The 1983-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $15 or more for high-grade deep cameo examples — and a few special pieces have sold for much higher at auction. If you found one of these in a collection or old coin folder, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1983-S Quarter Special
The 1983-S Washington Quarter wasn’t made for everyday spending. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically as a proof coin, meaning it was produced for collectors using specially polished dies and planchets. That “S” mintmark on the obverse — just to the right of Washington’s neck — tells you right away that this coin came from San Francisco.
Proof coins have a mirror-like background and frosted design details, which gives them that stunning contrast collectors love. In 1983, the U.S. Mint produced just over 3.2 million proof quarters as part of the annual proof set. That sounds like a lot, but the survival rate in top condition is much lower, which is why gem-quality examples still command a premium today.
If you’ve just pulled this quarter out of an old box or inherited a coin collection, a coin identification app can be a great first step to confirm what you have before you dig deeper into the value.
Understanding the Grade and Value Range
Like all coins, condition is everything when it comes to value. The 1983-S quarter is graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70. For proof coins, the key grades to know are PR65, PR67, PR69, and the top PR70. You’ll also see “Cameo” (CAM) and “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations — the DCAM label means the frosted devices contrast sharply against the mirror-like fields, and those coins are worth the most.
Here’s a simple breakdown of typical 1983-S Washington Quarter values based on grade:
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Standard | $3 – $5 |
| PR65 | DCAM | $5 – $8 |
| PR67 | DCAM | $8 – $15 |
| PR69 | DCAM | $15 – $30 |
| PR70 | DCAM | $100+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data, you can check out detailed 1983 Washington Quarter price records from recent auction results to see exactly what collectors are paying right now.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Ungraded or Has Been Handled
Most 1983-S quarters you’ll come across were kept in their original proof sets. If your coin is still sealed in the original Mint packaging, that’s a good sign — it likely hasn’t been touched and may grade well. However, if it was removed from the set, handled with bare hands, or stored loosely, there could be hairlines or contact marks that reduce its grade and value significantly.
Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it gently. Look for fine scratches across the mirror-like fields — these are called hairlines, and they’re the most common reason a proof coin doesn’t hit top grades. Even a few hairlines can drop a coin from PR69 to PR65, which makes a real difference in price.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, CoinKnow is a handy tool that helps you identify coins, understand grades, and get a ballpark value right from your phone — no coin expertise needed.
Should You Get It Certified or Sell It As-Is
For most 1983-S quarters, professional grading through PCGS or NGC only makes financial sense if you believe the coin is a PR69 DCAM or PR70. Grading fees typically run $20–$40 per coin for standard services, and the coin needs to be worth more than that to justify the cost.
If you’re just trying to figure out what your coin is worth before deciding whether to sell, keep, or gift it, you don’t need to spend money on grading right away. Start with a solid value resource — this complete guide to 1983 quarter values covers all mintmarks and condition ranges in one place — so you know where you stand before making any decisions.
And if you’re building a collection or starting to take coins more seriously, CoinKnow makes it easy to track what you own, research values, and even scan coins for quick identification. It’s a great companion for beginner and intermediate collectors alike.
Where to Sell Your 1983-S Washington Quarter
If you’ve decided to sell, you have several good options. eBay is the most popular marketplace for proof coins — just search “1983-S Washington Quarter proof” and filter by sold listings to see what buyers have actually paid recently. Coin dealers are another option, especially if you have a full proof set to sell together.
For raw (ungraded) coins in average condition, don’t expect to get more than a few dollars. That’s not a bad thing — it just means this coin is more of a sentimental or set-completion piece than a high-value rarity. But if you have a pristine DCAM example, it’s worth taking the time to find the right buyer.
CoinKnow can also help you identify the best selling channels based on what you have, making the whole process a lot less intimidating.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1983-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not particularly. The San Francisco Mint produced over 3.2 million of these proof quarters in 1983. However, finding one in perfect PR70 condition is rare, and those high-grade examples can sell for $100 or more.
Q: Can I find a 1983-S quarter in circulation?
A: It’s extremely unlikely. The 1983-S was only made as a proof coin for collector sets and was never released into general circulation. If you find one, it was almost certainly taken from a proof set at some point.
Q: Does the 1983-S quarter contain silver?
A: No. The standard 1983-S proof quarter is made of copper-nickel clad, just like regular circulation quarters. There is no silver version of this date, so the value is based entirely on condition and collector demand rather than metal content.
