The 1985 Quarter: Simple Yet Collectible

At first glance, a 1985 quarter might seem like an ordinary coin. But for numismatists and coin collectors, these Washington quarters that were minted in 1985 can be really interesting because of the historical details, minting quirks, and error varieties that influence their value. 

If you're looking for a rare error or simply want to know if your quarter 1985 is worth more than its face value, then you will not be dissatisfied with this guide. We will walk you through the numismatic details that the 1985 P and D quarters can hold. Moreover, you will find out how to check the value of coins​ if you need to understand it as quickly as possible. 

A Brief History of the 1985 Washington Quarter

The Washington quarter has been a part of U.S. coinage since 1932. It was originally designed to celebrate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. By 1985, these quarters were produced in mass quantities at both the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints.

Interesting fact: These quarters are not the only coins that portrait this president. For example, you may have heard about the George Washington 1789 dollar coins.

The composition of the 1985 quater follows the same pattern as previous years, with a copper core surrounded by a cupro-nickel (copper-nickel) layer. This blend of metals gives the quarter its characteristic weight of 5.67 grams and its familiar silverish luster. Despite this, what draws collectors to the 1985 P quarter and the 1985 D quarter is not so much the coin’s physical appearance as its anomalies — the minting errors.

1985 P Quarter Errors

One of the most interesting aspects of the 1985 P quarter dollar is connected with its errors. They are often what turns an ordinary coin into a collector's item, and the 1985 P quarters are no exception. Let us explore some of the notable error varieties that have caught the attention of collectors over the years:

1. The Double Rim Error

One of the most famous error types found is in 1985 P quarter double rim. In this error, the rim of the coin appears duplicated. This is seen as an unusual and eye-catching look that immediately makes these coins stand out from the crowd. While a standard rim surrounds the quarter, the extra partial or full rim gives the impression that the coin was struck twice along its edges.

2. Misaligned Dies

In the 1985 P quarter, you may find examples of misaligned dies, where the obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) are not properly aligned. This often results in off-center designs, with parts of the imagery extending beyond the edges of the coin. The value of such an error depends on the severity of the misalignment and the condition of the quarter.

3. Clipped Planchet

In some 1985 quarter P examples, you may come across a planchet (the metal disk before it is stamped into a coin) that appears clipped. This error occurs during the cutting process and leaves a quarter with a crescent-shaped chunk missing. Though it might seem like damage, these coins are genuine errors and can be very expensive, but it depends on the size and location of the clip.

Here’s a quick summary of some of the most common and valuable errors associated with the 1985 P quarter error list:

These errors can increase the 1985 P quarter value and turn a seemingly ordinary coin into a rather expensive item among collectors.

Related article: Ancient Greece Coinage.

1985 D Quarter Errors

The 1985 D quarter (minted in Denver) also has its own variety of errors, some of which are just as popular and desirable as those found in the 1985 P quarter. Here are a few of the most notable 1985 D quarter errors to look out for:

• Die Cracks: Cracks that occur on the die during the minting process can lead to raised lines or markings on the coin’s surface. These errors are often unique to the specific die and can enhance a coin's appeal to error collectors.

• Off-Center Strike: Off-center strikes happen when the coin is not properly aligned in the minting press. A 1985 quarter D shows only part of the design then. The value of these errors increases the more off-center the strike is.

• Double Dies: Sometimes, the coin design gets struck twice by the die, resulting in a faint duplicate image or text. This can occur on either side of the coin and can make these 1985 quarter dollar pieces much more valuable.

To give you a better idea of the worth of these quarters in comparison to the 1985 P quarter error value, here’s a table with potential values based on mintmark and condition:

As the table shows, error coins from either mint can command significantly higher values, particularly when they exhibit rare or dramatic flaws.

So, Are 1985 Quarters Worth Anything?

For the casual observer, a 1985 quarter might seem like it holds little more than face value. However, it depends on a few key factors:

1. Condition: A pristine, uncirculated quarter from 1985 can cost much even without errors.

2. Minting Errors: As discussed earlier, minting anomalies like the double rim or clipped planchet can elevate the 1985 quarter value P and D.

3. Demand Among Collectors: Rare or unusual coins often have higher value when there’s high demand.

For reference, a standard 1985 P quarter dollar value in circulated condition generally is close to its 25-cent face value. However, uncirculated 1985 quarter P value can be up to a few dollars, while error coins can bring in much more.

How to Spot Valuable 1985 Quarters

Here are a few tips for identifying a potentially valuable coin:

1. Check the Rim: Look closely at the rim of the coin to spot a double rim or misaligned edges, or other 1985 quarter errors.

2. Inspect the Mintmark: Look for the "P" or "D" mintmark, located on the front of the coin, to determine whether it was minted in Philadelphia or Denver.

3. Look for Off-Center Strikes: Coins where the design is not fully centered may be worth more.

4. Examine for Die Cracks or Planchet Errors: Fine cracks or chips in the metal could indicate a 1985 quarter error coin.

5. Use Numismatic Apps: If you can't determine what kind of coin is in front of you, you can always download and use an application for collectors. For example, Coin ID Scanner can scan a coin and show all the necessary information about it. In addition, the application has many other useful functions such as coin management for convenient management and sorting, an AI consultant that will always answer your questions, and much more.

Not every 1985 quarter is going to be an expensive one. However, certain varieties — especially those with errors — can be worth more than their 25-cent face value. Anyway, there’s plenty of numismatic excitement to be found in every coin. Moreover, price is not the only aim of collecting, right?

Sources:

1. https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1985-quarter-worth/ 

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1985-d-25c/5919