1980-S Washington Quarter — PCGS PR70DCAM
This is the 1980-S Proof Washington Quarter, certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in the flawless PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) grade — the highest possible grade a proof coin can achieve. The PCGS number 96015 specifically identifies this issue in the PCGS catalog .
The PR70DCAM Designation
A PR70 grade signifies a coin with no visible imperfections under 5x magnification, representing the absolute pinnacle of modern coin preservation . The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation indicates exceptional visual contrast: the frosted design elements stand out boldly against deeply mirrored, reflective fields — the hallmark of the finest proof coins .
As noted by PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1980-S Proof Washington Quarter is "very common up to PR69 Deep Cameo condition," but perfect PR70 Deep Cameo examples are the exception to this rule .
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| PCGS # | 96015 |
| Year | 1980 |
| Mint | San Francisco (S mintmark) |
| Denomination | 25 Cents (Quarter Dollar) |
| Grade | PR70DCAM |
| Designer | John Flanagan |
| Composition | Clad: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.30 millimeters |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mintage | 3,554,806 |
Rarity & Collectibility
The population data for PCGS #96015 shows the following :
| Pop Higher | 0 (no coins graded above PR70) |
| Pop Lower | 11,740 examples graded below PR70 |
This makes the PR70DCAM the finest possible example of this issue — there is no higher grade attainable. The total mintage of 3,554,806 coins produced at the San Francisco Mint makes this a relatively common date overall, but achieving the perfect PR70 grade represents the top tier of preservation .
Rarity Ratings
The coin carries an R-1.0 rarity rating across all grade levels, indicating it is common in general circulation among collectors . However, the scarcity increases significantly at the PR70 level, where only a fraction of the original mintage has achieved this perfect grade.
Design
The obverse features the familiar left-facing portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan, which has appeared on the quarter since 1932 . The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with wings fully extended, clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, encircled by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR."
This coin represents the ultimate example of the 1980-S Proof Washington Quarter, a worthy acquisition for both the modern proof collector and the Washington Quarter specialist.
