The 1984-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for everyday Americans looking to start a serious collection.

Grade / Condition	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$150.00 – $350.00
Rare Error Varieties	$50.00 – $1,000+

Understanding the 1984-S Washington Quarter

The 1984-S Washington Quarter is a unique entry in the long-running Washington series because it was never intended for circulation. If you found a quarter from 1984 in your spare change, it most likely has a “P” or “D” mint mark.

The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which exclusively produced Proof coins for collectors during this era. Identifying these coins is easy using the top coin identifier app, as they feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details.

Because these was sold in sets, most survivors are still in excellent condition. However, the price jumps significantly when a coin is designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), meaning there is a heavy frost on the portrait of George Washington that contrasts against a liquid-smooth background.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or a high-luster business strike, CoinKnow can help you distinguish the types by analyzing the strike quality through your phone’s camera.

Grading and 1984-S Proof Quarter Value

In the world of coin collecting, the “grade” is everything. For the 1984-S Washington Quarter, collectors use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Since these were handled with care by the mint, you will rarely see one below a PR 60.

A PR 67 or PR 68 is very common and usually sells for the price of a cup of coffee. However, once you reach PR 69 or the elusive PR 70, the 1984 Washington Quarter auction prices begin to climb into the hundreds of dollars.

Most people who find these coins today have inherited them in United States Proof Sets. If the coin has been removed from the set and handled with bare fingers, oils from the skin can “cloud” the finish, lowering the value significantly.

Coin Strike Type	Mintage	Average Value
1984-P (Circulation)	676,545,000	$0.25 – $25.00
1984-D (Circulation)	546,483,064	$0.25 – $20.00
1984-S (Proof)	3,065,110	$3.00 – $350.00

Key Identifying Features of the 1984-S Quarter

To ensure you have a genuine 1984-S, look at the right side of the coin’s obverse (the heads side). To the right of Washington’s ponytail and just below the “In God We Trust” motto, you should see a clear “S” mint mark.

The “S” is small but should be distinct. If the letter looks “doubled” or blurry, you might have discovered a mint error, which could increase the coin’s worth significantly. By using CoinKnow, you can zoom in on these features to check for errors.

The physical makeup of the coin is a copper-nickel clad composition. Unlike older quarters from before 1965, the 1984-S contains no silver. Its value is derived entirely from its status as a proof strike and its condition.

While 3 million were minted, a surprisingly small number have survived in “Perfect 70” condition. This scarcity at the top end of the grading scale is what creates the high-end 1984 Washington Quarter appraisal value that collectors search for.

Rare Errors and Varieties to Watch For

While most 1984-S quarters are standard, the “S over S” or “RPD” (Re-punched Date) errors are legendary among enthusiasts. While rare in the 1984 series, they do exist.

Another common error for proof coins is the “Double Die Obverse” (DDO). If you notice doubling in the words “LIBERTY” or the date “1984,” you might be holding a coin worth hundreds of dollars even in lower grades.

Check the edge of the coin as well. Proof coins should have very sharp, defined “reeding” (the ridges on the edge). If the ridges are missing or the coin is remarkably thin, it could be a “wrong planchet” error, which are some of the most valuable errors in modern numismatics.

Always handle your coins by the edges. Using CoinKnow helps you catalog your finds without over-handling them, preserving the delicate surfaces of a Proof 1984-S Washington Quarter.

Error Type	What to Look For	Est. Value
Double Die Obverse	Thickness or doubling in lettering	$50 – $200
Off-Center Strike	Design shifted to one side	$100+
Struck on Wrong Planchet	Coin color or size is incorrect	$500+

Why Condition (Deep Cameo) Matters Most

When looking at a 1984-S Washington Quarter, you will often see the abbreviation “DCAM” or “CAM.” This refers to the contrast between the frosted design and the shiny background.

Most modern proof coins are DCAM, but those that have lost their frost over time or were struck with late-stage dies might only receive a “Cameo” (CAM) or no designation at all. A PR 70 Deep Cameo is the “Holy Grail” for the 1984-S.

The 1984 sets were known for having high-quality strikes, so there is stiff competition among collectors to find the best of the best. If your coin has even the slightest scratch—often called a “hairline”—it will likely not grade higher than PR 64 or 65.

Even if you aren’t looking to sell, knowing that your $0.25 coin could be worth $20 or more is a great feeling. It’s exactly why so many people are turning to tools like CoinKnow to manage their collections and track market trends.

Where to Sell Your 1984-S Washington Quarter

If you’ve identified a high-grade 1984-S, your next step is deciding where to sell. For common proof versions worth $3 to $10, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets.

However, if you believe you have a PR 70 or a major error, you should consider professional grading through services like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin sells for much more than an “unprocessed” one.

Auction houses like Heritage Auctions are reserved for the truly rare 1984 quarters that sell for $500 or more. For the everyday collector, keeping the coin in its original plastic mint holder is the best way to maintain its value for the future.

Modern coins might not have the history of a 100-year-old silver dollar, but the 1984-S is a beautiful piece of American minting history that serves as a perfect entry point for new hobbyists.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1984-S Washington Quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1984-S is made of a clad composition consisting of a pure copper core and an outer layer made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Silver quarters for collectors did not return until 1992.

Q: How can I tell if my 1984 quarter is a proof?

A: Look for the “S” mint mark and a mirror-like, reflective background. Standard quarters found in change have a “P” or “D” mark and a duller, matte-like finish.

Q: Is a 1984-S quarter worth more than a 1984-P or D?

A: Generally, yes. While high-grade 1984-P quarters in mint condition are rare and valuable, the 1984-S is worth more in its standard “Proof” form than a standard circulated 1984-P found in your pocket.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1984 quarter?

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s neck, just above the date.