter Value Guide

The 1988 P Washington Quarter is a notable piece of late 20th-century American coinage struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While common in circulation, it is highly collectible in high-grade Mint State conditions due to its role in the long-running series designed by John Flanagan to honor the first U.S. President.

What affects the value of 1988 P Washington Quarter?

• Numerical grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC, with MS67 or higher commanding significant premiums.
• Presence of original mint luster and the absence of contact marks or 'bag marks' from the production process.
• The presence of rare mint errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, which can increase value beyond the $0.25 face value.
• Overall eye appeal, including the lack of heavy toning or environmental spotting on the nickel surfaces.

How to Identify 1988 P Washington Quarter?

• Look for the 'P' mint mark located on the obverse side to the right of Washington's ponytail.
• Verify the copper-nickel clad composition by checking for a visible copper stripe along the coin's edge.
• Confirm the 1988 date and the 'JF' designer initials on the base of Washington's neck.
• Check for sharp details on the eagle's feathers on the reverse to ensure a strong strike from the Philadelphia dies.

History of 1988 P Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Designed by John Flanagan, it replaced the Standing Liberty quarter. By 1988, these coins were produced using a copper-nickel clad composition, as silver content was eliminated from circulating quarters in 1965.