Obverse

Reverse

0.25 USD

Washington Quarter

United States of America · 1981

A heavily toned or environmentally damaged 1981 Washington Quarter with a dark brown, copper-like patina.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1981
Denomination: 0.25 USD
Grade: Very Good to Fine (VG-F) with heavy environmental staining/toning.

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 16, 2026More united states of america coins →

Explore Washington Quarter in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A heavily toned or environmentally damaged 1981 Washington Quarter with a dark brown, copper-like patina.

Historical significance

The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The design by John Flanagan replaced the Standing Liberty quarter.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of George Washington facing left, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon's bust. Inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', '1981', and the 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (back)

An eagle with outspread wings perched on a bundle of arrows with two olive branches below. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$0.25 (face value) in current condition; MS-65 examples can reach $5-$10.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), luster, and errors. This coin is common and heavily worn/stained, limiting value to its face value.

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine (VG-F) with heavy environmental staining/toning.

Mintage & rarity

601,096,000; Common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (5.67g) and reeded edge. Counterfeits of common 1980s quarters are extremely rare.

Notable varieties & errors

No major rare varieties are widely recognized for the 1981-D, though doubling on the mint mark is sometimes sought in high grades.

Similar coins

Silver Washington Quarters (1932-1964) are often compared; however, 1981 is copper-nickel clad and lacks silver content.

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule. Avoid cleaning, though this particular specimen appears to have significant environmental damage or heavy toning.

Other united states of america coins

See all

Reader's Digest Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary Coin (Token)

United States, Reader's Digest Association · 1987

No cash value (Promotional Token)

Washington Quarter (50 State Quarters Program / DC & Territories)

United States of America · Post-1999 (The specific reverse design is not visible, but this obverse design was used from 1999–2009 and 2021)

Quarter Dollar ($0.25)

Indian Head Cent

United States of America · 1899

One Cent ($0.01)

San Antonio Missions Quarter (America the Beautiful Quarters Series)

United States of America · 2019

0.25 USD (Quarter Dollar)