1981 Washington Quarter
Base
About This Coin
The 1981 Washington Quarter is a United States quarter from the Washington Clad and Silver Proof Quarters 1965-1998 series — 15th of 32 years in the series. In 1981, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 1.2 billion. This ranks 17th of 32 years by total mintage, above the series median of 1.2 billion. 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. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 5.67 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified 2 known die varieties for this date, including doubled die obverse. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $7 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.5K in PR70 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Flanagan.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
