The 1998 quarter is a fascinating coin for many collectors due to its perceived value. Although the 1998 quarter was not part of the well-known 50 State Quarters program, it has gained a special place in the hearts of coin collectors.
The design of the 1998 quarter is simple yet elegant, making it a favorite among numismatists. However, Do they have any value? That’s what we are going to discover.
1998 Quarter Details
- Category: Washington Quarter
- Mints: Philadelphia, Denver
- Total mintage: Over 1.5 billion coins
- Observe designer: John Flanagan
- Reverse designer: John Flanagan
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad)
- Weight: 5.67 grams
1998 Quarter Values Chart
Mint Mark | Total Mintage | MS
(65) |
PR
(65) |
1998 P | 896,268,000 | 8.07 | – |
1998 D | 821,000,000 | 8.07 | – |
1998 S Proof | 2,086,507 | – | 6.81 |
1998 S Silver Proof | 878,729 | – | 13 |
1998 Quarter Values and Varieties Guide
1998 P Washington Quarter
- Type: Washington Quarters
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: P
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1998
- Face value: 25 cents
- $ Price: $0.26-$11.00
- Quantity produced: 896,268,000
- Designer: John Flanagan
The United States Mint in Philadelphia produced the 1998 P Washington Quarter, which belongs to the esteemed Washington Quarter series initiated in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial celebration of George Washington’s birth.
Comprised of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, the 1998 P Washington Quarter weighs 5.67 grams and boasts a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. It has a reeded edge and a face value of 25 cents. In regards to mintage, more than 1 billion coins were minted for circulation, making the 1998 P Washington Quarter a relatively common coin.
In addition, the 1998 P Washington Quarter was minted in circulation, proof, and silver proof versions. The proof edition features frosted details against a mirrored background and are struck on polished planchets, while the silver proof variant comprises 90% silver and 10% copper.
A 1998 P Proof Washington quarter in perfect condition is valued at around $15. Whereas, a circulated specimen typically holds a worth of 25 cents or slightly more. Uncirculated examples in Mint State 63 condition can be worth around $1.50, while Mint State 65 coins can fetch up to $5 or more. The rarity of a Perfect Mint State 70 coin renders it highly valuable, with some collectors willing to pay thousands of dollars or more depending on demand.
1998 D Washington Quarter
- Type: Washington Quarters
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: D
- Place of minting: Denver
- Year of minting: 1998
- Face value: 25 cents
- $ Price: $.0.25-$15
- Quantity produced: 821,000,000
- Designer: John Flanagan
Minted in Denver by the United States, the 1998 D Washington Quarter has a composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, a weight of 5.67 grams, and a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. It is valued at 25 cents and features a reeded edge. The mintage of the 1998 D Washington quarter is slightly higher than the 1998 P version, with 1,179,244,000 coins produced. Collectors may expect a value of up to $100 for a 1998 D Silver Proof Washington quarter in perfect condition.
1998 S Proof
- Type: Washington Quarters
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1998
- Face value: 25 cents
- $ Price: $0.25-$50
- Quantity produced: 2,086,507
- Designer: John Flanagan
As a component of the yearly proof set, the 1998 S Proof Washington Quarter is a unique coin minted in San Francisco. It possesses a superior level of detail and a more refined finish compared to the regular circulation coins, featuring the same design as the 1998 P and 1998 D Washington quarters. Nonetheless, it is produced in a distinct mint, exclusively tailored to appeal to collectors.
The 1998 S Proof Washington Quarter is a commonly found proof coin, with a mintage of 2,086,507 coins, yet it remains highly sought-after among collectors owing to its exceptional quality and restricted availability. The value of a typical 1998 S Proof Washington Quarter in Proof 69 condition ranges from $10 to $15, while a perfect Proof 70 coin can fetch up to $50 or more.
1998 S Silver Proof
- Type: Washington Quarters
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1998
- Face value: 25 cents
- $ Price: $0.25-$,75
- Quantity produced: 878,729
- Designer: John Flanagan
The 1998 S silver proof is a silver proof coin minted in San Francisco. It features the same design as the 1998 P, 1998 D, and 1998 S Proof Washington quarters. The special composition of the coin, which includes 90% silver, sets it apart from the standard circulation quarters and makes it highly coveted by collectors.
With a mintage of only 1,430,000 coins, the 1998 S Silver Proof Washington Quarter is relatively rare compared to the standard circulation quarters. Like the 1998 S Proof, the coin features George Washington’s frosted image on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse.
Due to its rarity and special composition, a typical 1998 S Silver Proof Washington Quarter in Proof 69 condition can be worth between $10 and $20, while a perfect Proof 70 coin can fetch up to $75 or more
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation
History of the 1998 Quarter
The 1998 quarter is a significant part of the United States coinage history. It is a part of the Washington Quarter series that began in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The series is one of the longest-running coin designs in American history and has undergone several changes in design and composition over the years.
This coin was released as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, which aimed to honor each US state with a unique quarter design.
The 1998 quarter, minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, is part of this series. With over 1.5 billion coins produced, the 1998 quarter is relatively prevalent. The obverse side features a left-facing bust of George Washington with the words “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and the year “1998” encircling the image.
The reverse side shows a bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows with the words “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum” inscribed around the image. The worth of a 1998 quarter depends on its condition and whether it is a regular issue or a program preview issue. While a regular issue 1998 quarter is worth 25 cents, a program preview issue in excellent condition can be worth several dollars, depending on its rarity and grade.
Coin collectors around the world prize the 1998 quarter for its historical significance, rarity, and beauty. In summary, the 1998 quarter has an important place in American coinage history and reflects the cultural significance of George Washington’s legacy.
Also Read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money
1998 Quarter Grading
The 1998 quarter, like all coins, is graded based on its overall condition and appearance. Grading is an important aspect of coin collecting, as it can greatly affect the value and desirability of a coin to collectors. Your 1998 Quarter can be graded by third-party grading services. You can also manually inspect it to have a rough estimate.
Variations such as luster, strike, and overall appearance can increase the value of your coin. The grading of a 1998 quarter is an important factor in determining its value and desirability to collectors. It is important to do your research and work with reputable dealers to ensure that you’re getting a fair price for your coin.
Check out the video to know the real value of your coin.
1998 Quarter Errors
Most coins that come with errors are worth more, and the same goes for the 1998 quarter coin. Some errors were made during the mintage, and depending on the error, the coin is usually valued for more than its initial face value.
Some of the errors of the 1998 quarter include;
1. 1998 P Wide AM Reverse
The error is characterized by a wider gap between the “A” and “M” in “America” on the reverse side of the coin than on the standard version. This is due to a design change that was made to the die used to strike the coins, resulting in the error variety.
The variety is rare, with an estimated mintage of only about 20,000 coins, and it is highly prized in Mint State condition. Circulated examples of the coin can be worth several hundred dollars, while uncirculated examples can be worth thousands or more. Perfect Mint State 70 examples are extremely rare and can be worth tens of thousands of dollars or more.
2. 1998 Quarter Off-center Error
The 1998 Washington quarter off-center error is a common type of error that occurred during the production of some 1998 Washington quarters. This error is caused by a misalignment of the coin within the minting press, resulting in an off-center strike. The error can affect both the P and D mint-marked coins.
The degree of the off-center strike can vary, with some coins showing only a slight shift in the design and others being significantly off-center. Coins that are more heavily off-center are typically considered to be more valuable to collectors.
A 1998-P Washington quarter with a 20% off-center error and a grade of MS-64 sold for $431 at a Heritage Auctions event in August 2021. Another 1998-P Washington quarter with a 30% off-center error and a grade of MS-66 sold for $2,040 at a Great Collections auction in February 2021.
3. 1998-S Silver Proof with Reverse of 1999
The 1998-S Silver Proof with Reverse of 1999 error is a highly sought-after variety among coin collectors. This error occurred when the 1999 reverse die was mistakenly used to strike some of the 1998-S Silver Proof quarters. The result is a coin with a reverse design intended for a different year, making it a rare and unique error.
The error is not immediately noticeable to the untrained eye, as the obverse design of the coin remains the same as the 1998-S Silver Proof. However, upon closer inspection, the reverse design can be identified as belonging to the 1999 quarter, which features a different design featuring the Delaware statehood theme.
The error does not affect the coin’s grade, and a coin with this error that receives a grade of PR-60 or higher may be worth a premium over its standard counterpart. For example, in 2021, a PCGS-graded 1998-S Silver Proof with a Reverse of 1999 error in PR-69 condition sold for $28,200 at an auction
4. 1998-S Proof Reverse of 1999
The 1998-S Proof Reverse of 1999 is a proof version of the regular 1998 Washington quarter that was struck with a reverse die intended for use on the 1999 Washington quarter.
This error occurred during the production process of a small number of proof coins, resulting in a rare and valuable variety. In 2021, a PCGS-graded 1998-S Proof Reverse of 1999 in PR-69 condition sold for $2,160 at an auction
5. 1998-S Matte Proof
The 1998-S Matte Proof error is a rare variety of the 1998-S Proof Washington quarter that was struck on specially prepared matte surfaces, which was a deviation from the traditional mirror-like finish of proof coins. The error occurred when the die meant for the 1998-S Matte Proof dime was used to strike a limited number of Washington quarters.
The 1998-S Matte Proof error quarters are distinguished by their granular texture and lack of luster. The error is particularly noticeable on the obverse side, where the matte finish clashes with the raised elements of the design, resulting in a blurred, indistinct appearance. This error is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and uniqueness.
As of 2022, the value of the 1998-S Matte Proof error quarter ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the grade and rarity of the coin. High-grade examples of this error can sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after modern coin errors.
Check out this video to know about more error coins.
FAQs
1. What Is The Most Valuable 1998 Quarter?
The most valuable 1998 quarter is the 1998-S proof quarter with a deep cameo finish. It can be worth up to $10 in perfect condition.
2. Are 1998 Quarters Rare Or Collectible?
Although many 1998 quarters are not valuable to collectors, some are highly sought after due to errors and variations like the 1998 P Wide AM Reverse and the 1998 D 7/8 tail feathers.
3. How Can I Sell My 1998 Quarters?
You can sell your 1998 quarters to coin dealers, at coin shows, or online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon.
4. What Does The Obverse Of The 1998 Quarter Depict?
The obverse of the 1998 quarter depicts a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Also Read: 10+ Rarest State Quarter Errors Lists (Worth Much Money!!!)
Conclusion
The 1998 quarter is more than just an ordinary coin, carrying a rich history and symbolism. It features George Washington’s portrait on the obverse and various commemorative designs on the reverse, representing a snapshot of America’s past and present.
Each design tells a unique story, honoring famous landmarks or significant events. These coins have become cherished keepsakes for collectors and history enthusiasts. The 1998 quarter embodies American values of perseverance, innovation, and patriotism, reminding us of the nation’s achievements and rich history.