Thread: 1983 Washington Quarters

What is reason for the higher values associated with 1983 Washington quarters even at the grades as low as 'G' as evidenced here:
http://www.numismedia.com/fmv/prices...pricesgd.shtml
Was it just low mintage volume? I don't know how many 1983 quarters I've seen that I've just used.....Why doesn't this equate to the 1983 Proof set. The value of that proof set isn't very high in comparison to just the value of a circulated quarter....

The '83-P quarter is scarce in unc, rare in gem, and getting a little tough in AU. It is still quite common in XF and lower grades and will not bring a premium. There were no mint sets issued in '82/'83 so no ready source of coins for all the new collectors. AU coins will retail at up to about $25 while the uncs go for close to $40. Gems are not often seen or traded.

Originally Posted by cladking

The '83-P quarter is scarce in unc, rare in gem, and getting a little tough in AU. It is still quite common in XF and lower grades and will not bring a premium. There were no mint sets issued in '82/'83 so no ready source of coins for all the new collectors. AU coins will retail at up to about $25 while the uncs go for close to $40. Gems are not often seen or traded.

So you can see what's wrong with this ebay auction

Looks like a proof to me? Also I might point out the 82 Washington quarters are through the roof also. Wish I had all four of the 82 and 83 quarters I have parted with in the last 20 years! If only we knew!

Originally Posted by lawdogct

So you can see what's wrong with this ebay auction

If I can jump in...

I see several things that would tell me to stay away from that auction.

The opening bid is too high.

The seller waits until the buyer leaves Feedback, in order to retaliate, if necessary.

The buyer has only three days to make sure the seller receives money.

Seller charges $5.20 to send a single coin.

This is an "All Sales Final" auction.

I would definately pass on this one

Originally Posted by cladking

The '83-P quarter is scarce in unc, rare in gem, and getting a little tough in AU. It is still quite common in XF and lower grades and will not bring a premium. There were no mint sets issued in '82/'83 so no ready source of coins for all the new collectors. AU coins will retail at up to about $25 while the uncs go for close to $40. Gems are not often seen or traded.

Ok. goo dinformation. However, if you take a look at the Numismedia fair price guide you will see that even in the lowest grade it's valued at a little over $2.00. That's significant in comparison with other years. However, the 1983 proof set (cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar is only fetcjhing between $4-$7). Is that difference because the Proof set is 's' mintmark while the circ coins are D and P?
Also you mention lower grades will not bring a 'premium'. What constitutes a 'premium' price?
So rolling 1982's and 1983's even in lower grades might be a good idea?

The difference is because one is a Proof coin and the other is not. Finding high grade examples among Proofs is not difficult. Finding high grade examples in these business strike coins is difficult.

There are many examples of the early clad coinage that are difficult to find in higher grades. Even from the mint sets, gem quality coins can be tough to find. Finding nice examples in circulation can be almost impossible.

Originally Posted by lawdogct

So you can see what's wrong with this ebay auction

I asked who the coin was graded by and got this response....

"The Grading Service for the MS-70 1983 P Mint Washington is America's Grading Service..."

They must br right up there with SGS !!!

Originally Posted by collect4fun

They must br right up there with SGS !!!

Actually, it is SGS!. Read this listing.

Originally Posted by cladking

The '83-P quarter is scarce in unc, rare in gem, and getting a little tough in AU. It is still quite common in XF and lower grades and will not bring a premium. There were no mint sets issued in '82/'83 so no ready source of coins for all the new collectors. AU coins will retail at up to about $25 while the uncs go for close to $40. Gems are not often seen or traded.

My aunt saved all her change from about 1982 - 86 and still has it all. She's let me go through the pennies and a few of the nickel/dime/quarter bags. Most of the coins were from that time period and in really good condition. I will definitely have to go through them again and pull the 1982/3 quarters. My aunt's only rule is that I have to split the value of anything worth $5000 or more. Cool aunt eh?

My aunt saved all her change from about 1982 - 86 and still has it all. She's let me go through the pennies and a few of the nickel/dime/quarter bags. Most of the coins were from that time period and in really good condition. I will definitely have to go through them again and pull the 1982/3 quarters. My aunt's only rule is that I have to split the value of anything worth $5000 or more. Cool aunt eh?

That was a great era for varieties. Keep a lok out for 1982 dimes without mintmarks too.

Originally Posted by cladking

That was a great era for varieties. Keep a lok out for 1982 dimes without mintmarks too.

Definitely. Thanks for the tip