The 1984-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in average circulated condition to over $6 or more in top-tier proof grades — and if you’ve got one sitting in an old coin jar, it might be more interesting than you think. This San Francisco-minted proof coin has a dedicated following among collectors, and knowing what you have can make a real difference.

What Makes the 1984-S Quarter Special

If you’ve come across a 1984-S Washington Quarter, you’re looking at a coin that was never meant for everyday pocket change. The “S” mintmark stands for the San Francisco Mint, which in 1984 produced these quarters exclusively as proof coins — struck with special dies and polished planchets to create that sharp, mirror-like finish that collectors love.

These coins were sold directly to collectors through the U.S. Mint as part of annual proof sets. That means they were handled carefully from day one, and most examples you’ll find today are still in excellent condition.

That said, not all 1984-S quarters are created equal. The grade matters enormously when it comes to value, and even small differences in surface quality or cameo contrast can push the price up significantly.

If you’re not sure what you’re holding, a free coin identifier app can help you figure out the mintmark, condition, and estimated value right from your phone — no coin shop visit required.

1984-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade

Here’s a look at what the 1984-S Washington Quarter typically sells for depending on its condition. Most examples are proof coins graded on the PR scale rather than the standard MS scale.

The “DCAM” designation — short for Deep Cameo — refers to the frosted portrait of Washington against a mirror-like background. These coins command the highest prices at auction.

For a deeper look at Washington Quarter price data across grades and mint years, coin price databases can give you a real-time sense of the market.

How Does the 1984-S Compare to Other 1984 Quarters

In 1984, the U.S. Mint produced Washington Quarters at three facilities. The Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark) and the Denver Mint (“D”) struck quarters for general circulation — billions of them. The San Francisco Mint, by contrast, produced only proof versions.

The 1984-P and 1984-D quarters are extremely common and typically worth face value or just slightly above in circulated grades. Even in uncirculated condition, they usually bring only $1 to $3.

The 1984-S proof quarter stands apart because of its limited production for collector sets, its striking quality, and the fact that most examples have been carefully preserved. For a complete breakdown of 1984 quarter values across all three mint varieties, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin value resource.

CoinKnow is a great tool for this — the app lets you scan your coin, identify the mintmark, and compare it against current market data in seconds.

Tips for Selling or Grading Your 1984-S Quarter

If you believe you have a high-grade example — especially a PR-68 DCAM or better — it may be worth submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade adds credibility and can significantly boost resale value.

For coins in the PR-65 to PR-67 range, the cost of professional grading often outweighs the potential profit. In those cases, selling raw (ungraded) through eBay or a local coin dealer is usually the smarter move.

Always store your proof coins in their original cases or in hard plastic flips to avoid surface contact. Even a tiny fingerprint can lower the grade and reduce what a buyer will pay.

CoinKnow can help you decide whether grading makes financial sense before you spend money on submission fees — a smart first step before heading to a professional grader.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1984-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense — the San Francisco Mint struck several million proof coins that year. However, high-grade examples with deep cameo contrast (PR-68 DCAM and above) are much harder to find and can bring real money from collectors.

Q: How do I know if my 1984 quarter is an “S” mint coin?
A: Look just above the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. You should see a small “S” to the left of Washington’s portrait. If there’s no mintmark or a “D,” you have a Philadelphia or Denver coin instead. A CoinKnow scan can also identify the mint instantly.

Q: Can I find a 1984-S quarter in circulation?
A: It’s very unlikely. Since these were proof coins sold only in collector sets, they rarely entered everyday circulation. If you found one in change, it may have accidentally escaped from someone’s collection — and it’s definitely worth setting aside.