Are you thinking about adding a 1992 quarter to your coin collection? Or perhaps you’re wondering if that old 1992 quarter you found could bring in some cash if sold?
The year 1992 holds particular significance for Washington quarters as it marks the introduction of proof silver quarters. If you happen to possess one, it could be worth a considerable amount!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the value of the 1992 quarter. You’ll discover the coin’s fascinating history, learn how to identify valuable 1992 quarters, and explore error coins that might be worth hundreds of dollars.
Let’s dive in and see just how much your 1992 quarter could be worth!
Value Chart for 1992 Quarter
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992-P Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $375 |
| 1992-D Quarter Value | $0.30 | $0.30 | $0.30 | $785 |
| 1992-S Proof Clad Quarter Value | – | – | – | $45 |
| 1992-S Proof Silver Quarter Value | – | – | – | $22.50 |
Historical Significance of the 1992 Quarter
The 1992 quarter is part of the Washington quarter series, first released by the United States Mint in 1932. This series was introduced to replace the Standing Liberty quarter, in honor of George Washington’s 200th birthday.
In 1930, a special committee was established by Congress to oversee the bicentennial celebrations of Washington’s birth. As part of the festivities, it was decided that a commemorative coin would be introduced.
Initially, the plan was to temporarily replace the Walking Liberty half dollar, but Congress ultimately chose to permanently replace the Standing Liberty quarter with a Washington quarter.
Sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser was initially selected to design the commemorative Washington medal, and it was anticipated she would also design the new coin. However, the Treasury Department, led by Andrew Mellon, preferred to hold a competition for the design of the new quarter.
John Flanagan, another renowned sculptor, was ultimately chosen to design the Washington quarter.
Production of the Washington quarter began in July 1932, and the coins were released into circulation by August of that year.
From 1932 to 1964, these quarters were minted in 90% silver and 10% copper. However, the rising cost of silver and the hoarding of silver coins led to a change in composition, starting in 1965, when the Mint switched to a copper-nickel blend.
In 1992, the U.S. Mint began issuing proof silver quarters alongside proof clad quarters—a tradition that continues today.
The Features of the 1992 Quarter
Understanding the specific features of the 1992 quarter is key to identifying coins that may be worth more than their face value.
Obverse Design of 1992 Quarter
The obverse, or head side, of the 1992 quarter prominently features the left-facing profile of George Washington. His gaze is fixed forward, with his hair tied back in a pigtail. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed at the top of the coin along the inner rim, while the year “1992” appears at the bottom. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” is etched on the left side.
Reverse Design of 1992 Quarter
Turning the coin over to the reverse, or tail side, reveals a more intricate design. The main image is a left-facing American eagle with its wings outstretched, perched on a bundle of arrows that symbolize freedom and liberty. Below the eagle, olive branches tied together represent peace and independence.
At the top of the coin along the inner rim is the bold inscription of the country’s name, followed by the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which translates to “Out of many, one.” The denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR” is displayed at the bottom.
Technical Specifications of 1992 Quarter
The 1992 Washington quarters struck for general circulation are composed of a pure copper core and an outer layer consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. These quarters have a diameter of 24.30 millimeters and weigh 5.67 grams. The edge of the coin is reeded, featuring small, vertical ridges.
In contrast, the proof silver quarters from 1992 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing slightly more at 6.30 grams. The additional silver content gives these coins extra value, especially in the collectors’ market.
Washington quarters in 1992 were minted in Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). You can easily identify the mint location by looking at the mint mark next to Washington’s pigtail on the obverse.
1992 Quarter Grading Guide
| Grade Number | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
Washington quarters in mint condition are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical and sentimental value. If you have a 1992 quarter, knowing how to assess its condition is crucial.
A mint state 1992 quarter should display an even luster across the entire surface. Under a single light source, the coin should maintain its shine, especially on high points such as the top of Washington’s head, the curl around his ear, and his cheek.
On the reverse side, check for the sharpness of the eagle’s breast feathers, the front of its legs, and the top edges of its wings. These areas should remain well-defined and free of wear in an uncirculated coin.
If your coin shows signs of dullness or wear, it will be graded as circulated. The degree of wear will determine if the coin is rated as good, fine, or extra fine.
To accurately determine your coin’s value, it’s essential to refer to our detailed grading guide. Proper grading is the first step toward understanding the true worth of your 1992 quarter.
1992 Quarter Value Guides
Curious about the value of your 1992 quarter?
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the worth of a 1992 quarter largely depends on factors such as its condition, rarity, mint mark, and any unique minting errors.
There are four primary varieties of the 1992 quarter, each with its own value range:
- 1992-P Quarter
- 1992-D Quarter
- 1992-S Quarter
- 1992-S Silver Quarter
Let’s explore the value of each variety in more detail.
1992-P Quarter Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 384,764,000 quarters in 1992, making this variety quite common. Due to the high mintage, these coins are relatively easy to find, which generally keeps their value low in the numismatic market.
Circulated 1992-P quarters are abundant and often display noticeable wear, particularly on Washington’s portrait. This wear is primarily due to the use of lower-quality dies during production. In circulated condition, these quarters typically fetch between $0.30 and $0.85, making them affordable for most collectors.
Uncirculated examples are also fairly accessible up to grade MS65, with values around $15. However, the scarcity increases significantly at MS66 and above, with only a few hundred known examples. At the higher end, MS68 quarters are extremely rare, with potentially only a dozen certified pieces in existence.
While lower-grade uncirculated 1992-P quarters are not particularly valuable, those in gem mint condition can be quite pricey. A top-grade example can command anywhere from $375 to $400, depending on its condition. The most expensive 1992-P quarter to date was graded MS67 and sold for $764 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2017, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
1992-D Quarter Value
The Denver Mint produced an estimated 389,777,107 quarters in 1992, resulting in a similar scenario to the Philadelphia issue—these coins are plentiful in circulated condition. Most of the 1992-D quarters show signs of wear, as they were widely circulated, making them easy to find and inexpensive.
Circulated 1992-D quarters typically sell for between $0.30 and $0.85. While these coins are easy to obtain, they aren’t particularly lucrative. The real challenge lies in finding an uncirculated 1992-D quarter, especially those graded MS65 or higher.
From MS65 onward, 1992-D quarters become significantly scarcer, with only a few known certified examples. Quarters graded MS66 and above can fetch a premium, with MS68 coins commanding at least $785 in the market. Notably, a 1992-D quarter graded MS67 achieved an impressive sale price of $1,763 at a Heritage Auctions event in 2013, according to PCGS records.
1992-S Proof Clad Quarter Value
The San Francisco Mint produced about 2,858,981 proof quarters in 1992, featuring a copper-nickel clad composition. Proof coins are generally struck with collectors in mind, and while some years see limited production, 1992 saw millions of these proof quarters minted.
The high mintage means that 1992-S proof clad quarters are common and accessible to collectors at an affordable price. Even the Cameo and Ultra Cameo versions graded PF70, which are relatively rare, remain within reach. For around $45, you can acquire a flawless, shiny 1992-S proof clad quarter graded PF70.
1992-S Proof Silver Quarter Value
1992 marked the beginning of the production of proof silver quarters alongside the proof clad quarters, with around 1,317,579 minted that year. Although this is a relatively high mintage for proof coins, it still makes the 1992-S proof silver quarters a bit more desirable among collectors.
Despite the higher mintage, these proof silver quarters remain common and affordable. You don’t need to spend a fortune to add a sparkling 1992-S proof silver quarter to your collection. Typically, these coins can be acquired for between $10 and $22.50.
The most expensive 1992-S proof silver quarter to date was sold for $432 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2003.
Rare 1992 Quarter Errors List
With the mint producing hundreds of millions of quarters in 1992, it’s no surprise that some errors slipped through the cracks. These minting errors can significantly increase the value of a coin, making it worth much more than its face value.
If you stumble upon a 1992 quarter that looks unusual, you might be holding an error coin with the potential for a substantial return. Below are some of the most noteworthy 1992 quarter errors that collectors should keep an eye out for:
1992 Off-Center Strike Quarter Error
An off-center strike error occurs when the design elements, like Washington’s profile on the obverse or the eagle on the reverse, are not perfectly aligned with the center of the coin. This misalignment can cause the design to appear shifted to one side, either toward the right, left, top, or bottom of the coin.
Coins with off-center strikes are highly sought after by collectors. If you have a 1992 quarter with this type of error, you could expect it to be valued between $70 and $90, depending on the degree of the off-center strike and the coin’s overall condition.
1992 Struck Through Grease Quarter Error
Struck-through errors occur when a foreign substance interferes with the minting process, preventing the full design from being transferred to the coin. In many cases, this substance can be grease from the minting machinery. When grease gets between the die and the planchet, it can cause parts of the design to appear blurry or even missing, such as the mint mark.
A 1992 quarter with a struck-through grease error can be quite valuable. Depending on its overall condition, such a coin could fetch up to $65, and possibly more if the error is particularly prominent and the coin is well-preserved.
1992 Clad Platting Quarter Error
The 1992 quarter is composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel cladding, which gives the coin its shiny appearance. However, in some rare cases, the nickel layer may be missing due to a minting error. This missing layer can leave parts of the coin looking dull, aged, and even rusty, as the exposed copper core reacts to the environment.
Coins with this type of error are particularly intriguing to collectors due to their unusual appearance. The value of a 1992 quarter with a missing clad layer can range from $20 to $30, depending on how much of the nickel layer is absent and the coin’s condition.
Where to Sell Your 1992 Quarter?
Now that you’ve assessed the value of your 1992 quarter, the next step is figuring out where to sell it. Fortunately, several online platforms make it easy to sell coins, each with its own advantages and potential drawbacks.
To help you navigate the options, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide detailing the best places to sell your coins online, including a brief introduction to each platform, along with their pros and cons.
FAQs on 1992 Quarter
Is a 1992 S quarter silver?
Not every 1992 S quarter is silver. In 1992, the U.S. Mint produced both silver proof quarters and clad proof quarters with the “S” mint mark. If you have a quarter that is particularly shiny with a reflective surface, there’s a good chance it’s a silver proof quarter.
How to Tell if a 1992 quarter is rare?
The 1992 Washington quarters are generally common, with millions minted, making them not particularly rare. However, some 1992 quarters may have minting errors, such as off-center strikes or missing clad layers. These error coins are rare and can be worth hundreds of dollars to the right collector.
How To know if you have a valuable 1992 quarter?
While most 1992 Washington quarters are only worth their face value, certain factors can significantly boost their value. If your 1992 quarter is a silver proof coin, identified by an “S” mint mark on the obverse, and has a smooth, flawless, and shiny surface, it could be quite valuable. These silver proof quarters are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars, particularly if the coin is in excellent condition.
Final Thoughts
All in all, while most 1992 quarters are relatively common and worth their face value, certain varieties and errors can significantly increase their worth. If you have a 1992 silver proof quarter with an “S” mint mark in pristine condition, you could be holding a valuable collector’s item.
Likewise, unique error coins such as those with struck-through grease or off-center strikes can command impressive prices. Always consider having your coins professionally graded to accurately determine their value.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding these key details can help you identify and capitalize on valuable 1992 quarters in your collection.