The 1980-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily worn condition to around $10 or more in uncirculated mint state — and a handful of certified high-grade examples have sold for over $100 at auction. If you just found one of these quarters in a drawer, a coin roll, or an old piggy bank, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and why.

What Makes the 1980-D Washington Quarter Special

The 1980-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, which is indicated by the small “D” mintmark on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s portrait. In 1980, the Denver Mint produced over 518 million of these quarters, making it one of the higher-mintage coins of the modern era.

Because so many were made, most circulated examples are worth only face value or a small premium. However, that doesn’t mean your coin is worthless — condition is everything in the coin world.

If your 1980-D quarter looks shiny, has sharp details on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse, and shows no signs of heavy wear, it could be worth several dollars or more. Coins in truly pristine, uncirculated condition are the ones collectors actually pay a premium for.

Not sure what condition your coin is in? You can use a free coin identifier app to get a quick assessment right from your smartphone — no expertise required.

1980-D Washington Quarter Value by Grade

Here’s a quick look at how condition affects the value of the 1980-D Washington Quarter. Coin grading runs from Poor (P-1) all the way to Perfect Mint State (MS-70).

For the most up-to-date auction results and certified coin sales, you can browse detailed 1980 Washington Quarter price data by grade and mint state to see exactly what collectors are paying right now.

How to Tell If Your 1980-D Quarter Is Worth More Than Face Value

The first thing to check is the “D” mintmark. Flip your quarter over and look near Washington’s collar — you should see a small letter. A “D” means Denver, a “P” means Philadelphia, and no mintmark at all on modern quarters is unusual and worth investigating.

Next, hold your coin under a bright light and tilt it at an angle. Look for luster — that original cartwheel shine that mint-fresh coins have. Circulated coins that passed through pockets and cash registers lose that shine quickly.

Finally, examine the highest points of the design. On the obverse, look at the hair above Washington’s ear. On the reverse, check the eagle’s breast feathers and the lettering. Coins that still show sharp, well-defined details in these areas grade higher — and are worth more money.

CoinKnow is a popular app used by both beginners and experienced collectors to evaluate coins like the 1980-D Washington Quarter. It gives you an instant grade estimate and value range without having to visit a coin dealer.

Are Any 1980-D Quarters Worth a Lot of Money

Most 1980-D Washington Quarters you come across are common coins, but there are exceptions. Error coins — quarters with striking mistakes, doubled dies, or off-center designs — can be worth significantly more than a standard example.

A doubled die error, for instance, shows visible doubling in the lettering or design when viewed under magnification. Off-center strikes, where the design isn’t centered on the blank planchet, are also highly sought after. These errors are rare, but they do exist in the 1980-D series.

If you suspect your coin has an error, don’t clean it. Cleaning a coin destroys its surface and can reduce its value dramatically. Instead, put it in a soft coin flip or a small ziplock bag and have it evaluated.

You can check out a full breakdown of 1980 quarter values including error varieties and what they’re worth today to see if your coin matches any known varieties.

CoinKnow can also help you identify potential error coins by comparing your photo against a database of known mint errors — it’s a great first step before spending money on professional grading.

Should You Get Your 1980-D Quarter Graded

Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is generally only worth the cost if your coin grades MS-65 or higher. Grading fees typically run $20 to $50 per coin for standard turnaround, so submitting a coin worth $5 doesn’t make financial sense.

However, if you have a coin that looks truly pristine — brilliant luster, sharp details, no marks visible to the naked eye — it might be worth a closer look. An MS-67 example could fetch $100 or more in a certified holder.

When in doubt, CoinKnow lets you do a quick self-assessment before committing to any professional services. It’s a smart, free way to sort the common coins from the ones that might actually be worth sending in.

FAQ

Q: How do I find the mintmark on my 1980 Washington Quarter?
A: Look at the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s neckline near the date. A small “D” indicates the Denver Mint. The “P” for Philadelphia also appears on 1980 quarters — this was actually the first year Philadelphia added its mintmark to circulating quarters.

Q: Is a 1980-D Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No. The 1980-D Washington Quarter is made of a copper-nickel clad composition — it contains no silver at all. Washington Quarters stopped being made with 90% silver after 1964. The only silver quarters from this era were special collector’s proof issues, not regular circulation coins.

Q: What is the most valuable 1980-D Washington Quarter ever sold?
A: A 1980-D Washington Quarter graded MS-67 by PCGS has sold for over $100 at major coin auctions. Coins graded MS-68 or above are extremely rare and could command even higher prices if one ever surfaces in that grade. Most examples you’ll find, however, are in circulated condition and worth only face value.