The 1983 Washington quarter is a part of a series of coins whose history, design, and unique characteristics have long attracted coin enthusiasts. Although most of these coins are still in use and are valuable at their face value, some extremely well-kept examples and error variations may bring in high values, making them among the most valuable modern quarters sought by collectors.
The Washington Quarter, first introduced in 1932, remains one of the most recognizable coins in the United States. The main reason why the 1983 version of the coin is in high demand as a collectible is that there aren’t many excellent uncirculated coins from that year still in circulation. This article will discuss the 1983 Washington quarter’s grade, value, specifications, design, rarity, and history, as well as any important errors.
History of the 1983 Washington Quarter
In 1932, in celebration of George Washington’s 200th birthday, the Washington quarter was introduced for the first time. It had originally been planned to be a one-year historical coin designed by John Flanagan, but because of interest from the public in the design, the U.S. Mint decided to extend production. With the exception of 1933, the quarter has been struck almost yearly since then.
Although the 1983 quarter isn’t made up of precious metals, collectors find it challenging to find perfect examples, which is why it’s become famous. This year’s quarters were all released directly into circulation; very few coins of a higher quality were maintained by ordinary people. For those interested in evaluating their coin collections, tools like a Coin Value Checker are helpful in determining the worth of rare and circulated coins like the 1983 quarter.
Specifications of the 1983 Quarter
- Denomination: 25 cents
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Edge: Reeded
Design of the 1983 Washington Quarter
Obverse:
George Washington’s left-facing portrait on the obverse was taken from a statue. It is designed by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Throughout the image are the text “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “1983.” The mint marks “D” or “S” to the right of Washington’s hair are found on coins made at the Denver and San Francisco mints.
Reverse:
The reverse shows a wide-winged bald eagle carrying olive branches and arrows in its talons. This shows America’s prepared for both peace and war. The words “QUARTER DOLLAR” are written under the eagle, and along the edge are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Rarity and Condition
The 1983 quarters are unique because only few of the coins were preserved in mint condition and all of the coins were placed into circulation that year. Because of this, finding high-grade specimens (MS 65 and above) are highly valuable and rare. On the other hand, coins in circulation are easy to find and generally have a face value.
Errors in the 1983 Washington Quarter
The 1983 Washington quarter has many errors which make them more attractive to collectors.:
- Spitting Eagle Error: This error, which is caused by of a die clash, shows a thin line going out of the eagle’s beak that provides the impression that the bird is spitting. According to their condition, coins that included this error can sell for $40 to $500.
- Off-Center Strike: These errors occur when the coin’s design is not properly centered, which causes some parts to be missing. Excellent off-center quarters may be valued anywhere from $50 and $100.
- Overstruck on Amusement Tokens: A rare error where a 1983 quarter was struck on an entertainment token. One such coin sold for $15,862.50 in 2014.
- Struck on a Nickel Planchet: Coins that are erroneously struck on a nickel planchet have less weight and incomplete patterns. These errors can bring up large values at auction and become extremely collectible.
Grading the 1983 Washington Quarter
A 1983 quarter has to be graded with extreme care and expertise. The accepted procedure for grading coins is the Sheldon scale, which has a range of 1 to 70. Coins in mint state (MS) condition are highly valuable, with premiums for MS 65 and above grades being high.
Value of the 1983 Washington Quarter
Most circulated 1983 quarters are worth their face value. Coins in error and mint condition, however, can be very valuable:
- 1983 P Quarter: MS 65 coins are valued at about $50, while MS 67 examples are worth $500 to $600.
- 1983 D Quarter: Coins in MS 65 are valued at about $42, while those in MS 67 may bring over $1,000.
- 1983 S Proof Quarter: Proof coins are still valuable even if they are more easily accessible. Perfect PR 70 examples can fetch up to $17, while PR 65 quarters are usually valued at around $5.
Related Post –
- 1982 Washington Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1981 Washington Modern Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide
- 1971 Washington Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1970 Washington Modern Quarter: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
The historical significance and rarity of the Washington quarter from 1983 make it a fascinating piece of American coinage. Coin collectors like to find mint state coins and those with unique errors, even if many circulated examples are still in circulation today. The 1983 quarter provides numismatists with a challenge as well as a chance to acquire a piece of modern American history.