Washington Quarter (Eagle Reverse)

United States of America · 1981

A standard circulation United States quarter dollar featuring George Washington and an eagle with outstretched wings.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1981
Denomination: Quarter Dollar (25 Cents)
Metal: Clad (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 13, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A standard circulation United States quarter dollar featuring George Washington and an eagle with outstretched wings.

Historical significance

The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The 1981 issue belongs to the modern 'clad' era which began in 1965 to replace 90% silver coinage.

Obverse (front)

Profile of George Washington facing left, based on the bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Legends: 'LIBERTY' (top), 'IN GOD WE TRUST' (left), '1981' (bottom).

Reverse (back)

An eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows, with two olive branches below. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' (above eagle), 'QUARTER DOLLAR' (bottom).

Estimated value

$0.25 (face value) in circulated condition; up to $5-$10 in high Uncirculated (MS-65+) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Value is primarily determined by grade (condition). Because mintage is so high, only coins in extremely high uncirculated condition or containing errors carry a premium above face value.

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine (VG-F). The coin shows significant circulation wear, loss of detail in Washington's hair, and darkening/toning across the surfaces.

Mintage & rarity

Common. 601,447,000 were minted in Philadelphia in 1981.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic coins will have a visible copper streak on the edge. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but 'altered' coins or magician's coins should be checked for weight and seams.

Notable varieties & errors

Double Die Obverse (DDO) or Reverse (DDR) varieties are occasionally found, as well as 'Filled P' mint mark errors.

Similar coins

1981-D (Denver) or 1981-S (San Francisco) quarters, distinguished by their respective 'D' or 'S' mint marks. Also easily confused with silver quarters (pre-1965) which lack the copper edge.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning or polishing as it removes original surface luster and lowers collector value. Store in a PVC-free flip or dry container to prevent environmental damage.