Price Guide for 1988 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: $3.00 – $1,645.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.34 – $1,245.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $3.13 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $403.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $109.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $36.00
Design and Specifications of the 1988 Quarter
The 1988 Quarter continues the Washington Quarter design, which was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. By 1988, this coin had become a staple of American currency, featuring the iconic portrait of the first U.S. President on the obverse and the heraldic eagle on the reverse.
1988 was a significant year as it marked the bicentennial of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, although this was not reflected in the quarter’s design.
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad over a pure copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with arrows and olive branch, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1988 Quarters significantly impacts their value, especially for higher grades. Circulation strikes in Mint State (MS) condition are valued more highly, with premium prices for MS67 and above. Look for coins with full luster, sharp strikes, and minimal contact marks.
For proof coins, the highest grades (PR69 and PR70) command the greatest premiums. Collectors prize proofs with deep cameo contrast between the frosty devices and mirrored fields.
Mintage: 562,929,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 596,810,688
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 3,262,948
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1988 Quarters. Well-struck coins with full detail on the high points of Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. Luster also plays a crucial role, with coins exhibiting full, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
While not typically known for toning, some 1988 Quarters may develop attractive toning over time, which can enhance their appeal to collectors. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can significantly decrease the coin’s value.
As a modern issue, error coins are the main source of additional value. Look for doubled dies, off-center strikes, or wrong planchet errors, which can be quite valuable if authenticated.
