1986-P United States Washington Quarter Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch); the Washington Quarter design was originally created by sculptor John Flanagan in 1932.
Pattern: Washington Quarter series (1932-1998 standard Eagle reverse style); introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch); the Washington Quarter design was originally created by sculptor John Flanagan in 1932.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper). This item contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard weight: 5.670 grams.
Description
A standard circulation 1986 Washington Quarter. The obverse features the iconic left-facing portrait of George Washington. While appearing 'silvery' due to the nickel coating, this is a base-metal clad coin typical of the post-1964 US monetary system. It lacks the luster and white-metallic resonance of a true 90% silver specimen.
Key Features
The 'P' mint mark located behind Washington's hair ribbon; '1986' date; distinct copper-colored 'sandwich' line visible on the edge (not pictured, but characteristic of this composition).
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper). This item contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike; features a profile portrait of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with wings spread on the reverse (implied). Style is mid-20th-century American Neoclassical Numismatic art.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse stamps: 'LIBERTY' at the top, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' left of the bust, and the date '1986' at the bottom. Small 'P' mint mark to the right of the ponytail indicates the Philadelphia Mint.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-speed coin presses; die-struck design on a pre-cut clad planchet with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent counterfeiting and edge shaving; legal tender for 25 cents in the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Circular coin form intended for handheld exchange and pocket storage.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; mass-produced with high-pressure dies. The relief is lower compared to silver-era quarters to extend die life and facilitate high-speed production.
Authentication Indicators
The 'P' mint mark is consistent with 1986 production; strike depth and typography match United States Mint standards of the 1980s.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, one of the primary production facilities for US currency.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-silver coinage period). United States silver quarters transitioned to clad composition in 1965.
Age Estimate
Dated 1986; approximately 38 years old.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of American commerce during the late 20th century, used extensively in vending machines, laundromats, and daily transactions prior to the digital payment era.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. Visible surface scratches (bag marks), minor rim dings, and dulling of the original mint luster. Oxidation/toning is present consistent with use in commerce.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25). In high-grade uncirculated condition (MS65 or higher), it may carry a small premium of $1.00-$5.00 to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated coins of no precious metal value, special care is not required. Do not clean with abrasives if keeping for a novice collection, as it destroys any remaining numismatic luster.
Similar Pieces
1964 Washington Quarter (90% silver, looks similar but has no copper edge and weighs more: 6.25g); 1986-S Proof Quarter (mirror-like finish produced for collectors).
Interesting Facts
The Mint began adding the 'P' mint mark to quarters in 1980; prior to that, Philadelphia-struck coins (except for the 1942-45 nickels) bore no mint mark. 1986 saw a high mintage of over 550 million quarters from this branch.