The 1978-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in average proof condition to over $1,500 for rare high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While your average pocket change from 1978 might only be worth its face value, those shiny “S” mint mark versions found in old collections can be quite valuable to the right buyer.

Identifying the 1978-S Proof Washington Quarter

If you have found a 1978 quarter with a small “S” next to the ponytail on the back of Washington’s head, you have a Proof coin. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, these were minted in San Francisco specifically for collectors. They were never intended to be spent.

Most of these coins were sold in plastic-encased sets. If yours is still in its original packaging, it has a better chance of bringing a premium price. However, many people use the top coin identifier app to check if they have a standard proof or a rare “Deep Cameo” variety.

A Deep Cameo (DCAM) 1978-S quarter features a frosting-like finish on the portrait of George Washington, which contrasts sharply against a mirror-like background. If you happen to have a version that looks like it has a black background and a bright white portrait, you may be looking at a significant payday.

Value Breakdown of the 1978-S Washington Quarter

The value of this particular coin is heavily dependent on its visual “appeal” and the level of preservation. Even though 1978-S quarters were handled with care by the mint, many have developed scratches or milk spots over the last four decades.

For most casual collectors, a standard PR65 or PR67 (Proof 65 or 67) grade will fetch between $3 and $10. However, if the coin is graded as a PR70—meaning it is technically perfect under magnification—the price skyrockets. You can get more specific 1978-S quarter market prices to see how much recent auctions have pulled in for these top-tier grades.

It is highly recommended to use the CoinKnow app to compare your coin’s appearance with high-resolution photos of graded examples. This helps you determine if your coin is worth the investment of professional grading by a service like PCGS or NGC.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 68 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$40.00 – $65.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$1,400.00 – $1,750.00

What Makes a 1978-S Quarter Rare

You might wonder why a coin from the late 70s can be worth over a thousand dollars. The rarity isn’t in the date itself, but in the survival of “perfect” strikes. In 1978, the San Francisco Mint produced 3,127,781 proof sets. While that seems like a large number, very few of them escaped the minting process without tiny microscopic flaws.

Collectors are always hunting for the “Best of the Best.” If you use the CoinKnow tool to scan your coin, look closely at the fields—the flat parts around the head. Any tiny nick or hairline scratch will drop the value from hundreds of dollars down to just a few dollars.

Additionally, some 1978-S quarters show interesting “doubled die” errors, where parts of the lettering or the date appear to have a ghost-like shadow or secondary image. Finding a clear error on a 1978-S proof can make it a centerpiece for a specialized collection.

How to Assess Your 1978 Quarter Today

Before you Head to a coin shop, it is vital to do your own homework. Start by looking at the luster. Does it still have that mirror-like sheen? If it looks dull or has “fingernail” scratches, it has likely been circulated or handled poorly.

A great way to understand the current 1978 Washington quarter value trends is to look at live auction data. Prices fluctuate based on how many collectors are trying to complete a “Registry Set” (a collection of the highest possible graded coins for a specific series).

If you are unsure whether your coin is a regular Philadelphia/Denver strike or a San Francisco proof, look at the edges. A 1978-S quarter should have a very sharp, square edge, whereas a quarter meant for circulation will have a slightly more rounded or worn edge profile.

Selling Your 1978-S Washington Quarter

If you’ve determined that your coin is a high-grade specimen, your next step is finding a buyer. Local pawn shops often won’t give you the full value for a proof coin because they buy for resale. Your best bet is usually a dedicated coin auction site or a reputable local coin dealer who specializes in modern United States proofs.

Using the CoinKnow app can help you document your coin with high-quality photos, which is essential if you plan to list it on eBay or another online marketplace. Providing clear, zoomed-in images of the “S” mint mark and the frost on the portrait will attract serious bidders.

Remember that raw (ungraded) coins rarely sell for the “top” price. To get that $1,000+ price tag, the coin must be certified by a third-party grading service. Always calculate the cost of grading (around $30-$50) against the potential value of the coin before sending it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a 1978-S quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1978-S Washington Quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core). The U.S. Mint did not produce silver quarters for general proof sets in 1978.

Q: How can I tell if my 1978-S is a Deep Cameo?

A: A Deep Cameo 1978-S quarter will have a very thick, white, “frosty” appearance on Washington’s face and the eagles’ feathers, while the background is so shiny it looks like a black mirror. If the portrait looks shiny just like the background, it is a standard proof.

Q: Are standard 1978 quarters (with no mint mark or a D) worth anything?

A: Generally, no. Modern quarters with a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark found in your pocket change are usually only worth 25 cents. Only those in exceptional “Mint State” (MS67 or higher) attract collector premiums.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1978 quarter?

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail and just below the “In God We Trust” motto. You will see an ‘S’, ‘D’, or no mark at all (which represents Philadelphia).