The 1986 Washington quarter was a design success after the US mint had various redesigns of the Silver Washington quarter in the previous years. It was first produced in 1932 and has since been prevalent in the coin market till now.
Since these coins were massively produced and are considerably old, you may wonder what their worth is in this present age. Fortunately, the 1986 Washington quarters may be worth more than you think.
1986 Quarter Value Details
- Category: Washington Quarter dollar
- Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- Total Mintage: 1,058,508,490 (1.1 billion)
- Face value: Twenty-five cents ($0.25)
- Observe designer: John Flanagan
- Reverse designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
- Diameter: 24.3 millimetres
- Thickness: 1.75 millimetres
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
1986 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint mark | Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated |
| 1986 P Washington Quarter | $0.5 | $4 | $6 | $18 |
| 1986-S proof Washington Quarter | $0.25 | $1.25 | $2 | $5 |
| 1986 D Washington quarter | $0.25 | $1 | $6 | $20 |
1986 Value and Varieties Guide
1986 P Washington Quarter Value
- Category: Washington Quarter
- Mints: Philadelphia
- Total Mintage: 551,199,000
- Mint mark: P
- Face value: Twenty-five cents ($0.25)
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
- Diameter: 24.3 millimetres
- Thickness: 1.75 millimetres
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
The 1986 P quarter value had a total mintage of 551 million and was struck in Philadelphia. However, due to this large amount in production, the coin may only be considered to be worth a little, but they’re the most valuable of the three 1986 quarter varieties. You’ll find a “P” mint mark on the coin’s obverse. Their prices range from $0.25 to $18 depending on their condition, grade, and demand at the time. But these coins, in their high quality, have been sold for a relatively high price over the years. For instance, in 2019, a 1986 P Washington quarter with a grade of MS67 was auctioned and sold for about $2600. It was considered one of ten coins of that grade and condition that year. Likewise, an MS66 was sold for $50 on auction. But, it may be hard to find a 1986 P of a high grade, but it’s not totally impossible and will only mean you spend a few more bucks to own them.
1986-S Proof Washington Quarter Dollar Value
- Category: Washington Quarter
- Mints: San Francisco
- Total Mintage: 3,010,497
- Mint mark: S
- Face value: Twenty-five cents ($0.25)
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
- Diameter: 24.3 millimetres
- Thickness: 1.75 millimetres
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
This coin was minted in San Francisco in 1986 with the least mintage of that series – 3 million total mints. Hence, this made it less circulated than the others and a little less familiar in coin markets. However, it says nothing about its value since this coin is lesser than the other mints in this quarter series. A 1986-S proof Washington quarter of average condition costs between $1 to $15 again, depending on its grade. But, during auctions and open markets, they can reach up to $100 which is a reasonable price for good-quality coins.
In 2019, they were sold in the 70 DCAM or deep cameo, which is their best possible grade, for $13.50. They are, however, still collectible and are purchased mainly to complete a mint series. They have an “S” mint mark on the right of George Washington’s portrait on the obverse and have a shiny proof coin finish.
1986 D Washington Quarter Dollar Value
- Category: Washington Quarter
- Mints: Denver
- Total Mintage: 504,298,660
- Face value: Twenty-five cents ($0.25)
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
- Diameter: 24.3 millimetres
- Thickness: 1.75 millimetres
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
With a 504 million total mintage, the 1986 D quarter can be sold just a little above its face value. It was minted in Denver with a “D” mint mark and had the second-highest mintage at the time. Like the others, its price range depends on the grade and condition of the coin, and you can find it for $0.05 and $4 in its uncirculated form. They are relatively common compared to the 1986 P, and you can see them with high grades in the coin market and on auctions. Undeniably, a 1986 D Washington quarter of a high grade and perfect condition will cost more. In 2019, an MS67 1986 D Washington quarter was sold for $408. So if you’re considering this coin mint in high grade, you’ll need to set aside a few more bucks.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation
History of the 1986 Quarter
The Washington quarter was first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the US first president George Washington. The bicentennial committee members requested the coin for a Washington half a dollar and it was meant to last for only a year. However, it permanently replaced the standing liberty quarter and was released into circulation in August 1932 with about 6.2 million quarters minted.
The portrait of George Washington facing left was designed by John Flanagan based on the sculpture of Washington by Jean-Antoine Huodon in 1786. The quarter-dollar design was regarded as one of the most prominent designs, and the coin was created with copper and nickel but was initially struck with silver in 1965. This design lasted from 1932 to 1998.
The 1986 Washington quarter is one of the coin series minted under the Washington quarter category. Its obverse has George Washington’s portrait with the word “LIBERTY” above and around his head and hair. Below the head is the date, “1986”, when the coin was minted, and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed to the left of Washington’s portrait.
The coin’s reverse has a heraldic eagle design which is Art-deco inspired. The eagle is perched on a bunch of arrows facing left alongside the eagle’s head. Then beneath the eagle are olive branches forming a U shape around the eagle’s base and the phrase “QUARTER DOLLAR” underneath it. Also, the Latin inscription, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, which means “out of many, one”, can be seen just above the eagle’s head and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top of the coin’s rim.
Also Read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money
1986 Quarter Grading
The 1986 Washington quarter is priced and valued based on its condition and mintage. Therefore, your coin will have a relatively high price if it is graded higher. However, the 1986 quarter coins are famous in the market and have spent several years in circulation, so they may cost lower in the coin market. Still, it’s best to know how the coin is graded to determine its best purchase price.
- Uncirculated: This grade of the 1986 Washington quarter has not been in the market or exchange. Thus, the coin maintains its original mint state with its shine, lustre, and details intact. Therefore, there are no wears on this coin, which will cost more than other grades.
- Extra fine: This coin’s value may be diminished due to particular little wears, but they’re only noticeable on a closer look. So, although there may be a little smudge or scratch on the coin, this doesn’t adversely affect the coin’s value.
- Fine: In this grade, the coin has some noticeable damage and has been exchanged for quite a while in the coin market. You may notice damage on Washington’s hair and smoothen on some specific details. This coin costs less than the two other grades.
- Good: Coins in this grade are collected to complete a mint series or simply from a fascination with the coin design. However, they have suffered considerable damage, including scratches and some loss of details like Washington’s hair and neck smoothening. They are sold at an affordable rate.
Check out this video to be more informed on coin grading and the different coin worth.
1986 Quarter Errors
It is unlikely to find unique coins intentionally made by the US mints that are different from the rest in that category. However, some errors are made during mintage due to a large number of production and specific circumstances. Some of these errors are considered unique and may be more valuable than a standard coin. Here are some examples of this error:
1. Broad-Struck Error
This results from the die deeply striking the coin, which makes it broader. The broad stroke is noticeable around the rim of the coin, and this kind of error is not common and was once sold for $16.
2. Broad-Struck and Double-Struck Error
This 1986 Washington quarter was both broad-struck and double-struck, making it a unique variety and considered more valuable than the standard coin. It was sold for over $125 to a collector.
3. Missing Letters on The Reverse
On some occasions, the coins were not well struck, or the die was worn out, and this caused some letters like the “A” in “America” and the end letters for “dollar” to be missing on the reverse, but collectors find this unique and purchase them. These error coins are worth about $50 to $80.
4. Triple Curved Clips
This error occurred with a 1986 D Washington quarter with three clips. One of the clips took almost half of the coin clearing out the date at the bottom of the coin. Another minor one was on the top over the “LIBERTY” inscription, and the last little clip was down to the right of the date. It was sold for $140, which means you can find it around this price or more.
5. Die Adjustment Strike Mint Error
This error made the coin’s appearance fade, with many details missing, including the eagle portrait. So, this coin isn’t very valuable and was sold for about $35.
6. Off-Center Struck
This happens when the die strikes a planchet that is wrongly placed and causes the details on the coin to be one-sided or off-centre. Depending on the year, this kind of error can be really valuable, but this coin sold for a little over $25, so there is only a little value there.
7. Strike On A 5-Cent Planchet
This is an error worth $300; the coin was struck on a Jefferson Nickel planchet making it one of its kind. It had a grade of about MS70, which explains why it was sold for such a high price.
This video is informative on some 1986 quarter error coins that are worth more than you think.
FAQ
1. How much is a 1986 S-proof quarter worth?
The 1986 Washington quarter was mainly proof of coins minted in San Francisco. They are worth about $5 in good condition but can be more in an auction if the coin possesses certain qualities considered unique.
2. What is a 1986 quarter worth?
A 1986 quarter has a face value of 25 cents but can be worth more. This coin in the open market can be bought for as high as $50 to $300, depending on its grade, condition, and mint.
3. Are all 1986 quarters silver?
After 1965, mints stopped producing silver quarters, and all quarters minted after then had a cupronickel-clad composition. However, a few silver quarters were minted after 1965.
4. What quarters from 1980 are valuable?
The 1982 and 1983 Washington quarters are the most valuable in this category.
5. Are error coins worth collecting?
Most times, error coins are worth more than the standard coin themselves so that’s a big yes. Collectors consider them unique and a great addition to their collection. But other times, some error coins are not graded very highly or valuable.
Conclusion
These quarter coins may be ascribed a considerably low face value (25 cents), but they can be worth more than that in the open coin market. In addition, collectors find the design of this coin brilliant and purchase them at different times on auction and in the coin market. So if you’re looking to collect some great coins, the 1986 Washington quarter is an excellent choice to opt for, and they can be affordable depending on their grade and type.
Whether you want to buy or sell it, it is necessary for you to inspect your coin before grading and going ahead to sell or buy. You can buy these coins on online markets like eBay or an auction.
Also Read: 10+ Rarest State Quarter Errors Lists (Worth Much Money!!!)
I have a 1986 p quarter with am apostrophe between the I and b in liberty.. is this a rare error or what? Thank you.