1980 Quarter Coin Value: No Mint Mark & Rare Errors

You’ve just emptied your pockets, and there it is — a 1980 Washington quarter, worn but sturdy, the kind you’ve seen countless times. But could this coin be hiding more value than you think?

Surprise: not all quarters are created equal.

Under the right conditions — sharp detail, mirror-like luster, or even rare 1980 quarter errors — it could be worth far more than 25 cents. 

We’ll show you how to spot valuable specimens, grade and identify the coins, and understand exactly how much is a 1980 quarter worth. 

What Makes It Unique?

Quick note: Unlike earlier quarters, there’s no silver in 1980 issues — but condition and rarity still drive the value of 1980 quarter.

Let’s Talk Grades: The Collector’s Ladder

Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale (1–70). Here’s how that plays out:

The real 1980 quarter dollar value comes in at the top — few 1980 pieces survived in MS-67+ condition, making them incredibly collectible.

Mint by Mint: Where Did Your Quarter Come From?

1980-P (Philadelphia)

• No mint mark

• Common in circulation

• Hard to find in pristine condition

• Top 1980 P quarter value: MS-67+ specimen sold for over $900 (but not a 1980 quarter worth $35000 no mint mark)

1980-D (Denver)

• Marked with a “D”

• More consistent strikes, but MS-67+ still rare

• Top 1980 D quarter value today: Over $200 in auctions

1980-S (San Francisco) — Proof Only

• Found only in proof sets

• Mirror-like fields, frosted devices

• 1980 S quarter value: PR69–PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) coins valued between $40–$100+

1980 Quarter Error List with Pictures

While regular 1980 copper quarter pieces are common, error coins from this year are highly sought after by collectors. Below is a categorized list of the most valuable 1980 quarters worth money — some of which have sold for hundreds or even thousands at auction.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Doubling appears on the lettering ("LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST"), or the date “1980”.

• 1980 quarter error identification: Look closely at letters for shadow-like doubling using a 10x magnifier.

• Known on: Primarily from the 1980 P quarter error list.

• Value: $75–$300+ depending on grade and strength of doubling.

2. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

Doubling appears on the eagle’s wings, talons, and the inscriptions on the reverse like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” or “QUARTER DOLLAR”.

• How to spot: Look at the tips of the wings and tail feathers for extra lines.

• 1980 quarter value error list: $100–$500+ in higher grades.

3. Off-Center Strike

The coin design is struck off-center, showing part of the blank planchet.

• Premium errors: 10–20% off-center can fetch $50–$150. Coins off-center by 50%+ and still showing the full date are worth more — sometimes $250+.

• Watch for: Full-date visibility increases value.

4. Broadstrike (No Rim)

A piece was struck without the retaining collar, causing the coin to expand and lose its rim.

• Appearance: Larger diameter, flat edges.

• Value: $40–$150 depending on centering and condition.

5. Partial Collar / Rail Road Rim

A misaligned collar during striking causes a “railroad track” edge or a partial raised rim.

• Visual clue: Edge looks doubled or has ridges only on one side.

• Value: $25–$100 depending on extent and grade.

6. Clipped Planchet

A curved or straight portion of the coin is missing due to a miscut blank.

• Types: Straight clip, curved clip, ragged clip, and even “bowtie” clip.

• Value: $50–$200+ (depends on visibility and percentage clipped).

7. Missing Clad Layer (Copper Core Exposed)

One side (usually the obverse) is missing its nickel layer, revealing the copper core underneath.

• How to spot: Coin will look red or orange on one side and have a weight slightly under 5.67g.

• Value: $150–$350+; higher if mint state.

8. Die Cracks and Cuds

• Die Crack: Raised, jagged lines from broken dies. Usually minor, but long or dramatic cracks can attract attention.

• Cud: A raised blob where part of the die has broken off, often near the rim.

• Value: Minor cracks may fetch $10–$30, while larger die cuds can bring $100–$300.

9. Struck Through Errors

Foreign material (cloth, grease, string, wire) interferes during the strike.

• Struck-through grease: May cause missing design elements (like no "IN GOD WE TRUST").

• Struck-through cloth: Leaves unique texture patterns.

• Value: $30–$200+ depending on clarity and uniqueness.

10. Double Struck Coins

Coin is struck twice, often with some rotation or movement between strikes.

• Variants: Double struck off-center, or within collar.

• Value: $200–$600+ depending on visibility and separation of strikes.

11. Wrong Planchet Strikes

A rare 1980 quarter mistakenly struck on a foreign coin or wrong denomination planchet (e.g. nickel or penny blank).

• How to check: Off-weight, undersized, or unusual color.

• Value: $500–$2,500+ depending on rarity and verification.

12. 1980 Quarter Filled P

A "P" mint mark that appears clogged or filled due to grease or debris in the die.

• Identification: Look for a distorted or missing "P" on the obverse. It’s a minor mint error, not an official variety.

• 1980 Filled P quarter value: face value in circulated condition; uncirculated examples may fetch $2–10.

1980 Quarter Worth $35,000: Fact or Myth? Let’s Break It Down

What’s Behind the 1980 Quarter Worth $35 000 Claim?

As of today, no regular 1980 quarter has sold at public auction for $35,000. However, there are a few reasons this claim circulates, often based on confusion, rare error potential, or exaggerated online listings:

1. Rare Error Quarters Can Be Extremely Valuable

While a standard specimen isn’t worth thousands, specific rare ones, e.g., from the 1980 D quarter error list, might be — if verified and authenticated. These could potentially command five-figure prices:

• Wrong Planchet Error: A 1980 quarter accidentally struck on a foreign coin or cent planchet.

• Full Double Strike with Major Rotation

• Off-Metal Strike (e.g., on a silver or experimental planchet)

A Washington quarter from another year with a wrong planchet or major strike-through has sold for over $10,000 at Heritage Auctions. A $35,000 sale would require a unique, dramatic, and possibly one-of-a-kind combination — e.g., a full double strike on a foreign silver planchet.

But no such verified 1980 specimen has reached that number in a reputable sale yet.

2. Misleading eBay Listings or Clickbait Headlines

Some sellers list ordinary coins at absurd prices — $10,000, $35,000, or even more — hoping an uninformed buyer bites. These aren’t real sales, just wishful thinking or SEO bait.

Test it: Search eBay for “1980 quarter $35,000” — you’ll find listings with no bids and no certification.

How to Grade and Protect Your Quarter

Step-by-step grading checklist:

• Use a 10x magnifier

• Check for original mint luster

• Inspect for wear, nicks, scratches

• Compare to known examples on PCGS Photograde

• Consider professional grading by PCGS or NGC for higher-value coins

Once graded, protect your coin in:

• Airtight plastic holders

• Slabs (if certified)

• Climate-controlled storage

Is a 1980 Quarter Worth Anything? Real Sales & Market Trends

Trends show rising demand for high-grade modern coins, especially among new investors looking for affordable entry points.

Check Your Change for 1980 to 1989 Quarters Worth Money

The next time you grab some quarters for laundry or snacks, pause. With the right mint mark, flawless surfaces, or a quirky 1980 D quarter error value, you could be holding a small numismatic jackpot.

And if you're not sure? Let Coin ID Scanner do the heavy thing. Scan. Compare. Discover. The 1980 quarter value D, S, or no mint mark might surprise you.

FAQs 

Are There Any Silver 1980 Quarters?

No, standard circulation 1980 Washington quarters do not contain any silver. By 1980, the U.S. Mint had already transitioned to using copper-nickel clad compositions for all standard quarters — a change that began in 1965.

However, confusion sometimes arises because proof sets from earlier years (prior to 1965) or special silver proof sets (like those from 1992 onward) contain 90% silver quarters. Unless your 1980 quarter is a bizarre off-metal error (e.g., struck on a leftover silver planchet — which would be a once-in-a-lifetime mint mistake), it contains no precious metal content.

What’s the Difference Between a Proof and a Mint State 1980 Quarter?

Are 1980 quarters worth anything? A flawless PR70DCAM proof can bring $50–$100+, while a MS-67+ business strike from Philly or Denver can exceed $200–$900. They're not interchangeable — so check the mint mark and surface quality.

How Do I Safely Sell Rare 1980's Quarters Worth Money?

1. Verify Authenticity and Grade

• Submit to PCGS or NGC for professional grading and authentication.

• For errors, request the proper error classification on the label.

2. Research Comparable Sales: Use Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or eBay completed listings to determine real-world value.

3. Choose the Right Selling Platform

• For coins worth under $100: Trusted coin dealers or eBay (with good photography and clear descriptions).

• For coins worth over $500: Go through an auction house or major online platform like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections.

4. Document Everything: Keep copies of your certification, photos, and correspondence — especially if the sale involves a rare error or high grade.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• In Cod We Trust Quarter Value
• How Many Quarters Are in a Roll?
• 2024 Quarter Coin Value
• 2023 Quarter Error List with Pictures
• State Quarter Coins Value
• 2000 Quarter Coin Value