1981 (P) Washington Quarter

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1981

Denomination

Quarter

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998

Designer

John Flanagan

Mintage

601,716,000

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center

Weight

5.67g

Diameter

24.3mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$0.25 - $7.29

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$700 MS67 08-18-2018 eBay

Description

Part of the Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998 series, the 1981 (P) Washington Quarter is a quarter from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 601.7 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 51% of production. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $0 to $7 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 5.67 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5910.