Price Guide for 1978 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $198.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $2,232.50
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eBayCirculated: $16.53Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $1,527.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $284.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $472.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.98 – $108.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $42.00
Design and Specifications of the 1978 Quarter
The 1978 quarter continues the Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This design remained largely unchanged since its introduction, showcasing the first U.S. President on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
In 1978, the United States was experiencing significant economic and cultural changes. The quarter, being a widely circulated coin, played a crucial role in everyday transactions during a time of rising inflation and changing consumer habits.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1978 quarters significantly impacts their value, especially for higher grades. While circulated examples are worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable to collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
– Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 521,452,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily collected as part of complete date sets
Mintage: 287,373,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily collected as part of complete date sets
Toning can significantly impact a 1978 quarter’s value. Natural, attractive toning is often prized by collectors and can increase a coin’s desirability and price. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
Full Steps: While not as crucial for 1978 quarters as for earlier dates, coins with fully visible steps on Monticello (on the reverse) can command a premium in high grades.
Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds might appeal to error and variety collectors, potentially increasing value slightly.
