1991 Washington Quarter Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
What is your 1991 Washington Quarter worth? Complete error guide: Missing Clad Layer ($60–$300+), Off-Center Strikes, MS67 condition rarities up to $1,500, and the FS-801 myth debunked. Updated 2026.
Most 1991 Washington Quarters are worth face value (25¢), but the right mint errors and top-grade specimens can be worth $60 to $1,500 or more.
- 🥇 Missing Clad Layer: $60–$300+ — weigh the coin first (genuine errors weigh ~4.7g, not 5.67g)
- 🏆 1991-D MS67 Condition Rarity: Up to $1,500+ — the sleeper of the series
- 💰 Off-Center Strikes & Broadstrikes: $15–$200+ depending on severity
- 🔬 1991-P Doubled Die Reverse (DDR-001): $10–$25 in Mint State
⚠️ Common traps: Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like) has zero value. There is NO recognized FS-801 variety for the 1991 Washington Quarter — that designation belongs to the 1991-D Lincoln Cent, not this coin.
1991 Washington Quarter Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01 and may vary with market conditions.
Error coin values depend on grade, eye appeal, strike quality, and current market demand.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any coin suspected of being a valuable error.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable doubled die error and carries zero numismatic premium.
Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) are impossible on 1991 coins due to the 1990 master die mintmark transition.
There is no recognized FS-801 variety for the 1991 Washington Quarter. Listings using this term are misattributions from the 1991-D Lincoln Cent.
Coins that appear copper but weigh the standard 5.67 grams are likely environmentally damaged, not Missing Clad Layer errors.
The 1991-P 'No Mint Mark' is a struck-through-grease error ($5–$20), not a major rarity comparable to the 1982 No P Dime.
More than 1.2 billion 1991 Washington Quarters were struck at Philadelphia and Denver — making them one of the most common coins in existence. Yet a tiny fraction carry dramatic mint errors or survived in flawless Gem condition, and those coins attract serious collector dollars. Discover the full 1991 quarter value spectrum — from a humble 25¢ face value all the way to $1,500+ for a pristine Denver example.
This guide cuts through the noise: we debunk the viral "FS-801" myth, explain why machine doubling is worthless, and show you exactly where the genuine value hides in the 1991 series.
1991 Washington Quarter Specifications & Base Values
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel — a clad "sandwich": cupronickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core |
| Weight | 5.67 grams (±0.227g) — critical for error authentication |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (~119 reeds) |
| Designer | John Flanagan (original 1932 design) |
The mint mark sits to the right of Washington's ponytail on the obverse. P = Philadelphia, D = Denver, S = San Francisco.
Mintage & Condition Values by Mint
| Mint | Strike Type | Mintage | MS65 Value | MS66/67 Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991-P | Circulation | 570,968,000 | $5–$10 | $15–$25 / $450–$500 |
| 1991-D | Circulation | 630,966,693 | $5–$10 | $20–$35 / $1,500+ |
| 1991-S | Proof Deep Cameo | 2,867,787 | $6–$10 (PR65) | $15–$20 (PR69) / $135+ (PR70) |
Any circulated 1991 quarter — regardless of mint — is worth face value (25¢) only. Premiums begin in Uncirculated condition and climb steeply at MS67. The 1991-D is the condition rarity sleeper: despite its higher mintage, Heritage Auctions records a 1991-D MS67 sale of $1,680 versus $492 for the 1991-P MS67 — suggesting Denver coins were handled more roughly, leaving far fewer flawless survivors.
💡 Mintmark Technology Note
From 1990 onward, the U.S. Mint incorporated the mint mark directly into the master die — it was no longer hand-punched onto individual working dies. This means Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) are technically impossible on any 1991 quarter. Any listing claiming a "1991 RPM" is a misidentification of machine doubling.
1991 Washington Quarter Quick Value Checks
Work through these checks in order. You only need a 10× loupe (magnifying glass) and a postal scale for the most important ones. Start with the weight test — it's your fastest filter.
Check 1: Missing Clad Layer Error
Both faces of the coin. Does one entire side appear copper or reddish-brown instead of the normal silver color?
A full copper-colored face with weak or mushy design details and the coin weighs approximately 4.7 grams (not 5.67g). Both conditions must be true.
Environmental damage (acid, chemicals) can turn a coin copper-colored but the weight stays at 5.67g. Copper-plated novelty coins weigh more than 5.67g. The normal copper stripe visible only on the edge is not an error.
Check 2: Off-Center Strike
The entire coin design. Is there a blank crescent of empty metal on one side where the design is missing?
A visible blank crescent with the design shifted off-center. Value increases with the percentage off-center. If 50%+ off-center and the date is still visible, this is highly desirable.
A Misaligned Die (MAD) error: the coin stays within its collar and shows offset on one side only. MADs are common and worth only $5–$15.
Check 3: Broadstrike Error
The coin's edge and overall diameter. Is the edge completely smooth with no ridges (reeding)?
The coin is measurably wider than 24.3mm, the edge is completely plain and smooth, and the full design appears on both sides spread outward.
A "Texas Quarter" pounded flat after minting. If any reeding remains on the edge, it is post-mint damage and has zero value as an error.
Check 4: Clipped Planchet Error
The edge of the coin. Is there a crescent-shaped (curved clip) or flat (straight clip) bite missing from the rim?
A genuine clip shows the Blakesley Effect — weakness in the strike directly opposite the clipped area. The coin also weighs less than 5.67g (e.g., a 1991-D clip weighed 5.46g; a 1991-P clip weighed 5.36g).
Post-mint damage from pliers or deliberate cutting does not show the Blakesley Effect and has no numismatic value.
Check 5: Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001 1991-P only
The reverse lettering: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." Also check obverse for die markers.
Unusually thickened or spread lettering (Class II Distorted Hub Doubling). Confirm with obverse markers: a die gouge (dot) to the left of the upper "W" in WE, and gouges below "US" in TRUST.
Machine doubling — a flat, shelf-like smear that reduces the device width. True doubled dies show rounded, raised secondary images. Machine doubling has zero value.
Check 6: Spitting Eagle (Die Crack)
The eagle's beak on the reverse. Is there a raised line extending from the beak toward the wing or rim?
A raised line from the beak — die cracks fill with metal during striking, creating a raised ridge on the coin. The more prominent the line, the higher the value.
Scratches and contact marks are incised (cut into the surface) and not raised. Post-mint damage lines don't follow the natural contours of the design.
Check 7: Black Beauty (Improper Annealing)
The entire coin surface. Does it have a deep, uniform charcoal, gunmetal, or black appearance on both sides?
A smooth, uniformly dark surface caused by planchets left too long in the annealing furnace. Professional certification strongly recommended — raw examples are often dismissed.
Environmental damage ("cup holder coins," buried coins) shows uneven discoloration, pitting, or corrosion. Genuine Black Beauties have a clean, smooth dark surface.
Check 8: Struck Through Grease — Weak or Missing "P" 1991-P only
The mint mark to the right of Washington's ponytail. Is the "P" weak, ghosted, or completely absent?
The "P" is absent or faint with a smooth surface and intact flow lines in that area — grease filled the die cavity and blocked the metal from forming the letter.
An altered coin where someone ground off the mint mark will show scratches or a depression. This is not comparable to the famous 1982 No P Dime — it's a minor novelty error worth $5–$20.
TRAP: Machine Doubling or "RPM" — Zero Value
A doubled or shifted appearance on the date, lettering, or mint mark that looks like two images overlapping.
Machine Doubling (MD) occurs when the die bounces or slides during striking, shearing newly formed metal. It is extremely common on 1991 quarters due to high-speed production. RPMs are impossible on 1991 coins.
- MD is flat and shelf-like — it subtracts from the device width rather than adding to it
- True Doubled Dies show rounded, raised secondary images with split serifs at letter corners
- MD has zero numismatic premium. Always.
1991 Washington Quarter Error Values at a Glance
The table below aggregates all confirmed errors and varieties for the 1991 quarter series. Error Type links route to the full diagnostic guide in the Jackpots section below.
| Error Type | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missing Clad Layer | P, D | Scarce | $60–$300+ | $99 NGC MS64 |
| Off-Center Strike (50%+, date visible) | P, D | Uncommon | $50–$200+ | ANACS MS64 |
| Off-Center Strike (10–20%) | P, D | Common | $15–$25 | — |
| Broadstrike | P, D | Uncommon | $20–$50 | — |
| Clipped Planchet | P, D | Uncommon | $20–$50 | Rippere Coll. |
| Spitting Eagle (Die Crack) | P, D | Uncommon | $20–$50 | — |
| Black Beauty (Improper Annealing) | P, D | Rare | $20–$50 cert. | — |
| Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001 | P only | Scarce | $10–$25 | — |
| Struck Through Grease (Weak/Missing P) | P only | Common | $5–$20 | — |
| Machine Doubling / False RPM | All | Very Common | No Value | — |
1991 Washington Quarter Valuable Errors & Varieties Explained
1991 Washington Quarter Valuable Errors & Varieties Explained
Each entry below gives you the full diagnostic toolkit: what the error looks like, what it is NOT, and what the market is actually paying.
1991 Missing Clad Layer Error
Normal quarter (left) versus a Missing Clad Layer error showing a full copper obverse (right).
Origin & Background
Quarters are struck from a clad metal strip — a pure copper core bonded between two cupronickel outer layers. If one layer fails to bond before the blanks are punched, an entire face of the resulting coin is the raw copper core instead of the expected silver-colored cupronickel. The design on the copper side often looks weak or "mushy" because the thinner planchet doesn't fill the die completely.
A genuine Missing Clad Layer quarter weighs ~4.7g; a normal quarter weighs 5.67g.
How to Identify
- One full face is copper-colored or reddish-brown; the other looks normal silver
- Coin weighs approximately 4.7 grams — about 1 gram lighter than normal (15–20% less)
- Design details on the copper side appear flat or incomplete
False Positives to Avoid
Acid-dipped or environmentally damaged coins can look copper-colored but weigh 5.67 grams — always weigh before getting excited. Copper-plated novelty coins weigh more than 5.67g. The thin copper stripe visible on a normal quarter's edge is not an error — it's the exposed core of every clad coin.
Market Values
- Raw / Circulated: $60–$100
- Certified MS64+: $100–$300+ (exceptional eye appeal with red luster commands the highest prices)
Auction Record
$99 for a 1991-D Missing Reverse Clad Layer graded NGC MS64 (Heritage Auctions archive). High-grade examples with full red copper luster can exceed $300.
1991 Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strike showing blank crescent area and shifted design with date still visible.
Origin & Background
When the planchet feeder malfunctions, a blank can land partially outside the coin press collar. The dies then strike only a portion of the planchet, leaving a blank crescent of metal on one side.
How to Identify
- Visible blank crescent opposite the shifted design
- Estimate the offset percentage: 10% off-center means 10% of the design is missing
- Date visibility is critical — if 50%+ off-center and the date remains visible, value jumps significantly
- A 1991-D 5% Off-Center graded ANACS MS64 is confirmed sold at GreatCollections
False Positives to Avoid
Misaligned Die (MAD) errors show offset on one side only, but the coin remains within the collar — worth only $5–$15. True off-center strikes show raw blank metal at the edge.
1991 Broadstrike Error
Broadstrike (right) spread wider than 24.3mm with a smooth edge; normal quarter (left) for comparison.
Origin & Background
The retaining collar is a metal ring that surrounds the lower die and forces the coin to stay 24.3mm wide. When the collar fails to deploy or breaks, metal flows outward unrestricted during the strike. The result is a wider-than-normal coin with a completely smooth edge and no reeding.
How to Identify
- Diameter measurably larger than 24.3mm
- Edge is completely smooth — no reeding at all
- Full design present on both sides, slightly spread
False Positives to Avoid
A "Texas Quarter" is a coin pounded flat between leather after leaving the mint. It will still show reeding on the edge. Reeding = post-mint damage = no error value.
1991 Clipped Planchet Error
Clipped planchet showing the curved missing section and the Blakesley Effect (weakness opposite the clip).
Origin & Background
When the blanking press punches a disk from metal strip that overlaps a previously punched hole, the resulting blank has a crescent-shaped piece missing (curved clip) or a flat edge (straight clip). The Blakesley Effect — a corresponding weakness in the strike directly opposite the clipped area — confirms the clip occurred before striking.
How to Identify
- Curved or straight piece missing from the edge
- Coin weighs less than 5.67g — a 1991-D example weighed 5.46g; a 1991-P example weighed 5.36g (from the Rippere Collection)
- Blakesley Effect: weakness in the design directly opposite the clip
Auction Record
A 1991-D Curved Clip (5.46g) graded ANACS AU-58 and a 1991-P Curved Clip (5.36g) graded ANACS MS62 both appeared in the Rippere Collection of Mint-Clipped Errors at GreatCollections.
1991-P Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001 (WDDR-001)
DDR-001 thickened lettering in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA compared to a normal example.
Origin & Background
This is a genuine die variety cataloged by VarietyVista as 1-R-II-C and listed in the Wexler files as WDDR-001. Class II doubling — called Distorted Hub Doubling — appears as thickened or spread lettering rather than the clean separated image you'd see on dramatic silver-era doubled dies. The premium is modest, but it is a documented variety, unlike the fictional FS-801.
How to Identify
- Examine the reverse lettering "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR" — look for unusual thickness or spreading toward the rim
- Confirm with obverse die markers: a die gouge (dot) to the left of the upper "W" in WE, and a series of gouges below "US" in TRUST
- These die markers are critical for separating this genuine variety from machine doubling
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling is flat, shelf-like, and reduces device width. True DDR-001 doubling is rounded and thickened with depth. The vast majority of "doubling" seen on 1991-P quarters is machine doubling, which has zero value. See the NGC guide to Machine Doubling vs. Doubled Dies and the VarietyVista DDR-001 listing.
1991 Spitting Eagle (Die Crack)
Close-up of the eagle's beak showing a raised die crack extending toward the wing — the "Spitting Eagle."
How to Identify
- A raised ridge (not a groove) extending from the eagle's beak toward the wing or rim on the reverse
- Die cracks fill with metal during striking, creating a raised line on every coin struck from that die
- More prominent = higher premium; barely visible cracks have minimal value
False Positives to Avoid
Scratches and contact marks are incised into the surface (below the coin's face). A genuine die crack is raised above the surface. Run your fingernail across the line — a die crack will feel slightly raised; a scratch will feel like a valley.
1991-P Struck Through Grease — Weak or Missing "P"
Weak or absent "P" mint mark caused by die grease filling the letter cavity during striking.
Origin & Background
Industrial grease and metal dust accumulate in die recesses during high-volume production. When grease packs the small "P" cavity, the striking pressure cannot force metal into that area, producing a coin with a ghosted or absent mint mark. This is a struck-through-grease error — not a true "No Mint Mark" variety.
How to Identify
- The "P" is faint or absent under magnification
- The area is smooth with undisturbed flow lines — metal just didn't fill that space
- No scratches, no depression, no signs of alteration
False Positives to Avoid
Altered coins with a ground-off mint mark show scratches, a depression, or disturbed metal around the missing area. This error is not comparable to the 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime, which is a major rarity. The 1991 version is a minor novelty worth $5–$20 at most.
1991 Black Beauty (Improper Annealing Error)
1991 quarter Black Beauty with uniform charcoal-black annealing surface.
Origin & Background
Before striking, coin blanks (called planchets) are heated in an annealing furnace to soften the metal. If planchets are left too long or the oxygen mixture is incorrect, the copper migrates to the surface or the nickel oxidizes heavily — producing a deep, dark charcoal or gunmetal appearance across both sides.
How to Identify
- Smooth, uniformly dark surface across both sides — not patchy or spotty
- The darkness is part of the metal surface, not a coating or contamination
- Professional certification (PCGS/NGC) is strongly recommended; raw examples are routinely dismissed as environmental damage
False Positives to Avoid
Environmental damage (coins left in cup holders, buried in soil, or exposed to chemicals) shows uneven discoloration, pitting, or corrosion pits. Genuine Black Beauties are clean and uniformly colored with no pitting. Never pay Black Beauty prices for a raw, uncertified coin.
1991 Washington Quarter Traps: What Looks Rare But Isn't
These are the three most common false alarms that cost collectors money.
⚠️ Machine Doubling — The #1 Trap
A doubled or shifted image on the date, lettering, or mint mark — looks exciting under a loupe.
The die bounces or slides slightly during striking, shearing freshly formed metal sideways. It happens during the strike, not during die-making, so it produces no genuine doubled design.
- Machine doubling is flat and shelf-like — the secondary image is pushed aside and detracts from the device width
- True Doubled Dies have rounded, raised secondary images with split serifs (notches at letter corners)
- RPMs are impossible on 1991 quarters due to the 1990 master die mintmark transition
Machine doubling (left) is flat and shelf-like; true doubled die (right) has rounded, raised secondary images with split serifs.
Value: Face value only (25¢).
⚠️ The "FS-801" Washington Quarter Myth
Online listings or forum posts claiming the "1991 Washington Quarter FS-801" is a valuable variety.
The FS-801 designation belongs to the 1991-D Lincoln Cent — a penny with a dramatic doubled die reverse (extra Memorial columns). Sellers use keyword stuffing, adding "FS-801" to standard 1991 quarters to attract searches from penny collectors.
- There is no recognized FS-801 variety in the Cherrypickers' Guide for the 1991 Washington Quarter
- The FS-801 for 1991 refers to the Lincoln Cent, not the quarter
- Any listing using this term for a quarter is a misattribution or deliberate misdirection
Value: Face value only (25¢) for any "1991 Quarter FS-801."
⚠️ "No Mint Mark" — Almost Never What It Appears to Be
A 1991 quarter with no visible "P" mint mark — fueling hopes of a major rarity like the 1922 "No D" Cent or the 1982 No P Dime.
Philadelphia quarters must carry a "P" from 1980 onward. A missing mark is almost always a struck-through-grease error — die grease filled the "P" cavity. Alternatively, someone ground off the mark post-mint.
- Grease-fill errors show a smooth surface with intact flow lines in the mint mark area — no scratches
- Altered coins show a depression or scratches where the mark was removed
- The genuine struck-through-grease version is worth $5–$20, not thousands
Value: $5–$20 for genuine struck-through-grease; face value for altered coins.
1991 Washington Quarter Grading & Condition Impact
1991 Washington Quarter Grading & Condition Impact
For circulated 1991 quarters, grade doesn't matter — they're all worth 25¢. The value cliff appears in Mint State, and it's steep.
MS65 (left) shows minor bag marks; MS67 (right) has nearly flawless surfaces — the grade difference that drives a $1,400+ price gap on Denver coins.
- MS63–MS64: Contact marks and minor imperfections — common, face value to $5
- MS65: Gem condition — $5–$10. Millions survive at this grade from the original mintage
- MS66: Modest premium — $15–$35 depending on mint
- MS67: Condition rarity. Philadelphia: $450–$500. Denver: $1,500+. The 1991-D MS67 premium (verified at $1,680 at Heritage Auctions) reflects Denver's lower survival rate of flawless coins
- MS68+: Essentially unknown for 1991 business strikes
For Proof coins from San Francisco: PR69 Deep Cameo is abundant and sells for $15–$20. PR70 Deep Cameo — zero imperfections under 5× magnification — jumps to $135+. The proof market is binary: either it's PR70 and valuable, or it isn't.
💡 The Denver Opportunity
Despite Denver's higher mintage (630M vs Philadelphia's 570M), the 1991-D commands three times the price at MS67. This suggests systematic handling issues at the Denver facility reduced pristine survivors. Searching original 1991-D bank rolls offers better "lottery ticket" potential than 1991-P rolls.
1991 Washington Quarter Authentication: When to Get It Certified
1991 Washington Quarter Authentication: When to Get It Certified
Third-party grading (TPG) by PCGS or NGC adds market liquidity and protects buyers and sellers. Here's when it makes sense for 1991 quarters:
- Always certify: Any suspected Missing Clad Layer error, Off-Center strike of 20%+, or Broadstrike before selling — raw examples are routinely undervalued or dismissed
- Certify if it looks MS67+: The jump from MS66 ($15–$35) to MS67 ($450–$1,500+) is enormous. A $30–$50 grading fee is worth it if there's a realistic chance of MS67
- Black Beauty errors: Raw Black Beauties are nearly impossible to sell at fair value without certification
- Never clean the coin first: Cleaning permanently destroys the surface and guarantees a "Details" (damaged) grade, eliminating most of the premium
- Handle by edges only: Fingerprints deposit oils that etch into the metal over time
⚠️ Before You Submit
Weigh suspected Missing Clad Layer coins and photograph both sides in natural light. Submit only coins where the potential value clearly exceeds the grading fee. For the 1991-S Proof, certification is only worth it if you believe you have a PR70 Deep Cameo — PR69 DCAM is not worth the submission cost given its $15–$20 market value.
Looking for a reputable dealer? Check the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) directory at pngdealers.org for certified specialists near you.
1991 Washington Quarter FAQ
What is a 1991 Washington Quarter worth?
Circulated examples from any mint are worth face value (25¢). Uncirculated (Mint State) examples are worth $5–$10 in MS65, $15–$35 in MS66, and jump dramatically at MS67 — up to $450–$500 for Philadelphia and $1,500+ for Denver. The 1991-S Proof reaches $135+ only in the perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade. Mint errors can add significant premiums regardless of condition.
Is there really an "FS-801" variety for the 1991 Washington Quarter?
No. There is no recognized FS-801 variety for the 1991 Washington Quarter in the Cherrypickers' Guide or any major variety catalog. The FS-801 designation for 1991 belongs to the 1991-D Lincoln Cent — a penny with a strong doubled die reverse. Any listing claiming a "1991 Quarter FS-801" is a misattribution, often deliberate keyword stuffing to attract searches from penny collectors.
Why is the 1991-D MS67 worth so much more than the 1991-P MS67?
Despite Denver producing more coins (630M vs 570M), Heritage Auctions records show the 1991-D MS67 at $1,680 versus $492 for the 1991-P MS67. The data suggests Denver coins were handled more roughly during bagging and transport, resulting in fewer pristine survivors. Higher mintage doesn't automatically mean more gem survivors — handling conditions matter just as much.
How do I tell machine doubling from a real doubled die?
Machine Doubling (MD) occurs during the strike when the die bounces or slides. The secondary image is flat, shelf-like, and smeared — it reduces the width of the main device rather than adding to it. True Doubled Dies are created during the die-making process; the secondary image is rounded, raised, and has depth, often showing split serifs at letter corners. MD has zero numismatic value. Most "doubling" on 1991 quarters is machine doubling.
My 1991 quarter looks copper-colored on one side. Is it worth something?
Maybe — but weigh it first. A genuine Missing Clad Layer error weighs approximately 4.7 grams, not the normal 5.67g. If the coin weighs 5.67g and looks copper, it is almost certainly environmentally damaged (acid, chemicals). If it weighs more than 5.67g, it is likely a copper-plated novelty. Only coins that weigh ~4.7g AND show a full copper-colored face are genuine errors, worth $60–$300+.
Can 1991 quarters have Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs)?
No — and this is one of the most important facts for 1991 quarter collectors. Starting in 1990, the U.S. Mint incorporated the mint mark directly into the master die rather than hand-punching it onto individual working dies. This eliminates the human error that created RPMs on pre-1990 coinage. Any 1991 quarter with an apparent doubled mint mark is showing machine doubling, not an RPM.
What does it mean if my 1991 quarter has no "P" mint mark?
Philadelphia quarters have carried the "P" since 1980, so a missing mark is unusual — but almost always caused by a struck-through-grease error (die grease filled the "P" cavity). Check the area under a loupe: genuine grease-fill errors show a smooth surface with intact flow lines and no scratches. An altered coin (ground-off mint mark) shows scratches or a depression. The genuine error is worth $5–$20 as a novelty, not thousands.
Is the 1991-S Proof quarter rare or common?
Common at the PR69 Deep Cameo level — with a mintage of 2,867,787 and careful handling in proof sets, nearly-perfect examples are abundant at $15–$20. The market is binary: a PR70 Deep Cameo (zero imperfections under 5× magnification) commands $135+, while anything below PR70 sells for nominal amounts. If you're considering submission, only send a coin you're genuinely confident could grade PR70.
Research Methodology & Sources
Values and diagnostics in this guide are drawn from verified auction records and authoritative numismatic references:
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1991-P Washington Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1991-D Washington Quarter
- VarietyVista: 1991-P Doubled Die Reverse Listings
- Heritage Auctions: Missing Clad Layer Quarter Archive
- GreatCollections: The Rippere Collection of Clipped Planchet Errors
- GreatCollections: 1991-D Off-Center Strike ANACS MS64
- NGC: Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling (Educational Reference)
Auction records reflect actual sales as documented. Values represent typical retail estimates as of January 2026 and may vary with market conditions. Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any coin suspected of being a valuable error or high-grade condition rarity.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
