Price Guide for 1981 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 PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $374.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.99Uncirculated: $1.50 – $375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $178.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $633.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50Uncirculated: $3.56 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $299.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $507.67
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $38.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $899.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $215.00
Design and Specifications of the 1981 Quarter
The 1981 Quarter continued the Washington Quarter design, which was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This coin represents a period of economic recovery in the United States, following the challenging economic conditions of the late 1970s.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Clad) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1981 Quarters. While these coins are common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples in high grades (MS65 and above) can command premium prices. Collectors particularly value coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks.
Quarters from this year with deep cameo contrast in proof versions are highly sought after, as they showcase the design details more prominently.
Mintage: 673,535,000
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 of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 575,722,833
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 of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Toning can significantly impact the value and desirability of 1981 Quarters. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more valuable than those without toning. Full strike examples, where all design elements are sharply defined, are also more desirable.
While not particularly rare, 1981 Quarters in superb gem condition (MS67 and above) can command significant premiums due to their scarcity at this grade level. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, can be valuable to specialized collectors if discovered.
