Standard 1980 quarters are worth face value ($0.25), but error coins can be significantly more valuable. The 1980-P marked the first use of “P” mint mark on quarters. Circulated 1980-P and 1980-D coins are worth $0.25, while high-grade uncirculated examples (MS-65+) can fetch $10-$50 or more. The 1980-S was proof-only production. Valuable errors include wrong planchet strikes (up to $180), doubled dies, off-center strikes, and missing clad layers. To determine value, identify the mint mark (P, D, or S below “ONE”), assess condition, check for errors, and consult professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for high-value specimens.
Most 1980 quarters sitting in your pocket are worth exactly twenty-five cents, but a few rare specimens have sold for hundreds of dollars. The 1980 Washington quarter holds special significance as the first year the Philadelphia mint mark appeared on quarters, and certain minting errors transformed ordinary pocket change into collector treasures. Understanding what separates a common coin from a valuable error piece could mean discovering unexpected value in your spare change.
The Historic First: 1980-P Mint Mark Introduction
The 1980 quarter marked a pivotal moment in United States coinage history. For the first time since the Washington quarter series began in 1932, the Philadelphia Mint added its distinctive “P” mint mark to quarters. This change made 1980-P quarters instantly collectible, though most circulated examples remain worth face value today.
The Philadelphia Mint produced 635,832,000 quarters in 1980, creating an abundant supply that keeps common circulated pieces at minimal value. However, pristine uncirculated specimens tell a different story. A 1980-P quarter graded MS-65 (Mint State 65) typically sells between twelve and eighteen dollars, while exceptional MS-67 examples have reached forty-five to sixty-five dollars at auction.
The value escalates dramatically for nearly perfect specimens. In 2022, a 1980-P quarter graded MS-68 sold through Heritage Auctions for two hundred twenty dollars. These premium grades require sharp strikes, full luster, and virtually no contact marks—qualities rarely found in coins that circulated through commerce.
| Grade | 1980-P Value | 1980-D Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| AU-50 | $0.75 | $0.75 |
| MS-63 | $3.50 | $3.25 |
| MS-65 | $15.00 | $14.00 |
| MS-67 | $55.00 | $50.00 |
Denver and San Francisco Production
The Denver Mint struck 518,327,487 quarters in 1980, identifiable by the small “D” mint mark on the reverse beneath the eagle. Like their Philadelphia counterparts, circulated 1980-D quarters hold only face value. Uncirculated pieces in MS-65 condition command ten to sixteen dollars, with MS-67 specimens reaching fifty to sixty dollars.
The San Francisco Mint took a different approach in 1980, producing only proof coins for collectors. These 3,554,806 specially-made quarters feature mirror-like surfaces and frosted design elements. Standard 1980-S proof quarters in PR-68 or PR-69 condition typically sell for eight to fifteen dollars. Deep Cameo proof versions, which display maximum contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields, fetch fifteen to twenty-five dollars for PR-69 specimens.
A 1980-S proof quarter graded PR-70 Deep Cameo—representing absolute perfection—sold for one hundred thirty-five dollars through PCGS in 2023. These flawless coins represent the pinnacle of modern quarter collecting.
Valuable Minting Errors Worth Hunting
Error coins transform the 1980 quarter hunt from mundane to exciting. Manufacturing mistakes that escaped quality control now command substantial premiums from collectors specializing in mint errors.
Wrong Planchet Errors
The most valuable 1980 quarter error involves coins struck on incorrect metal blanks. A documented 1980-D quarter struck on a five-cent nickel planchet sold for one hundred eighty dollars after certification by ANACS. These wrong planchet errors occur when a blank intended for another denomination accidentally enters the quarter striking press.
The difference is immediately noticeable: a quarter on a nickel planchet weighs 5.0 grams instead of the standard 5.67 grams and displays a different edge appearance. The smaller nickel planchet also creates incomplete design elements around the rim. Similar wrong planchet errors on dime or cent blanks exist but remain extremely rare, with values ranging from one hundred fifty to three hundred dollars depending on condition
What is the P error on the 1980 quarter?
Common 1980-P quarter errors include a “filled” mint mark, where the ‘P’ is obscured, and various struck-through errors, where grease or other debris interfered with the die’s striking process. Other errors to look for are off-center strikes, which result in a partial or completely missing image, and potentially double die errors, though these are less common.
How much is a 1980 s proof quarter worth?
1980 S Proof Quarter Value Due to this high number, the prices for graded Quarters is also minimal. The PR60 and above grades could bring some value, while the deep cameo conditions have a drastic effect on the price. The price range for Quarters from PR60 to PR70 can range from $2 to almost $40.
Are D mint quarters worth anything?
Yes, some “D” quarters are worth more than face value, particularly those minted before 1965 (which are made of 90% silver) or quarters with minting errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes. Quarters from specific years, such as the 1964-D, 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf,” or 1976-D Bicentennial double die, can be valuable. To determine a quarter’s worth, check its date for pre-1965 silver content, inspect for minting errors with a magnifying glass, and examine its overall condition.