| 1989-P (Philadelphia) |
$0.25 |
$1-$10 |
$175+ |
| 1989-D (Denver) |
$0.25 |
$1-$10 |
$150+ |
| 1989-S Proof (San Francisco) |
N/A |
$3-$5 |
$20-$30 |
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</table>
1989-P Quarter (Philadelphia)
The Philadelphia mint produced 512,868,000 quarters in 1989. These coins feature a “P” mint mark and are the most common variety.
- Circulated condition: Worth face value (25 cents)
- Uncirculated (MS 60-65): $1 to $10
- Gem uncirculated (MS 66+): $175 or more
1989-D Quarter (Denver)
The Denver mint struck 896,535,000 quarters in 1989, making it the highest production of the year. These coins display a “D” mint mark.
- Circulated condition: Worth face value (25 cents)
- Uncirculated (MS 60-65): $1 to $10
- Gem uncirculated (MS 66+): $150 or more
1989-S Proof Quarter (San Francisco)
The San Francisco mint produced 3,220,194 proof quarters in 1989. These special coins were not made for circulation but for collectors as part of proof sets.
- Proof condition: $3 to $5
- Perfect proof condition (PR 69-70): $20 to $30
Condition (Grade)
The condition of a coin has the most significant impact on its value. Numismatists use the Sheldon Scale to grade coins from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Uncirculated).
1989 Quarter Condition Assessment
Check applicable items to estimate your coin's grade
Mint State Grading
For uncirculated 1989 quarters, the specific mint state grade makes a dramatic difference:
- MS 60-63: Common, worth $1-$3
- MS 64-65: More attractive, worth $5-$10
- MS 66: Getting scarce, worth $50-$175
- MS 67: Rare, worth $200-$500
- MS 68+: Extremely rare, potentially worth $1,000+
Professional Certification
Quarters that have been professionally graded and certified by organizations like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) typically command higher prices than ungraded coins.
According to the NGC Price Guide, a professionally graded 1989 quarter in circulated condition is worth between $0.30 and $0.85.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these error coins, they can be worth significantly more than regular 1989 quarters:
Doubled Die Errors
These occur when the die used to strike the coin receives multiple impressions that are slightly offset:
- 1989 Doubled Die Obverse: Shows doubling on Washington’s features or inscriptions, can be worth $50-$100 depending on severity
- 1989 Doubled Die Reverse: Shows doubling on the eagle or lettering, typically worth $25-$75
Repunched Mint Marks
Sometimes the mint mark was stamped multiple times at slightly different positions:
- 1989-D Repunched Mint Mark: According to coin forums and video documentation, these can be worth $50 or more
Off-Center Strikes
When a coin is not properly aligned during striking, the design appears off-center:
- 10-20% Off-Center: Worth $20-$40
- 50% Off-Center (with date visible): Worth $100-$150
Die Rotation Errors
When the reverse die is rotated from the standard 180-degree orientation:
Other Errors
- Wrong Planchet Errors: If struck on a dime or nickel planchet, could be worth $200+
- Multiple Strikes: Worth $100+ depending on how dramatic the error is
Best Places to Sell Valuable 1989 Quarters
-
Online Marketplaces:
- eBay: The most popular platform for selling coins to collectors
- Heritage Auctions: For very rare or valuable specimens
- Reddit r/Coins4Sale: Community marketplace for coin collectors
-
Coin Dealers:
- Local coin shops
- Coin shows and conventions
- Professional numismatists
-
Auction Houses:
- For extremely rare error coins or high-grade specimens
- Usually require minimum values to accept items
Preparing Your Coin for Sale
- Never clean your coins - cleaning damages the surface and can reduce value by 50% or more
- Handle coins by their edges to prevent fingerprints and oils transferring to the surfaces
- Consider professional grading for coins you believe are worth $50 or more
- Take clear, well-lit photographs showing both sides of the coin
- Research recent sales of similar coins to set a realistic price
Value Progression of 1989 Quarters
-
1989
Original Release
Face value of 25 cents; uncirculated rolls stored by collectors
-
1990s
Common Circulation
Worth face value; no significant collector interest yet
-
2000s
Error Discovery Period
First notable errors identified; collecting interest begins
-
2010s
Grading Premium
High-grade MS-66+ examples start commanding $150+ premiums
-
2020s
Current Market
Major errors selling for $50-$800; perfect specimens in increasing demand
Common Questions About 1989 Quarter Values
Are 1989 quarters rare?
No, 1989 quarters are not considered rare coins. Over 1.4 billion were minted between the Philadelphia and Denver mints that year. However, high-grade uncirculated examples (MS-66 and above) and error varieties are scarce and can be valuable to collectors.
What makes a 1989 quarter valuable?
Several factors can make a 1989 quarter valuable:
- Exceptional condition (MS-66 or higher grade)
- Mint errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or wrong planchets
- Repunched mint marks (especially on 1989-D quarters)
- Professional certification by PCGS or NGC
- Complete absence of circulation wear
How do I know if my 1989 quarter is worth more than face value?
Examine your 1989 quarter for these value-adding characteristics:
- Check the mint mark (P, D, or S) to the right of Washington’s ponytail
- Look for errors like doubling, off-center strikes, or rotated dies
- Assess the condition - no wear, scratches, or damage
- Look for full luster and sharp details
- Compare to high-resolution photos of valuable error coins online
If your coin is in uncirculated condition or shows signs of an error, it may be worth having it evaluated by a coin dealer or professional grading service.
What is the most valuable 1989 quarter error?
The most valuable 1989 quarter error is likely the 180-degree rotated die error, which has been listed for sale at $800 or more. Other valuable errors include significant off-center strikes (50% or more), wrong planchet errors, and dramatic doubled dies. The value depends on the rarity and visual impact of the specific error.
How can I tell if I have a 1989-S proof quarter?
A 1989-S proof quarter has these distinguishing characteristics:
- A clear “S” mint mark to the right of Washington’s ponytail
- Mirrorlike, reflective fields (background areas)
- Frosted, detailed design elements
- Sharp, well-defined edges
- Originally sold only in proof sets, not released for circulation
- Typically more pristine than regular strike coins
Proof quarters were specially made for collectors and have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from regular circulation strikes.
Is a 1989 quarter with no mint mark valuable?
A 1989 quarter with no visible mint mark is most likely a Philadelphia (P) issue, as the Philadelphia mint did add the “P” mint mark to quarters starting in 1980. Check carefully, as the mint mark can sometimes be weak or filled in.
If you truly have a 1989 quarter with no mint mark when it should have one, it could be a mint error called a “missing mint mark,” which would make it more valuable to collectors. However, this would be quite rare, and you should have it authenticated by a professional.
What state quarter was released in 1999 that could be worth $10,000?
While not directly related to 1989 quarters, collectors often ask about valuable state quarters. The 1999 Georgia state quarter could potentially be worth up to $10,000 if it has specific manufacturing errors. These include major off-center strikes, double strikes, or being struck on the wrong planchet. This is mentioned in connection with a
MassLive article that discusses the high value of error state quarters.
External Resources for 1989 Quarter Valuation
The most valuable 1989 quarters are those with significant errors or in pristine uncirculated condition. With over 1.4 billion quarters minted that year, finding a truly valuable example requires patience and a keen eye for detail.
If you think you’ve found a valuable 1989 quarter with an error or in high grade, consider having it authenticated by a reputable coin dealer or professional grading service. The investment in professional grading can be worthwhile for coins that potentially have significant numismatic value.
Remember that coin values fluctuate based on collector demand, discovery of new varieties, and overall market conditions. Stay informed by referencing current price guides and auction results to get the most accurate valuation of your 1989 quarters.
Whether you’re a dedicated numismatist or simply curious about the change in your pocket, the hunt for valuable coins adds an element of treasure hunting to everyday life—you never know when you might discover something special.
