Self-Checker

Missing Clad Layer Self-Checker

The missing clad layer is the most visually dramatic — and most valuable — error found on 1993 quarters. Use this tool to assess whether your coin shows this rare mint error. First, compare your coin's appearance to the descriptions below, then tick the checklist.

1993 Washington Quarter obverse and reverse showing standard clad appearance
Side-by-side comparison: normal 1993 quarter vs missing clad layer variety showing exposed copper

🔘 Common — Normal Clad Coin

  • Both faces are uniformly silver-gray (nickel surface)
  • Edge shows a thin copper line sandwiched between two white layers
  • Coin weighs approximately 5.67 grams (normal)
  • No copper-orange coloring visible on either face

🟠 Rare — Missing Clad Layer Error

  • One or both faces show copper-orange or brownish-red coloring
  • Affected side appears distinctly darker and more copper-toned
  • May weigh slightly less than normal (missing metal layer)
  • Design still visible but on the reddish copper substrate

Four-Point Checklist — Tick All That Apply

Free Assessment Tool

Describe Your Coin for a Detailed Assessment

Type what you see on your 1993 quarter — mint mark, surface condition, any unusual features, colors, or markings. The analyzer scans for known varieties and gives tailored guidance.

Mention these things if you can
  • Mint mark (P, D, or S)
  • Any copper color on the face
  • Off-center design or blank areas
  • Doubled images or lettering
  • Rotated reverse orientation
Also helpful
  • Whether it looks brand new or worn
  • Any marks on Washington's cheek
  • Luster quality (shiny vs. dull)
  • Proof appearance (mirror-like fields)
  • Weight if you've measured it
Free Tool

Free 1993 Quarter Value Calculator

Answer three quick questions and get an instant value estimate with market context. The calculator uses PCGS and Heritage auction data for all four varieties.

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Step 1 of 3: Where was your coin minted?

Look to the right of the ribbon at the base of Washington's portrait for a small letter.

Step 2 of 3: What is your coin's condition?

If Washington's cheek or the eagle's breast shows any flatness or dullness, it has wear.

Step 3 of 3: Does your coin have any known errors? (check all that apply)

If you're still figuring out your coin's mint mark or condition, a free third-party tool like 1993 Quarter Coin Value Checker can walk you through identification steps before you return here.

On This Page

Complete 1993 Quarter Guide

Jump to any section using the links below.

Complete Guide

The Valuable 1993 Quarter Errors

The 1993 Washington quarter produced no officially designated die-variety errors with CONECA FS numbers, but several major mint errors escaped quality control at both the Philadelphia and Denver facilities. These striking, planchet, and die errors represent the most significant value premiums beyond grade for this date. Here are the five most sought-after varieties, ranked by collector demand and documented sale prices.

1993 quarter Doubled Die Obverse error showing hub doubling on LIBERTY inscription under magnification
Most Famous

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

$50 – $300+

A doubled die obverse occurs when the working die receives two slightly misaligned impressions from the master hub during die preparation at the mint. On the 1993 quarter, this manifests as a visible second image on the obverse lettering and design elements — most notably on the word LIBERTY and occasionally the date digits — visible as a slight shelf or shadow alongside the primary impression.

To identify a DDO, examine LIBERTY letter-by-letter under a 10× loupe in direct raking light. Genuine hub doubling shows mechanical separation — a clean, distinct second outline — rather than the machine doubling (MD) distortion produced by die chatter, which creates a shelf-like smear. The separation on collectible examples is typically 0.2–0.5mm and appears most pronounced in the bold letters.

Collector demand for 1993 DDO quarters is driven by the visual drama of the doubling and the accessibility of the date. While no FS-numbered variety is catalogued by CONECA for this year, examples with pronounced, clearly attributable doubling in MS-60 and above find an active buyer pool. Value scales steeply with both severity of doubling and state of preservation.

How to spot it

Examine LIBERTY under a 10× loupe in raking light. Look for a clean, separated second outline on letter tops — especially L, I, B, E — at least 0.2mm of separation. Machine doubling shows a flat shelf; hub doubling shows raised double lines.

Mint mark

P (Philadelphia) examples most documented; D (Denver) issues also known. No S-mint DDO documented.

Notable

No official CONECA FS designation exists for 1993 quarter DDOs. Values range from $50 for minor doubling to $300+ for pronounced examples in MS-65 or better. Professional certification (PCGS or NGC) is strongly recommended to distinguish hub doubling from machine doubling.

1993 quarter off-center strike error showing Washington portrait shifted significantly with blank planchet crescent
Most Collectible

Off-Center Strike

$120 – $300+

An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered under the dies at the moment of striking. The resulting coin displays the design shifted laterally — part of the design is normal while the opposite edge shows a blank crescent of unstruck metal. The 1993 quarter produced identifiable examples ranging from 10% to well over 50% off-center at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints.

Value scales dramatically with the percentage of offset. Coins at 10–20% off-center are worth modest premiums; the real collector interest begins at 40%+ offset, where Washington's portrait may be partially cut off yet the date and mint mark remain fully legible. A coin that still shows the complete date despite dramatic offset commands the highest prices, as it provides definitive attribution.

Premium examples — those 40–60% off-center in uncirculated condition with a clearly visible date — have sold in the $120–$300 range. Extreme examples beyond 60% offset are even rarer and can push values higher. All off-center strikes should be certified, as they are among the more commonly counterfeited mint errors.

How to spot it

Hold the coin and observe whether Washington's portrait sits centered in the coin's field. A blank unstruck crescent on any edge — even 5–10% — is the diagnostic sign. Measure offset against total coin diameter; look for the date being fully visible despite the shift, which confirms attribution.

Mint mark

P and D issues both documented. S-mint proofs essentially cannot be off-center due to hand-fed proof production.

Notable

Values: 10–20% off-center approximately $30–$60; 40–60% off-center $120–$300; 60%+ examples potentially $300 or more. A documented 1993-P triple-strike combined with off-center shift is noted by CoinValueApp as an extraordinary rarity. Certification essential for value verification.

1993 quarter missing clad layer error showing copper-orange exposed substrate on coin face
Most Dramatic

Missing Clad Layer

$155 – $600+

The missing clad layer error results when the outer copper-nickel bonding layer fails to adhere to the copper core planchet before striking. During the coin production process, planchets are formed by bonding thin outer nickel layers to a pure copper core. When the nickel layer separates or was never properly applied, the die strikes directly onto the copper substrate, producing a coin with a distinctly copper-orange face where the normal silver-gray surface should appear.

Single-sided missing clad errors — by far the most common form — show copper coloration on one face while the other retains its standard nickel surface. The rarest and most valuable form is the bilateral (both-sided) missing clad, where both obverse and reverse show copper. The full design is fully struck in all cases; the error is entirely a surface/composition defect. Examining the edge is critical: a missing-clad coin will show an anomalous copper-only edge on the affected side rather than the standard copper-between-white-nickel sandwich.

Collector premiums are strong because the visual impact is immediate and the error is definitively identifiable without specialist tools. Values for single-sided examples in uncirculated grades run $155–$400; the rare double-sided type reaches $600 or more. PCGS and NGC both routinely certify and attribute these errors, and population reports suggest fewer than 50 certified examples exist across all known 1993 dates and mints.

How to spot it

Look for a uniform copper-orange color on one full face of the coin. Check the edge with a loupe: a genuine missing clad will show copper-only on the affected side with no white nickel layer. The color must be uniform — patchy toning or environmental discoloration is not this error.

Mint mark

P and D business strikes both documented. Estimated population: fewer than 50 certified examples total for the 1993 date across both mints.

Notable

Dual missing clad (both sides copper) is among the rarest Washington Quarter series errors overall — only 5–10 examples known across the entire clad Washington quarter series. Single-sided: $155–$400 certified. Double-sided: $600+. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential; copper-toned or chemically altered coins are frequently misidentified as this error.

1993 quarter rotated die error showing reverse misaligned from standard coin orientation
Best Kept Secret

Rotated Die Error

$50 – $200+

A rotated die error occurs when one of the working dies is installed in the press at an angle other than the standard 180° coin alignment. On US coins, the reverse should always appear upright when the coin is flipped on its vertical axis (coin alignment). When a die is misaligned — whether by 90°, 135°, or 180° (medal alignment) — the resulting coins show the reverse design at a visually obvious rotational offset.

The 1993 quarter rotated die is most commonly found on Philadelphia-mint examples. Identification is straightforward: hold the coin with Washington upright, then flip it along the vertical axis. The eagle's head should also appear upright. Any consistent rotation of more than approximately 15–20 degrees is considered a collectible error; rotations of 90° and 180° are the most desirable. Minor rotations under 15° are considered within manufacturing tolerance and add no premium.

Value for rotated die errors correlates with the degree of rotation. Minor rotations (15–45°) may add $50 or less above grade value. Dramatic examples at 90° or 180° rotation in uncirculated condition fetch $100–$200+. These errors were more common in certain production runs and are underappreciated by casual collectors, making them a legitimate value opportunity for attentive searchers examining bank rolls.

How to spot it

Hold coin with obverse upright; flip along the 12 o'clock–6 o'clock vertical axis. Eagle should face right and appear upright. Any rotation greater than ~15–20 degrees is a potential error. Use a protractor or coin alignment tool to measure precisely; document the rotation degree before submission to a grading service.

Mint mark

P (Philadelphia) most commonly documented; D (Denver) examples also known. Rotation degree varies by coin.

Notable

Rotated die errors in Washington quarters are generally undervalued in the market relative to their true rarity. Values: 15–45° rotation approximately $50; 90° rotation $100–$150 in MS; 180° rotation (medal alignment) potentially $200+ in MS-63 or better. CoinValueApp notes rotated die errors at $200+ for strong examples. No specific population data available for 1993 date alone.

1993 quarter multiple strike error showing overlapping double impression of Washington portrait design
Most Striking

Multiple Strike / Double Strike

$500 – $800+

A multiple strike error results when the struck coin fails to eject from the press and receives one or more additional blows from the dies before escaping. Each subsequent strike may be in-collar (producing a stacked relief image in the same plane) or out-of-collar after a partial ejection, producing a dramatically offset second impression. The 1993-P quarter has a documented case combining triple strike with off-center characteristics — an extraordinarily rare combination that represents one of the highest-value errors from this date.

Visually, double strikes show a second ghost impression of Washington's portrait and the obverse design overlapping the primary image, typically offset by several millimeters in a specific direction determined by the partial ejection trajectory. The primary and secondary images share the same coin surface with visible relief separation between them. Triple strikes add a third layer of impressions. The more dramatic the offset between strikes, the more visually compelling — and valuable — the coin.

The coins-value.com and errorcoins.org reference sources document double strikes commanding $500–$600 for typical examples, with triple strikes reaching $700–$800 in documented cases. A triple strike combined with an off-center second or third hit is among the rarest of all 1993 quarter errors. Professional certification is essential — these are among the most frequently counterfeited coin errors — and NGC or PCGS slabbing is required for any major sale or auction.

How to spot it

Look for a second (or third) overlapping design impression on either face. The second impression will share metal with the first, creating a layered raised-relief effect. Use a strong loupe to distinguish overlapping letters and portrait outlines. Check that the overlapping design matches the original — a different design suggests wrong-planchet error rather than multiple strike.

Mint mark

P (Philadelphia) best documented for the extraordinary triple-strike combination; D (Denver) double strikes also catalogued. S proofs essentially excluded by hand-fed production process.

Notable

Standard double strikes: $500–$600. Triple strikes: $700–$800. Triple strike with off-center component: potentially $800+, with the 1993-P triple strike noted as "extraordinarily rare" by CoinValueApp researchers. PCGS and NGC both designate and attribute these errors; only certified examples should be purchased or sold at significant premiums to protect buyer and seller alike.

Quick-Scan Summary

1993 Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

For a deeper look at grading each condition tier, the complete in-depth 1993 Washington quarter identification and value breakdown walks through every grade with photo references. The table below summarizes current retail values based on PCGS and NGC price guides as of late 2025.

Variety Worn (G–VF) Lightly Circ. (AU) Uncirc. (MS-65) Gem (MS-67+)
1993-P (Philadelphia) Face value $0.60–$0.90 $8–$12 $145–$780
1993-D (Denver) Face value $0.60–$0.90 $8–$14 $145–$1,500
1993-S Clad Proof ~$3.50 $4–$8 — PR-70: $36
⭐ 1993-S Silver Proof ~$8.78 melt $17–$22 — PR-70: $46–$50
🔴 Missing Clad Error $60–$100 $100–$155 $200–$400 $600+
Double/Triple Strike $150–$200 $200–$350 $500–$600 $700–$800+

⭐ = Signature variety (silver proof); 🔴 = Rarest error variety. Values represent retail for certified coins. Uncertified examples typically sell for 20–40% less.

📱 CoinHix is a fast on-the-go way to photograph your 1993 quarter and get an instant value and identification estimate — a coin identifier and value app.

Group of 1993 Washington quarters showing different mint marks and condition spectrum from worn to proof
Production Data

1993 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1993 Washington quarter was produced across three mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver produced business-strike coins for circulation, while San Francisco struck two types of collector proof coins. Total combined production exceeded 1.29 billion pieces.

Mint / Variety Mint Mark Mintage Est. Surviving Survival Rate Type
Philadelphia P 639,276,000 ~319,638,000 ~50% Business strike
Denver D 645,476,128 ~322,738,000 ~50% Business strike
San Francisco (Clad Proof) S 2,633,439 ~2,501,767 ~95% Proof (clad)
San Francisco (Silver Proof) S 761,353 ~723,285 ~95% Proof (silver)
Total (all varieties) — 1,288,146,920 ~645,601,052 — —
Composition Note: Business strike 1993-P and 1993-D quarters are copper-nickel clad — 75% copper / 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core. Weight: 5.67 grams. Diameter: 24.3 mm. Edge: reeded (119 reeds). Designer: John Flanagan. The 1993-S Silver Proof contains 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams — its silver content gives it an intrinsic melt value of approximately $8.78 at late-2025 silver spot prices near $48/oz.
Grading strip showing four 1993 quarters representing worn, about uncirculated, uncirculated, and gem condition
Grading Guide

How to Grade Your 1993 Quarter

Grading determines almost everything about a 1993 quarter's value. Below are the four key condition tiers and what to look for on Washington's portrait (obverse) and the eagle (reverse).

Worn (G-4 to VF-35)

Face Value (25¢)

Washington's cheek is flat and smooth, fine hair strands above the ear are merged or absent, and the eagle's breast feathers are flat. Circulation wear is clearly visible at high points. Rim may show minor nicks. These coins have no numismatic premium whatsoever — save them for circulation or coin rolls only.

Lightly Circulated (AU-50–AU-58)

$0.60 – $0.90

Slight dulling or trace wear is visible on Washington's cheek and the eagle's breast — high points touched by circulation. Most original luster (75%+) is still present in protected areas. At AU-58, only a trace of wear is visible under good lighting. Very small collector premium over face value.

Uncirculated (MS-60–MS-66)

$1 – $36

No wear whatsoever. Full original cartwheel luster rotates under a single light source. Contact marks and bag marks are visible — more at MS-60, fewer by MS-65. Washington's hair shows full strand definition. The key distinction within this tier: MS-65 requires minimal distraction from marks; MS-66 is notably clean. Strike quality matters especially for Philadelphia coins.

Gem (MS-67 to MS-68)

$145 – $1,500

Outstanding surfaces with nearly flawless fields. Under 5× magnification, marks in focal areas (Washington's cheek, open obverse fields) are minimal or absent. Strike must be sharp — particularly important for 1993-P issues where weak strikes are common. MS-68 requires essentially perfect surfaces and is extremely rare for this date. This tier represents genuine conditional rarity despite the massive mintage.

Pro Tip — Strike vs. Wear: For 1993-P quarters specifically, NGC's grading guide notes that Philadelphia's clad-era production often produced weak strikes with soft details. A weakly struck coin may look worn but has never circulated. To distinguish: wear shows actual metal movement with different surface texture; a weak strike is simply soft in design detail with consistent luster throughout. A weakly struck coin still grades MS — it just won't achieve MS-67 — while a genuinely worn coin grades circulated and is worth face value only.

🔎 CoinHix lets you cross-check your assessment by comparing your coin photos to graded reference examples on the go — a coin identifier and value app.

Selling Guide

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1993 Quarter

The best venue depends entirely on your coin's grade and type. A gem MS-67 example and a missing clad layer error need different audiences and platforms to achieve maximum value.

🏆 Heritage Auctions

Best for: MS-67 and above, major error coins, silver proofs in PR-69/PR-70.

Heritage reaches the most serious buyers and has the documented $780 MS-66 sale on record. Consign online at HA.com. Typical seller's commission is 5–15%. Allow 60–90 days to sale. Minimum lot value around $200 makes this impractical for lower-grade coins.

🛒 eBay

Best for: MS-65 to MS-66 certified coins, error coins, clad proofs.

Check recently sold prices for 1993-P Washington quarter listings on eBay to set a realistic auction or Buy-It-Now price. Certified (slabbed) coins consistently outsell raw examples — list the grade prominently in the title. 13.25% final value fee applies.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Best for: Quick cash sale, silver proofs, lots of multiple coins.

A reputable local dealer offers immediate payment but typically pays 60–70% of retail. Best option when you need fast liquidity or are selling multiple coins together. Bring your best-grade or most interesting coins — dealers pay better premiums on coins they can easily resell. Get quotes from two shops if possible.

💬 Reddit r/coins / r/Coinsales

Best for: Error coins, interesting varieties, finding knowledgeable buyers.

The r/Coins subreddit's weekly "What's it worth?" threads get expert eyes on your coin for free. r/CoinSales allows direct peer-to-peer sales with no platform fees. The community skews toward error and variety collectors, making it ideal for off-center, missing clad, or rotated die pieces that casual eBay buyers might not appreciate.

Get It Graded First: Any 1993 quarter you believe grades MS-67 or above, or any confirmed major error (missing clad, double strike, significant off-center), should be submitted to PCGS or NGC before selling. Certification costs $25–$50 per coin and adds credibility that consistently adds 20–40% to realized prices. For MS-65/MS-66 coins, evaluate whether the potential grade uplift justifies certification costs; for lower grades, it typically does not.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a 1993 quarter worth?
Most circulated 1993 quarters are worth only face value — 25 cents. With over 1.28 billion minted across Philadelphia and Denver, worn examples carry no numismatic premium above face value. Value emerges at the gem uncirculated level: MS-65 coins fetch $8–$14, MS-66 examples reach $20–$36, and MS-67 specimens command $145–$415. The top documented auction record is $780 for an MS-66 example sold at Heritage Auctions in July 2022. Major mint errors can add $150–$800 on top of grade value.
What is the rarest 1993 quarter?
By mintage, the 1993-S Silver Proof is the rarest standard variety, with only 761,353 pieces struck — a fraction of the billion-plus business strikes. Among business strikes, the 1993-D in MS-67 or higher is exceptionally rare due to population scarcity at that grade level. Major error coins — particularly double strikes, missing clad layer examples, and significant off-center strikes — can be unique or near-unique, making them among the rarest individual 1993 quarter pieces in existence.
Is a 1993 P quarter worth anything?
A circulated 1993-P quarter is worth face value. However, the 1993-P is a genuine condition rarity in gem grades due to documented strike quality issues at the Philadelphia Mint during this era. MS-66 examples sell for $20–$36, while MS-67 coins fetch $145–$225. The top recorded sale for a 1993-P is $780 at Heritage Auctions (July 2022, MS-66 grade). MS-68 examples, if they exist, would likely command four-figure sums given extreme population scarcity.
What does a missing clad layer 1993 quarter look like?
A missing clad layer 1993 quarter shows exposed copper on one or both sides instead of the normal silver-gray nickel surface. On one-sided errors, the affected face appears reddish-orange or copper-brown against the coin's normal clad appearance on the other side. Full dual missing-clad examples show copper on both faces and are dramatically thinner than normal. The edge will also reveal the copper core layer. Values range from $155 to $600 depending on severity and grade.
How do I tell a 1993 P quarter from a 1993 D quarter?
Both the 1993-P and 1993-D quarters carry a small mint mark on the obverse, to the right of Washington's portrait ribbon. The 1993-P has a small 'P' mint mark, while the 1993-D has a small 'D'. A 10× loupe makes these easy to read. In terms of value, the 1993-D generally shows slightly better strike quality than the Philadelphia issue, meaning Denver coins are somewhat more accessible at MS-67 grade. Both are equally common in circulated condition.
What is the value of a 1993 S silver proof quarter?
The 1993-S Silver Proof quarter was struck in 90% silver with only 761,353 pieces produced. Its value in 2025–2026 is influenced by the silver melt value (approximately $8.78 based on late-2025 silver prices near $48/oz) as a hard floor. Retail values run from around $17 in PR-65 DCAM up to $46 in gem proof grades. PR-70 examples, the finest certified, have sold for around $50. The silver melt floor now exceeds retail prices for lower proof grades.
Are 1993 quarter errors valuable?
Yes — major 1993 quarter errors command significant premiums over face value. Missing clad layer errors range from $155 to $600 depending on completeness and grade. Significant off-center strikes (40–60% off-center) are worth $120–$300. Double strikes reach $500–$600 when combined with off-center characteristics. Doubled die obverse (DDO) errors with visible hub doubling on LIBERTY or the date can add $100–$300 above base grade value. All errors should be professionally certified to verify authenticity.
What grade does my 1993 quarter need to have value?
For business strikes (P and D), meaningful collector value begins at MS-65, where coins fetch $8–$14. Real premium emerges at MS-66 ($20–$36) and significant value at MS-67 ($145–$415). MS-68 reaches $1,000 or more. If your coin shows any circulation wear — dullness on Washington's cheek, loss of hair detail, or flat eagle breast feathers — it grades below MS and is worth only face value for most 1993 examples. Only a completely uncirculated coin with exceptional luster and surfaces crosses into collectible territory.
Where can I sell a valuable 1993 quarter?
Heritage Auctions is the best venue for certified high-grade examples (MS-67+) or major errors, reaching the most serious buyers and achieving auction records. eBay works well for MS-65 and MS-66 coins with active competition. For error coins or silver proofs, specialized coin dealers and online forums (r/coins on Reddit) provide quick liquidity. Always have exceptional coins professionally certified by PCGS or NGC before selling — slabbed coins consistently command 20–40% more than raw examples at the same grade.
How many 1993 quarters were made?
A total of 1,288,186,920 business-strike 1993 quarters were produced across Philadelphia (639,276,000) and Denver (645,476,128). The San Francisco Mint added 2,633,439 clad proof quarters and 761,353 silver proof quarters for collectors. Combined, this makes 1993 one of the higher-production years for Washington quarters. The massive mintage means circulated examples are genuinely common — their value is entirely conditional on preservation quality reaching gem uncirculated grades.