Spitting Eagle 1983-P Quarter

The ‘Spitting Eagle’ 1983-P Quarter is easily recognized by the raised line caused by the ‘declined coining die’. This line appears beneath the eagle’s beak on the reverse side of the coin. This inconsistency makes the eagle appear to be spitting, just like the 1891-CC VAM-4 Spitting Eagle Morgan Dollar.

While this variety is considered rare and is usually worth face value, a collection of the ‘Spitting Eagle’ 1983-P Washington quarters may be a valuable investment. The Philadelphia Mint struck over 673.5 million 1983 quarters, but fewer than a thousand have been graded by PCGS. Of these, eleven have been graded MS-67 by PCGS. The raised line on the eagle’s mouth is an indication that the coining die is deteriorated, making the eagle appear’spitting’.

While many modern U.S. coins feature a striking design, many aren’t striking at all. These weak strikes often result in details being missing, and a coin with a ‘Spitting Eagle’ die-clash is particularly rare. The raised vertical line between the Eagle’s mouth and wing’s top is a telltale sign of a ‘Spitting Eagle’ coin.

There are many ways to grade a coin. A perfect MS-67 1983-P Washington quarter is rare and worth $10 to $20. It is possible to find a single piece worth over a thousand dollars if you know where to look. The same is true for uncirculated 1970-S quarters. A few rare 1970-S coins have fetched as much as $110 at auction. Those with a higher grade may earn more money than the average, but the ‘M’ graded coin will bring you more.