A 1989-P Washington quarter graded MS-67 sold for $1,955 at Heritage Auctions — yet the coin in your pocket is worth just 25 cents. The gap between those two numbers is condition, mint mark, and knowing which errors to look for. This guide covers everything you need to find out exactly where your coin falls.
Select your mint mark, condition, and any errors — then click Calculate for an instant estimate.
If you're not yet sure of your coin's mint mark or condition, try the 1989 Quarter Coin Value Checker for beginners — it identifies your coin from a photo and estimates its grade automatically.
Not sure about the checkboxes above? Describe your coin in plain English and get a tailored analysis.
Skipped the calculator? Go back and get your instant 1989 quarter value estimate.
Use the Free Calculator →The No-P error is the most talked-about find on modern Washington quarters. Use this visual guide and checklist to determine if your coin has it.
The table below shows how condition and mint mark interact to determine value. For a full in-depth 1989 quarter identification walkthrough with photo examples and grading comparisons, see this detailed 1989 quarter reference guide and identification breakdown. Values are based on PCGS auction records and published price guides.
| Variety | Worn (G–VF) | Circulated (EF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS63–65) | Gem (MS66–67+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-P (Philadelphia) | $0.25 | $0.25 – $0.90 | $1 – $18 | $216 – $1,955 |
| 1989-D (Denver) | $0.25 | $0.25 – $0.90 | $1 – $15 | $114 – $764 |
| 1989-S Proof (San Francisco) | — | $1 – $5 | $5 – $14 (PR65–69) | $50 – $253 (PR70 DCAM) |
| 1989-P No-P Filled Die ⭐ | $30 – $50 | $50 – $100 | $100 – $200+ | $200+ |
| 1989-D RPM FS-501 | $2 – $5 | $5 – $15 | $15 – $40 | $50+ |
| 1989 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | $3 – $5 | $5 – $20 | $20 – $50 | $50+ |
| 1989 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) | $3 – $5 | $5 – $20 | $20 – $50 | $50+ |
| 1989 Missing Clad Layer 🔴 | $30 – $60 | $60 – $150 | $150 – $200+ | $200+ |
| 1989 Off-Center Strike (50%+) | $25 – $50 | $50 – $100 | $100+ | $150+ |
⭐ Signature variety — most searched. 🔴 Rarest visible error type. Values are market estimates based on auction records; individual coins may vary.
🪙 CoinHix gives you a fast on-the-go way to snap a photo of your 1989 quarter and get an instant estimated grade and market value — a coin identifier and value app.
The 1989 Washington quarter's enormous production of over 1.4 billion coins means that statistically, thousands of error specimens entered circulation. Below are the six most important error types and die varieties in descending order of collector demand, with specific diagnostics for each one. Use a 10x loupe for best results.
The No-P error occurs when die grease or foreign debris packs into the mintmark recess on the Philadelphia working die, preventing the metal from flowing into the "P" impression during striking. The result is a coin where the mintmark appears faint or completely absent — yet the surrounding die details strike up normally. This distinguishes it from the celebrated 1982 No-P Roosevelt dime, where a worker literally never applied the mintmark punch to the die at all.
Visually, you're looking for a flat, featureless area to the right of Washington's ponytail ribbon where the "P" should be. Under a 10x loupe, a genuine No-P error shows absolutely no trace of the letter — no partial curves, no ghost impression. The surrounding coin surface retains its original luster, which rules out post-mint wear as the explanation. A worn coin that lost its mintmark through friction is not the same error and is essentially worthless.
Collectors prize this variety because it represents one of the last years mint marks were hand-punched onto working dies, giving the error historical significance. Circulated examples regularly trade for $50 or more, and well-preserved uncirculated specimens attract competitive bidding. The error must be confirmed with a loupe before submission to a grading service for official attribution and maximum realized price.
The missing clad layer error is unique to post-1965 copper-nickel clad coinage and is physically impossible on pre-clad silver quarters. It occurs during planchet production when the bonding process between the outer nickel-silver layer and the pure copper core fails on one or both sides, delivering a defective planchet to the press. The coin is then struck normally, but one or both faces lack the silvery outer surface.
Identification is straightforward: if the obverse layer is missing, Washington's portrait appears unmistakably copper-colored — a warm, reddish-brown tone instead of the normal silver-gray. A missing reverse layer exposes copper on the eagle side. The coin will weigh slightly less than the standard 5.67 grams if both layers are missing, but a single-side missing layer may be close to normal weight. Do not confuse with environmental staining or post-mint plating damage, which leaves an uneven, mottled surface.
Missing clad layer errors are visually dramatic and sought after by both error collectors and type collectors. Because they are mechanically distinct from doubled dies or RPMs, they require no magnification to confirm — the copper color is obvious to the naked eye. A full missing clad layer on a 1989 quarter typically sells for $50 to $200 or more depending on which side is affected and the coin's overall preservation state.
A Doubled Die Obverse forms during the die-making process, not at the moment of striking. The design hub is pressed into the working die more than once at a slightly different rotational angle, creating a second, shifted impression of some or all obverse elements. On the 1989 Washington quarter, the primary DDO varieties show doubling concentrated on the word "LIBERTY" and Washington's portrait, particularly his eye, ear, and the lettering above his head.
Under a 10x loupe, look for a clearly raised, three-dimensional second image running parallel or at a slight angle to the primary design. The doubling has depth — you can see distinct edges — rather than the flat, shelf-like smear of machine doubling (also called strike doubling or ejection doubling), which is worthless. True hub doubling is consistent across all affected design elements simultaneously. If doubling appears only on one side of each letter and looks pressed flat, it is almost certainly mechanical and adds no premium.
Common 1989 DDO specimens with minor doubling sell for $3.50 to $20 in circulated grades, while dramatic examples showing clear separation on multiple design elements can reach $50 or more. Gem uncirculated examples of strong DDO varieties command even higher premiums and are best submitted to PCGS or NGC for official attribution before sale.
The 1989-D RPM FS-501 is a catalogued die variety resulting from the U.S. Mint's hand-punching process for applying mint marks to working dies — a method used through 1989 before computerized hub punching took over. When the punch slipped or was repositioned between mallet strikes, a secondary impression appeared alongside the primary letter. The FS-501 shows a clear secondary "D" punched to the west (left) of the primary mint mark, creating a doubled or shadowed appearance.
Under 5x to 10x magnification, the repunching is visible as a second curved edge of the "D" positioned slightly left of center on the primary letter. The secondary impression is raised like all genuine hub-doubling evidence — not flat or scratched into the surface. This variety is distinct from machine doubling, which would show a smeared, flat shelf rather than the crisp second impression characteristic of an actual punch misalignment during die preparation.
The FS-501 designation by CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) confirms this as a recognized, catalogued variety. Because 1989 was one of the final years of hand-punched mint marks, these RPM varieties carry extra historical appeal. Strong examples with clearly separated secondary impressions command premiums of $15 to $50 or more in uncirculated grades, with the premium realized primarily on PCGS- or NGC-attributed examples.
The Doubled Die Reverse on the 1989 Washington quarter mirrors the same hub-doubling mechanism as the DDO, but the error occurs on the reverse working die instead of the obverse. During the hubbing process, the reverse design — the heraldic eagle, arrows, olive branches, and surrounding legends — is pressed into the die at a slightly different angle on a second hub press, embedding a shifted second impression into the die itself. Every coin struck from that die carries the doubled reverse design.
The best starting points for examination are the "QUARTER DOLLAR" lettering along the bottom rim, the eagle's breast feathers, and the tips of the arrow shafts and olive branches. Under a 10x loupe, look for a raised second set of letter edges or feather lines running parallel to the primary design. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are also worth checking. True DDR doubling is consistent, three-dimensional, and present across all affected elements simultaneously — distinguishing it from flat, meaningless machine doubling.
Common DDR specimens with minor visible doubling typically sell for $5 to $20 in circulated grades. Well-documented, strongly doubled reverse examples in high grades can earn more, especially when certified by PCGS or NGC. The 1989 DDR is an attainable variety for budget-minded error collectors searching coin rolls, making it one of the more frequently encountered genuine hub-doubling finds from this date.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet — the blank metal disc — is not properly centered beneath the die at the moment of striking. The die contacts only part of the planchet, leaving a crescent of completely unstruck, blank metal on the opposite side. Numismatists express severity as a percentage: a 50% off-center coin has half its design missing. The percentage directly drives value, but only if the date and mintmark remain visible.
Visual diagnostics are reliable: the rim is fully formed on the struck side and completely absent on the blank crescent side. The reeding (edge ridges) fades out toward the blank area rather than abruptly stopping, reflecting how metal flowed during the strike. Design elements near the blank zone end sharply and cleanly — they are not smeared or compressed. The coin will still weigh approximately 5.67 grams because no metal is removed; it is simply redistributed. Vise damage or clamp marks create flattened zones with tool marks and disturbed metal flow, not the pristine blank crescent of a genuine error.
Values range from $10 for mildly off-center examples (5–10%) up to $100 or more for coins that are 50% or more off-center with a fully visible date and mintmark. A 1989-P Washington quarter with a rare flip-over in-collar double strike represents one of the most dramatic examples of this error family. Certification by PCGS or NGC substantially increases buyer confidence and realized auction prices for large-percentage off-center specimens.
Found one of these errors on your coin? Get your personalized value estimate right now.
Use the Error Calculator →
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Strike Type | Condition Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | 512,868,000 | Business strike | Extremely rare above MS-66; fewer than 5 PCGS MS-67 |
| Denver | D | 896,535,597 | Business strike | Very rare above MS-66; MS-67 record $763.75 |
| San Francisco | S | 3,220,194 | Proof only | Common in PR-65 to PR-69; rare in perfect PR-70 DCAM |
| Total (all mints) | — | 1,412,623,791 | — | Highest combined mintage makes gem grades the true rarity |
Washington's hair details are flat with no individual strands visible. High points on the cheek and eagle's breast are smooth. Date and legends are readable. These coins are worth face value — 25 cents — regardless of mint mark.
Some luster may remain in the protected areas (lettering, fields near the rim). Washington's hair shows individual strands in the lower curls. Eagle feathers have visible separation. Light wear only on the highest points. Worth $0.25 to $0.90 for most examples.
Full original luster present with cartwheel effect under rotating light. No wear, but may show bag marks, abrasions, or weak strike areas. MS-63 to MS-65 examples are worth $1 to $18 and are attainable from coin dealers and online platforms.
Sharp strike with bold eagle feather detail and well-defined hair curls. Exceptional luster, minimal contact marks visible under 5x magnification. MS-67 is the highest known grade for the 1989-P — PCGS reports fewer than five examples, making these true condition rarities worth $216 to $1,955.
📱 CoinHix lets you photograph your 1989 quarter and cross-check its condition against certified examples in the database — a coin identifier and value app.
Not all venues are equal — the right marketplace depends on your coin's grade and error status.
Best for: MS-66 and above, No-P errors, or large off-center strikes with documentation.
Heritage reaches the deepest pool of competitive bidders for condition rarities. The 1989-P MS-67 record of $1,955 was set here. Consignment fees apply, and lots under $500 may not receive as much competitive bidding. Allow 6–8 weeks from submission to settlement.
Best for: Uncirculated examples, error coins in the $20–$200 range, and certified slabs.
eBay gives you direct access to a global buyer base. Before listing, review recently sold prices for 1989 Washington quarters and completed listings to set a realistic starting bid. Raw coins sell best as Buy-It-Now with detailed photos; graded slabs can work as auction-format listings.
Best for: Quick, immediate cash without fees or shipping risk.
Dealers typically pay 50–70% of retail value since they need a margin. Best suited for circulated rolls, common uncirculated examples, and proof sets you want to liquidate quickly. For error coins and condition rarities, the immediate payment rarely offsets the price gap versus auction.
Best for: Getting a second opinion on suspected errors before spending on grading.
The numismatic community at r/coins, r/coincollecting, and r/numismatics will help you distinguish genuine errors from post-mint damage for free. Not a selling venue per se, but invaluable for identification confidence before committing to PCGS or NGC submission fees.
10 most common questions about the 1989 Washington quarter, answered from research.
Most circulated 1989 quarters are worth face value — just $0.25. Uncirculated examples typically sell for $1 to $18 depending on grade and mint mark. The key exceptions are gem-grade MS-67 specimens, which are extremely rare: a 1989-P MS-67 graded by PCGS sold for $1,955 at Heritage Auctions in 2007, and a 1989-D MS-67 fetched $763.75 in 2017. Error coins like the No-P mintmark or missing clad layer can also command significant premiums.
Three factors drive value: condition, mint mark, and errors. The 1989-P is surprisingly hard to find above MS-65 — PCGS population reports show fewer than five examples graded MS-67 or higher. The 1989-D has the highest mintage of nearly 897 million, but gem examples are equally scarce. Significant errors like the No-P filled die, missing clad layers, strong doubled dies, and large off-center strikes can elevate value dramatically above face value.
The 1989 No-P error occurs when grease or debris clogged the Philadelphia Mint die, causing the 'P' mintmark to appear faint or completely absent on the finished coin. Unlike the 1982 No-P Roosevelt dime — where the mintmark was simply forgotten — this error results from a filled die. Circulated examples commonly sell for $50 or more, with well-preserved uncirculated specimens attracting higher bids. Use a 10x loupe to check the area just to the right of Washington's ribbon.
The 1989-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) FS-501 shows a secondary 'D' punched slightly to the west (left) of the primary mintmark, visible under 5x–10x magnification. It occurred because mint marks were still hand-punched onto working dies in 1989 — 1989 was among the last years this manual process was used before computerized hub punching took over. Strong examples command premiums over regular 1989-D quarters, with the FS-501 designation by CONECA confirming attribution.
The mint mark on a 1989 Washington quarter is on the obverse (heads side), to the right of Washington's ponytail ribbon, just above the '9' in the date. Look for a small 'P' (Philadelphia), 'D' (Denver), or 'S' (San Francisco proof only). You may need a magnifying glass since the letters are small. All 1989 circulation quarters carry either a P or D; the S mark appears only on proof coins from collector sets and never in circulation.
A 1989 quarter missing its outer clad layer is a visually striking error unique to post-1965 coinage. If the obverse layer is missing, Washington's portrait appears copper-colored; a missing reverse layer exposes copper on the eagle side. These errors are significantly more valuable than doubled dies or RPMs. A 1989 quarter with a full missing clad layer typically sells for $50 to $200 or more, depending on which side is affected and the coin's overall condition.
The 1989-S proof quarter was produced exclusively at San Francisco for collector proof sets, with a mintage of 3,220,194. These coins were never released into circulation. Typical Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples in grades PR-60 through PR-69 are worth $1 to $14. A perfect PR-70 DCAM specimen can reach $50 to $253 depending on the auction venue. Look for sharp frosted devices against mirror-black fields — the best examples have dramatic cameo contrast.
The 1989 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) shows hub doubling on 'LIBERTY' and Washington's portrait. The Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) affects the eagle, arrows, legends, and 'QUARTER DOLLAR' lettering. Common specimens with minor doubling sell for $3.50 to $20. Dramatic examples showing clear separation of design elements can reach $50 or more in circulated grades, and higher in gem uncirculated. Always distinguish true hub doubling — which shows depth — from flat machine doubling, which is worthless.
Never clean your 1989 quarter. Cleaning destroys the original mint luster, leaves hairline scratches visible under magnification, and significantly reduces collector value. Grading services like PCGS and NGC can easily detect cleaned coins and will note it on the holder, drastically lowering resale prices. Even a coin that looks dirty or tarnished should remain untouched — its original surface condition is part of what collectors and graders are evaluating.
For high-grade (MS-66 or better) or error specimens, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers reach the deepest pool of serious buyers and typically yield the highest realized prices. eBay works well for mid-range errors and uncirculated examples in the $10–$100 range. Local coin shops offer instant payment without fees but typically pay 50–70% of retail. For any coin potentially worth over $100, professional grading by PCGS or NGC before selling is strongly recommended to maximize realized value.
Use our free calculator — select mint mark, condition, and errors in under 60 seconds.
Get My 1989 Quarter Value →