Understanding 1989 Quarter Value
Most 1989 quarters you’ll find in circulation are worth their face value of 25 cents, but certain factors can make them worth more to collectors. The 1989 quarter continues the long-running Washington quarter design that began in 1932, featuring George Washington’s profile on the obverse (front) and an eagle on the reverse (back).
Let’s look at what determines the value of your 1989 quarter:
1989 Quarter Key Facts
Base Value by Mint Mark
The mint mark can be found on the obverse (front) side of the quarter, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail. Here’s what each mint mark means and how it affects value:
1989 Quarter Values by Mint Mark and Condition
Current market values as of 2023
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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
Factors That Affect 1989 Quarter Value
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
- No visible wear (Mint State)
- Full mint luster present
- No scratches or contact marks
- Sharp design details and lettering
- Clean fields (background areas)
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.
Valuable 1989 Quarter Errors
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:
- 90-Degree Rotation: Worth $25-$50
- 180-Degree Rotation: A rare 1989 quarter with 180-degree rotated die error has been listed for as much as $800
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
Selling Your 1989 Quarter
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?
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?
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?
External Resources for 1989 Quarter Valuation
NGC Coin Explorer: 1989-P Washington Quarter
A comprehensive price guide and historical information database for the 1989 Philadelphia mint quarter.
PCGS CoinFacts: 1989-D Washington Quarter
Detailed information on the 1989 Denver mint quarter including auction records and grade population data.
USA Coin Book: 1989-D Washington Quarter Value
Reference guide with detailed pricing information for the 1989-D quarter in various conditions.
eBay: 1989 Washington Quarter Error Coins
Current listings of error 1989 Washington quarters available for purchase, showing real-time market values.
Coin Value Checker: 1989 Quarter Coin Value
Comprehensive guide to valuing 1989 quarters with detailed information on errors and varieties.
TreasureTown: 1989-D Quarter Worth Money Video
Video explanation of valuable 1989-D quarters with repunched mint marks worth $50 or more.
Final Thoughts on 1989 Quarter Values
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.
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| Category | Price | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |