The 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver States Quarter Dollar is worth anywhere from $8 in standard gem condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While your average pocket change isn’t silver, these special “S” mint mark coins were struck in 90% silver as part of a limited proof set for collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 67 (Deep Cameo) | $15 – $20 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $25 – $35 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $100 – $185+ |
What Makes the 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania Quarter Special?
The 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Quarter was the second coin released in the historic 50 State Quarters Program. Unlike the billions of copper-nickel quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver, these specific silver versions were only minted in San Francisco.
If you are trying to determine if your find is a rarity, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the common “clad” versions and the valuable silver proof coins. The silver edition contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it intrinsic melt value regardless of its condition as a collectible.
These coins feature a beautiful cameo finish, where the raised design (the “Commonwealth” statue) looks frosty and white, while the background fields are as reflective as a mirror. Many families find these in inherited collections or “Silver Proof Sets,” and they remain highly sought after by those completing state-themed albums.
If you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, CoinHix provides a quick way to scan your coin and get instant feedback on its composition and likely market price.
Identifying Mint Marks and Silver Content
To find the value of your 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania Quarter, you first need to confirm it is actually the silver version. There are actually three types of 1999 Pennsylvania quarters: the “P” mint, the “D” mint, and the “S” mint.
The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (heads side) to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. However, not all “S” quarters are silver. The San Francisco mint also produced copper-nickel clad proof quarters in 1999. To tell the difference, look at the edge of the coin.
A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge. If you see a copper stripe running through the middle of the edge, it is a clad coin and worth significantly less. You can check the current 1999 quarter value guide to see how the clad prices compare to the silver ones.
| Mint Mark | Material | Common Value |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Copper-Nickel Clad | Face Value ($0.25) |
| D (Denver) | Copper-Nickel Clad | Face Value ($0.25) |
| S (San Francisco) | Copper-Nickel Clad | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| S (San Francisco) | 90% Silver | $8.00 – $100.00+ |
The Grading Scale for Proof Silver Quarters
Because these coins were never intended for circulation, they are graded on a “Proof” scale from PR 1 to PR 70. Most 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania quarters found today will be in the PR 65 to PR 69 range.
A coin in PR 65 might have a few tiny “hairline” scratches visible under a magnifying glass. A PR 69 coin looks nearly perfect to the naked eye. In contrast, a PR 70 coin is flawless, with no imperfections visible even under 5x magnification. Professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC is usually required to hit these top valuations.
When collectors look for the 1999 Pennsylvania silver quarter price data, they often focus on “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the high contrast between the polished background and the matte design.
If your coin is still in its original plastic lens from the US Mint, do not take it out! Keeping it in the original packaging protects its grade and ensures you get the highest possible price when selling. For those who find loose coins, CoinHix can help you estimate if a coin is worth the fee for professional grading.
Historical Context and Design of the Pennsylvania Quarter
The reverse of the 1999 Pennsylvania quarter features the “Commonwealth” statue which sits atop the dome of the state capitol building in Harrisburg. It also includes an outline of the state and the state motto, “Virtue, Liberty, Independence.”
The Pennsylvania quarter was part of the first year of the program, which also included Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Because 1999 was the inaugural year, many people saved these coins, thinking they would be worth a fortune.
While the clad versions didn’t skyrocket in value, the silver proofs have held their value well due to their precious metal content and lower mintage numbers. Roughly 804,500 of the 1999-S silver sets were produced, which sounds like a lot but is tiny compared to the 707 million Pennsylvania quarters minted in Philadelphia.
Understanding this history helps everyday Americans realize why their found quarters may differ in value. While a dirty quarter from a parking lot is likely just 25 cents, a shiny, silver-edged “S” quarter is a genuine piece of numismatic history.
How to Sell Your 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Quarter
If you’ve identified that you have a silver version, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices (around 60-70% of the retail value) so they can make a profit.
Online auctions like eBay are great for reaching collectors directly. When listing your coin, ensure you take high-quality photos of both sides and the silver edge. Mentioning the “S” mint mark and the weight or silver content in the title will help attract the right buyers.
| Selling Venue | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coin Shop | Instant Cash, No Shipping | Lower payout |
| eBay/Online | Higher potential price | Fees and shipping Hassle |
| Coin Shows | Multiple buyers in one place | Requires travel |
Before you sell, it is wise to use CoinHix to check the most recent “sold” listings. Market prices for silver quarters can fluctuate slightly based on the current “spot price” of silver, though the collector value usually stays well above the metal value.
Summary of the Pennsylvania Quarter Value
In summary, the 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania Quarter is a beautiful coin that is worth more than its face value. Whether you are a casual hobbyist who found a shiny coin in a drawer or an investor looking at high-grade proofs, this coin represents an important era in American minting.
Always remember to check the edge, look for the “S” mint mark, and handle the coin by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints on the delicate proof surfaces. A single fingerprint can actually lower the grade of a proof coin, potentially losing you $20 or more in value!
FAQ
Q: Is every 1999 Pennsylvania quarter worth money?
A: No. Most 1999 Pennsylvania quarters found in circulation are made of copper and nickel. These are worth exactly 25 cents unless they have a very rare mint error. Only the “S” mint mark silver and clad proof versions carry a significant premium.
Q: How much silver is in the 1999-S Silver Quarter?
A: The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains 0.1808 ounces of pure silver. This means if silver prices go up, the minimum value of your coin also increases.
Q: Can I find a silver quarter in my pocket change?
A: While it is extremely rare, it does happen. Sometimes people accidentally spend proof sets, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. If you see a quarter that looks exceptionally shiny and has no copper stripe on the edge, you may have found a silver proof!
Q: What is the most expensive 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania Quarter ever sold?
A: Perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold for over $150 to $200 at major auctions. Most coins, however, fall into the $8 to $30 range.
Q: Should I clean my 1999 Pennsylvania quarter to make it worth more?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin will lose a significant portion of its collector value. Just keep it in a protective flip or its original mint packaging.
