1986 Quarter Value – How Much Is Your Coin Worth?

Did you know that some 1986 quarters worth money could be in your pocket right now? Although most 1986 quarters are only worth face value, some rare varieties, errors and pristine condition coins can fetch significant sums in the numismatic world.

Today we are going to talk about the 1986 quarter value, its history, design, notable errors and the exact worth of different mintmarks, including 1986 P quarter value and 1986 D quarter value. 

Moreover, if you read to the end, you will find out more about the best coin identifier by picture app​. 

But firstly, here are numismatic specifications of the coin discussed:

The History Behind the Coin 

The 1986 quarter belongs to the Washington quarter series, which debuted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. It was designed by John Flanagan. The coin features a left-facing portrait of Washington on the obverse and a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branches on the reverse. These are symbols of both military strength and peace.

Unlike earlier quarters that contained silver, all 1986 quarters were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition. This was a result of the Coinage Act of 1965 (a year before 1966 dimes were created), which eliminated silver from circulating dimes and quarters because of rising silver prices.

Design and Composition

The obverse of the 1986 quarter P and 1986 quarter D features the familiar profile of George Washington, designed by Flanagan. His image is centered, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed above, the year “1986” below, and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned to the left. The mint mark appears just behind the ponytail’s bow.

On the reverse, the heraldic eagle holds arrows and an olive branch, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above, while “QUARTER DOLLAR” is inscribed at the bottom. The rim features a reeded edge, a characteristic of U.S. quarters to deter counterfeiting and fraudulent shaving of metal.

Value of a 1986 Quarter – How Much Is a 1986 Quarter Worth?

The total price depends on the coin's mintmark, condition and possible errors. Most circulated quarters are worth face value, but uncirculated and error coins can command much higher prices.

Disclaimer: These prices are subject to change based on the market and coin conditions. Always consult a professional numismatist or pricing guide for current values.

1986-P Quarter Value and Errors

Philadelphia produced over 551 million coins of this type in 1986. This means that they are relatively common. While a circulated 1986 P quarter price remains at face value, uncirculated pieces can reach $3 or more. The most valuable 1986-P quarter sold for $2,880, graded MS-67.

Among 1986 P quarter error list entries, doubled die errors are the most sought after. Coins with noticeable doubling in the lettering or Washington’s eye may fetch $20 to $50. Off-center strikes (with 50% misalignment and full date visible) could reach $200+.

1986-D Quarter Value and Errors

The 1986 D quarter value is slightly higher than the P-mint counterpart. An uncirculated specimen in MS-67 condition once sold for $900.

The 1986 D quarter error list includes broadstrikes, missing ridges and off-center strikes. Broadstrikes, where the collar fails to form the coin’s rim properly, can be worth $20 to $30. Coins missing their reeded edges due to striking issues might fetch $50+.

1986-S Proof Quarter

The 1986-S proof quarter was minted in San Francisco for collectors, with only 3 million produced. They were never meant for circulation. A typical proof sells for $3 to $5, but a PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) graded piece once commanded $552.

Rare 1986 Quarter Errors – What to Look For

Error coins often are more expensive, and collectors actively seek them. Some rare 1986 quarter error list entries include doubled die errors, off-center strikes, broadstrikes, etc. Now we will talk about them in more detail. 

Some of the most valuable specimens include production mistakes that occurred at the U.S. Mint. These errors can increase a coin’s value, but it depends on their rarity and severity.

One of the most common coins is the doubled die error. This occurs when the coin is struck more than once, causing the design elements to appear doubled. You can spot this type of error by looking closely at Washington’s eye, the words “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or the eagle’s feathers. A significant doubled die coin could be worth $50 or more.

Notable off-center strikes are where the coin’s design is shifted, leaving a blank space on one side. The value of off-center quarters depends on how much of the design is missing—those with 50% off-center strikes and a visible date can be worth over $200.

Another sought-after error is the broadstrike, where the coin is struck without the retaining collar. This causes it to appear wider and flatter than usual. A 1986 broadstrike quarter can be valued at $20 to $50, depending on its condition.

The missing reeded edge error occurs when the quarter is struck without its characteristic edge ridges. This error may be caused by excessive wear in vending machines or an actual minting issue. While post-mint damage quarters are worth face value, genuine missing reeded edge errors may sell for $30 to $75.

There are also rare instances where the 1986 quarter was struck on an incorrect planchet—e.g., a nickel or dime blank. These coins weigh differently and have a unique appearance, often selling for hundreds of dollars at auctions.

Related article: 1936 Dime Value.

So, is a 1986 quarter worth anything beyond face value? In most cases, circulated examples are only worth $0.25. However, uncirculated coins, proof versions and error coins can be significantly more valuable. If you want to know the 1986 quarter value D (or any other mint mark), check for errors and grade quality—it could be worth holding onto!

The Best Way to Identify Valuable Quarters 

If you are unsure about how much is a 1986 D quarter worth (or another specimen), using the Coin ID Scanner app can help. This app allows collectors to instantly identify coins, check their average market prices and manage their collections thanks to AI-powered recognition technology.

Features & Benefits:

• Instant coin identification using your phone’s camera

• Values given are based on current market trends

• Secure digital collection storage

The Coin ID Scanner app is a must-have tool to make sure you never overlook valuable coins in your collection. Do not believe? Then check it out right now!

Sources:

1. https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1986-quarter-value/

2. https://accuratepmr.com/blog/1986-p-washington-quarter-coin