What Makes the 1982 S Washington Quarter Special

If you have a 1982 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the quarters you find in your pocket change every day, these were not intended for grocery store transactions. The San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors, using polished dies and specially prepared blanks to create a mirror-like finish. Because they weren’t released into general circulation, finding one means you have a piece of numismatic history.

Checking your pocket change or old jars can be exciting, but identifying specific variations is key. To get an instant confirmation of what you have, you should use a top coin identifier app which can analyze the surface quality and mint mark with a simple photo. The 1982-S is particularly notable because it was issued during a year when the Mint did not produce traditional “Uncirculated Mint Sets,” making proof specimens even more desirable for people trying to complete their collections.

Using the CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a heavily handled proof that looks dull and a Deep Cameo specimen that commands a premium price. The visual contrast between the frosted portrait of George Washington and the shiny, reflective background is what collectors look for most when bidding on these items.

Understanding the Market Value and Price Grades

The value of a 1982-S Washington Quarter is almost entirely dependent on its physical condition, also known as its “grade.” Since these were sold in protective plastic lenses by the US Mint, most have survived in decent shape. However, even tiny scratches or “milk spots” (cloudy white patches) can significantly lower the price. While a standard proof might only be worth a few dollars, those that are professionally graded as PF 70—meaning they are perfect under 5x magnification—can sell for hundreds.

Current market trends show that most collectors are willing to pay a premium for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the intense frosted appearance of the design elements against the mirror-like fields. If you are curious about how the proof version compares to regular business strikes from that year, you can check out the 1982 Washington Quarter price data to see how mint state coins from Philadelphia and Denver perform in today’s market.

For everyday Americans, the easiest way to track these fluctuations is through a dedicated mobile tool. CoinHix provides real-time updates on auction results, ensuring you don’t sell a rare gem for the price of a cup of coffee. Knowing the difference between a PR68 and a PR70 could be the difference between $10 and $250.

Condition Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$2.00 – $4.00
PR 67 (Deep Cameo)	$8.00 – $15.00
PR 69 (Deep Cameo)	$25.00 – $45.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$180.00 – $350.00

Where to Find the S Mint Mark and Why It Matters

To verify you have the 1982-S, look at the right side of the coin’s front (obverse), just behind George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “S” stamped there. This indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 1982, San Francisco produced 3,857,479 of these quarters. While nearly 4 million sounds like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia and Denver for circulation.

The “S” mint mark is a signal of quality. Because these were struck twice by the coin presses to ensure every detail was crisp, they are much more attractive than the quarters you see in your change. If you happen to find one of these in a coin roll from the bank, it means someone likely broke open a proof set and spent it. This is called an “impaired proof,” and while it is still worth more than 25 cents, its value drops significantly due to the scratches it picks up in circulation.

Using the CoinHix scanner can help you determine if your coin has too much wear to be considered a high-value collector piece. For a deeper dive into the technical details of this year’s mintage, you can read more about the 1982 quarter value information covering all mint marks and varieties.

Grading and Preserving Your 1982 Proof Quarter

If you suspect your 1982-S quarter is in perfect condition, you might consider having it professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. However, grading costs money—often between $20 and $50 per coin. Therefore, it only makes sense to grade the coin if it has a high probability of reaching a PR69 or PR70 grade.

Look for “eye appeal.” Does the coin have a brown or hazy film? That is “toning,” and while some collectors like it, most prefer the bright, silver-white look for this era. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the coin with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can leave permanent fingerprints that destroy the value of a proof finish. Always hold the coin by its edges.

Many people who find these coins are surprised to learn they aren’t made of silver. Although they look shiny, the 1982-S Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. The US Mint stopped making 90% silver quarters for general sets in 1964, though they occasionally release special silver proof sets today. In 1982, however, all S-marked quarters were the standard clad composition.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the 1982-S Quarter

Is the 1982-S Washington Quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1982-S Washington Quarter is a clad coin made of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. It does not contain any silver bullion.

Can I find a 1982-S quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is rare, but possible. These coins were originally sold in protective sets. If someone broke the set and spent the coin, it could end up in circulation. These are known as “impaired proofs” and are usually worth about $1 to $2.

How much is a 1982-S quarter worth in its original packaging?

A: If the quarter is still inside the original 1982 US Mint Proof Set (which includes the penny, nickel, dime, and half dollar), the entire set typically sells for $8 to $15.

What is the most expensive 1982-S Washington Quarter ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens (PR70 Deep Cameo) have been known to sell at major auctions for over $300, depending on the current demand and the specific grading service that certified the coin.