The 1978-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in lightly circulated condition to over $10 or more in pristine proof grades — and if you’ve got a Deep Cameo example, that number can climb even higher. If you found one in an old collection or coin roll, you might be sitting on a small but genuine treasure.

What Makes the 1978-S Quarter Different From the Rest

The “S” mintmark on this quarter means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that changes everything. Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver versions made for everyday circulation, the 1978-S Washington Quarter was produced exclusively as a proof coin, intended for collectors rather than pocket change.

That means it was struck multiple times on polished planchets with specially prepared dies, giving it that mirror-like finish you’ll notice right away. These coins were never meant to jingle around in your wallet.

Because of that special production process, even a “common” 1978-S quarter has visual appeal that your average clad coin just doesn’t have. If you’re not sure whether your coin is a proof or a business strike, a free coin identifier app can help you figure it out in seconds using just your phone camera.

How Much Is the 1978-S Washington Quarter Worth Today

Value depends heavily on grade and cameo designation. A standard proof in PR65 condition typically sells for $3–$6. But once you get into Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) territory, prices move up noticeably.

Deep Cameo examples — where the design devices appear frosted white against a mirror-clear field — are the most sought after by collectors. A PR69DCAM can fetch $20–$50 or even more depending on the certification service and recent auction results.

You can check up-to-date 1978-S Washington Quarter price data by grade to see how recent sales are trending before you decide to buy, sell, or hold.

Mintage Numbers and Why They Matter

The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 3,127,781 proof Washington Quarters in 1978. That sounds like a lot — and compared to rare key dates, it is — but only a fraction of those have survived in top-tier condition without spots, hairlines, or handling marks.

The higher the grade, the rarer the surviving examples become. That’s why the jump in value between a PR67 and a PR69 can be dramatic, even though both look beautiful to the naked eye.

For a complete breakdown of the 1978 Washington Quarter’s value across all mint marks and grades, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin pricing resource that tracks real auction results.

How to Tell If Your 1978-S Quarter Is Worth Grading

Before spending money on professional grading (PCGS or NGC), ask yourself a few questions. Does the coin still have its original mirror finish? Are there any visible scratches, cloudiness, or spots? Does the rim look clean and sharp?

If the coin came from an original U.S. Mint Proof Set that was never opened, it’s in the best shape it could possibly be in. Proof sets from this era were packaged in hard plastic holders that protected the coins well.

Even if your coin looks clean to the naked eye, tiny hairlines from improper cleaning can drop its grade significantly. Never wipe or polish a proof coin — that can destroy value instantly.

CoinKnow is a great tool for getting a quick at-home assessment before committing to a professional submission. It can analyze your coin’s condition and give you a sense of whether it’s worth pursuing certification.

Tips for Selling or Holding Your 1978-S Washington Quarter

If your quarter grades below PR67, it’s probably worth more to a casual collector than at a major auction. Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy coin shops, or local coin shows are solid options.

For higher-grade examples, especially anything in PR68DCAM or better, getting it certified by PCGS or NGC is almost always worth the submission fee. A certified coin sells faster and for more money than a raw one.

CoinKnow can also help you track comparable sales so you know when the timing is right to list your coin. Staying informed is the best way to get fair value for what you have.

—

FAQ

Q: Is the 1978-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare due to its mintage of over 3 million, but high-grade Deep Cameo examples in PR69 are genuinely scarce and collectible.

Q: Can I find a 1978-S quarter in everyday circulation?
A: Extremely unlikely. The 1978-S was a proof-only issue made for collectors, so it was never released into general circulation. If you find one, it likely came from a proof set.

Q: Should I get my 1978-S quarter professionally graded?
A: Only if it appears to be in exceptional, unhandled condition — especially if it shows strong cameo contrast. Use CoinKnow to get a preliminary read on condition before spending money on a formal submission.