Washington Quarter Dollar

United States of America · 1981

A copper-nickel clad United States quarter featuring President George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1981
Denomination: 25 Cents (Quarter Dollar)

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Overview

A copper-nickel clad United States quarter featuring President George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. By 1981, it was the standard circulating quarter, though it no longer contained silver (which was removed in 1965).

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile of George Washington with 'LIBERTY' above, the date '1981' below, and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' to the left.

Reverse (back)

An eagle with wings spread standing on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches below. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$0.25 (face value) in circulated condition; $1-$3 in high Mint State grades.

What drives this coin's value

Value is primarily driven by condition (grade). In circulated condition, it is only worth face value. Errors or high-grade uncirculated examples can command small premiums.

Grade assessment

Circulated / About Good to Fine. Shows significant surface wear, scratches, and darkening/toning from circulation.

Mintage & rarity

Common. The Philadelphia mint produced over 600 million copies in 1981.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (5.67g) and the edge for the visible copper stripe typical of clad coinage. Counterfeits of this specific non-precious year are extremely rare.

Notable varieties & errors

None widely recognized for 1981 business strikes; collectors sometimes look for the 'Clear S' vs 'Filled S' on Proof sets of this year, but this is a circulation strike coin at face value.