1985 Quarter Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The 1985 quarter which is part of the Washington Quarter series is a common coin that holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. It is relatively simple to locate in circulation and in coin collections because the United States Mint produced it in large quantities. Despite its ubiquity, a lot of people wonder about this coin’s worth. We’ll examine the 1985 quarter’s value in more detail in this article.
1985 Quarter Details
The 1985 quarter is a circulating coin of the United States that has a standard diameter of 24.30 mm and a thickness of 1.75 mm. it weighs 5.67 grams and is made of a copper-nickel alloy that consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This coin is strong enough to endure regular use in circulation thanks to its composition.
With a total mintage of 1,801,685,000, the 1985 quarter was made in large quantities. This coin was minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, which are located throughout the United States. The obverse design features the profile of George Washington, the first President of the United States, while the reverse design depicts a bald eagle with outstretched wings. The 1985 quarter was designed by John Flanagan, who was best known for his coinage and memorial medal designs.
1985 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint | Good | Fine | Extra Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1985 – P Washington Quarter Value | $0.25 | $0.30 | $0.85 | $10 |
| 1985 – D Washington Quarter Value | $0.25 | $0.30 | $0.85 | $10 |
| 1985 – S Washington Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.80 | $10 | $15 |
1985 – P Washington Quarter
The mint mark on the 1985 quarter, produced in Philadelphia, is a small “P” found on the observe side of the coin. The Philadelphia mint produced nearly 776 million quarters in 1985, making them relatively simple to obtain. However, getting a 1985 – P in pristine condition may be difficult, as time and wear can diminish its look and value.
Collectors may search out a 1985 P quarter to add to their collection due to its historical significance. While millions were made, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. Collectors frequently use grading methods to identify the condition and value of a coin, with uncirculated coins being the most desirable.
The 1985-P Washington Quarter is deemed scarce in MS66 and higher condition, with only a few hundred examples, discovered. It is even more difficult to locate in MS67 condition, making it one of the most difficult issues in the series. This is particularly true when compared to many of the Silver Quarters produced in previous years. There are currently only a few MS67 examples of the 1985 P-Washington Quarter known and none have been evaluated higher.
1985 – D Washington Quarter
The 1985 D quarter is a quarter-dollar coin bearing the “D” mint mark, signifying that it was minted at the Denver Mint. With a large mintage of more than 520 million, the 1985 Denver mint mark quarter is a common coin. This means that the coin is generally accessible and not regarded as valuable or rare in circulated conditions. The 1985 D quarter is valued at 25 cents in circulated form. They may have a greater value to collectors if they are in uncirculated condition or have interesting errors.
Even minor differences in the world of coin collecting can significantly affect value. Take the 1985 quarter as an illustration. The Denver-minted form of this coin, graded MS65, has a value of $16 as opposed to $12 for the Philadelphia-minted version. The value disparity expands significantly at MS67, where the Denver quarter is valued at $550 versus $775 for the Philadelphia version. This may sound contradictory, but the reason for this is that top-quality Denver-minted quarters are more scarce.
While an MS67 Philadelphia quarter is deemed a high-quality coin, Denver-minted coins must meet a higher standard. Only two pieces have received MS67+ grades, making them top-notch for this coin. As a consequence, these rarities are extremely valuable at $4,250 each.
1985 – S Proof Washington Quarter
The 1985 S quarter coins minted in San Francisco were all proofs. Proof coins are specially crafted to meet high standards using meticulously selected planchets and unique dies, with the primary objective of achieving exceptional beauty and detail for coin collectors.
Over 3.36 million – S-proof 1985 quarters were minted, which is considerably less than the number of business strike coins produced. Deep cameo-proof coins were struck, signifying the highest quality coins with a stunning contrast between polished portals and snow-like devices.
A good strike was made on the 1985-S Proof Washington Quarter as the San Francisco Mint has a rich history of producing high-quality coins, and the 1985-S proof quarter is no exception. The majority of coins fall in between PR67 and PR69 deep cameo condition. They are rare in perfect PR70 deep cameo condition, but the majority of collectors easily should be able to purchase one as their prices are modest. They are valued at between $16 to $50 even in a flawless PR70 condition.
History of the 1985 Washington Quarter
In 1931, there was a proposal to issue a ceremonial half-dollar coin the celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington. The First Arts Commission held a design competition, and Laura Gardin Fraser’s design was chosen as the winner. However, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon disagreed with their decision and instead choose John Flanagan’s design on the quarter instead of the half dollar. Thus, the Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932 and quickly became popular, replacing the Standing Liberty Quarter in 1934. Initially, the coin had a faint “In God We Trust” motto, but this was rectified in 1934.
The coins were first made mostly of silver but rising silver prices in the 1960s caused hoarding in 1965, the silver quarter was replaced with a copper and nickel blend, maintaining the silver color. Design changes were made to accommodate the new metal. This was due to production costs and to encourage the use of coins.
Washington quarters underwent minor design changes from 1974 to 1994, including adding mint marks in 1980. The 1985 Philadelphia quarters were amongst the earliest to carry the “P” mark.
In terms of historical significance, the 1985 quarter does not have any notable events or milestones associated with it. It does, nonetheless, fit into the overall history of the Washington Quarter series, which has experienced a number of design alterations over time. The Washington Quarter series is one of the longest-running coin series in American history, and it has featured some of the most iconic coin designs in the world.
1985 Washington Quarter Grading
Grading a 1985 quarter involves evaluating its condition and assigning a corresponding grade on a scale from Poor to Perfect. Considerations include things like wear, luster, and any flaws. Collectors may place a higher value on a high-grade 1985 quarter with no wear or injury than its face value. To ensure accurate grading, it’s crucial to handle coins with care and speak with an expert grading agency.
Finding it hard to grade your 1985 quarter? This video should help!
Rare 1985 Washington Quarter Error Lists
The 1985 quarter with various errors has captured the attention of coin collectors. This section explores the different types of errors. Understanding these errors can help collectors assess the value of their 1985 quarters and appreciate their significance in the world of numismatics.
1. 1985 P Quarter Double Struck with Second-Strike Off-Center Error
The 1985 – P quarter is a double-struck error coin, meaning it wasn’t ejected from the press after the first strike and was struck again, resulting in a noticeable off-center second strike. Despite being an error, collectors find prominent off-center errors intriguing, making this particular coin desirable. The coin was graded MS62, and bought for $190 at an auction. Another sample with the same error was sold for $250 at a different auction.
2. 1985 Double struck, Both Strikes Off Center Error
Double-strike coins are one of the rarest and most unusual types of coin errors, where the coin is struck twice by the minting machine. This results in a wide range of errors, including off-center strikes or doubling of the design. The 1985 quarter with both strikes off-center is a highly prized coin among collectors due to its rarity and unique appearance. The value of a double-struck coin varies greatly depending on the severity of the error and demand among collectors. Overall, double-struck errors are fascinating and highly coveted items among coin collectors. The coin received an estimated uncirculated (AU58) grade from NGC, and it was later sold at auction for $280.
3. 1985 P Quarter Triple Off Center Strikes
The Philadelphia Mint recently made news once more with another multi-struck error coin, but this time with a unique twist. The coin in question was struck thrice, each time off-center, creating a highly striking and dramatic appearance.
This particular error was evaluated and awarded a high grade of MS65, indicating its excellent condition. The coin was later bought for $760, which is a considerable sum and highlights the value that collectors place on rare and unique error coins like this one. The triple off-center strike is a relatively uncommon occurrence in coin production, making coins with this error highly sought-after by collectors.
4. 1985 P Quarter, Multistruck Error
In 1985, the US Mint produced a quarter with a unique error called multi-struck, which occurs when the planchet is not ejected from the press after two strikes. One such multistrike example of a 1985 Philadelphia quarter was sold at auction for over $780, graded MS66 by the NGC, making it a rare and desirable addition to any coin collection. This error is a fascinating example of a rare occurrence in the minting process that has resulted in a highly sought-after coin among collectors.
5. 1985 P Quarter Double-Die Error
This coin is known to have a double-die error on the obverse side of the coin, specifically on the phrase “In God We Trust.” This error occurs when the coin is struck twice, causing a slight misalignment of the letters and creating a doubled image.
Although not as rare as some other error coins, the 1985-P Washington quarter with the Double-Die Error on “In God We Trust” is still valuable and relatively scarce, with some coins selling for thousands of dollars. Authentication by a reputable coin dealer or grading service is essential to ensure authenticity and determine the coin’s true value.
6. 1985 Reverse Brokage Minting Error
The Washington Quarter is a popular coin among collectors, but some may be interested in a particular error coin, this coin, minted in 1985, has a reverse brokerage error where the design is slightly off-center. Additionally, the letter “A” in “America” appears to be filled in. This error coin may have value to collectors, especially those who are interested in collecting coins with unique errors. This coin can fetch a few dollars in the coin market.
Watch this video to learn more about the other errors of the 1985 quarter.
1985 Washington Quarter FAQs
1. How Much Is A Quarter From 1985 Worth?
A 1985 quarter’s value is determined by its condition, rarity, and other variables. Most circulated 1985 quarters are worth face value, but uncirculated or rare examples can be worth significantly more.
2. Is There A Valuable Or Rare Form Of The 1985 Washington Quarter?
While no significant varieties or errors have been identified for the 1985 quarter, some uncirculated examples or coins with special designations from third-party grading agencies may be worth more than face value.
3. Can I Still Use A 1985 Quarter As A Legal Tender?
Yes, you can still use a 1985 quarter as a legal tender in the United States.
Conclusion
Finally, while the 1985 quarter is not especially rare or valuable, it has historical and sentimental value. Its classic design and widespread circulation have made it a popular collectible among numismatics and casual coin collectors. The 1985 quarter, whether in mint shape or well-worn from years of use, is a treasured piece of American coinage.
