The 1988 Washington Quarter is made from a blend of copper and nickel. It contains 91.67% copper at its core and 8.33% nickel on the surface. The coin has a diameter of 24.3 mm and weighs 5.67 grams, with a reeded edge that gives it its distinct texture.
A Shift from Silver to Base Metals – Originally, the Washington Quarter was made of 90% silver and 10% copper, but due to the growing scarcity of silver, the composition was changed to copper and nickel, starting in 1965. The quarter, valued at 25 cents, was first minted in 1796, and over the years, several designs have graced this coin, including the Draped Bust, Capped Bust, and Standing Liberty.
It wasn’t until 1932 that the famous George Washington design was introduced, marking the bicentennial of his birth. Sculptor John Flanagan created this iconic image, which features Washington on the front (obverse) side of the coin, facing left. The words “LIBERTY” appear above his head, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed beneath his chin, followed by the year of minting—1988.
The Back (Reverse) Design – On the reverse side of the coin, you’ll find an eagle with its wings spread, perched on arrows. Below the eagle are olive branches symbolizing peace. The top of the coin reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “out of many, one”) inscribed between the eagle and the country name. At the bottom, it states “Quarter Dollar.”
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Different Varieties of the 1988 Washington Quarter
The United States Mint produced several varieties of the 1988 Washington quarter, which are easy to identify based on their mint marks. These mint marks show where the coin was produced: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
- 1988 D Washington Quarter – Minted in Denver, over 596 million of these were produced. You can buy one for as little as $0.30, but rare, mint-condition coins can sell for up to $11.
- 1988 P Washington Quarter – Minted in Philadelphia, around 562 million were made. The price for this variety ranges from $0.25 to about $4.50, but some rare ones have sold for higher.
- 1988 S Washington Quarter – Minted in San Francisco, this proof coin is highly valued by collectors because of its quality and detail. Only about 3.26 million were made, and they can sell for as much as $16 or more, especially in pristine condition.
Minting Errors Add Value
There are also rare 1988 Washington quarter coins with minting errors. These mistakes make the coins more valuable to collectors. For example:
- Filled In Mint Mark Error: On some 1988 P quarters, the “P” wasn’t struck clearly, making it hard to see.
- Missing Clad Layer: Some coins didn’t get properly coated in nickel, causing discoloration.
- Partial Collar Error: Some coins are missing parts of the collar, giving them a deformed appearance.
How Much Is a 1988 Quarter Worth?
While most 1988 quarters aren’t worth much more than their face value, certain rare ones, especially with mint errors or in perfect uncirculated condition, can fetch prices up to $825! However, an ordinary circulated 1988 quarter might only be worth about $0.30.
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Buying or Selling 1988 Quarters
If you want to buy or sell a 1988 Washington quarter, online platforms like eBay or Amazon are great places to start. You can also visit local coin shops or antique stores. But be cautious—always check the authenticity of the seller or buyer to avoid scams
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.