1981 Quarter Value
A worn 1981 quarter is worth its face value, 25¢.
Uncirculated ones bring 50¢–$2, and a certified MS65 brings $8–18.
Spend it, unless it looks brand new or matches one of the varieties below.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-D | 575,722,833 | 25¢ (face) | 50¢–$2 | $7–14 |
| 1981-P | 601,716,000 | 25¢ (face) | 50¢–$2 | $8–18 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, to the right of Washington's ponytail. Philadelphia added a P from 1980.
What it's made of
- Copper-nickel clad (outer layers 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core), 5.67 grams
Varieties and errors to check
There are no widely collected varieties for 1981 quarters. Condition and mint mark are what set the value.
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-D | For circulation | 575,722,833 |
| 1981-P | For circulation | 601,716,000 |
| 1981-S | Proof (collector) | 4,063,083 |
Questions
Is a 1981 quarter silver?
No. 1981 quarters are made of copper-nickel clad (outer layers 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core).
Which 1981 quarter is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1981-P is worth the most, about $8–18 in MS65.
Where is the mint mark on a 1981 quarter?
Front of the coin, to the right of Washington's ponytail. Philadelphia added a P from 1980.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1981 quarters on eBay.
More Washington quarters: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.