The 2007-S Montana State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for a circulated coin to over $40 for a high-grade silver proof. While coins found in your change are usually face value, the “S” mint mark indicates a special strike produced specifically for collectors in San Francisco.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Pocket Change) | $0.25 |
| Clad Proof (PR69) | $3 – $7 |
| Silver Proof (PR69) | $15 – $22 |
| Perfect Silver Proof (PR70) | $40+ |
What Makes the 2007-S Montana Quarter Special?
The Montana State Quarter, released in 2007 as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, features a beautiful bison skull in the center, symbolizing the state’s rugged heritage. While hundreds of millions of Montana quarters were minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for general circulation, the “S” mint mark coins are different. These were struck at the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and specially prepared planchets.
If you have stumbled upon one of these in a collection or a special set, you are likely looking at a “Proof” coin. Proof coins are not intended for daily spending; they are created for aesthetic beauty and historical preservation. To accurately identify these variations, many hobbyists utilize the best coin identifier app to distinguish between a standard copper-nickel version and the more valuable silver edition.
Using CoinHix can also help you spot the mirror-like finish that defines the “S” mint mark series. Because these coins have such a deep, reflective surface, they often command a premium over the common quarters you find at the grocery store.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver Proofs
Not all “S” mint Montana quarters are made of the same material. In 2007, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the Montana quarter. The first is the “Clad Proof,” which is made from the same copper-nickel composition as your regular quarters. The second is the “Silver Proof,” which is struck on a 90% silver planchet.
Telling them apart is crucial for determining the fair market price for Montana quarters today. The easiest way to check is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the 90% silver version. If you see a copper or orange stripe, it is a clad proof.
| Composition | Weight | Metal Content |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | 5.67 grams | Copper-Nickel |
| 90% Silver Proof | 6.25 grams | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
Determining the Grade and Value of Your Coin
When it comes to modern coins like the 2007-S Montana quarter, condition is everything. Because these coins were sold in protective plastic lenses by the Mint, many of them remain in “Deep Cameo” condition, meaning there is a sharp contrast between the frosted design and the shiny background.
For the average person, a coin that looks “perfect” might be a PR69 (nearly perfect) or a PR70 (perfect under 5x magnification). A PR70 Silver Montana Quarter can fetch a significantly higher price than a PR69. If you are unsure of the grade, checking the current value of 2007 state quarters through reliable pricing guides is a great first step.
Professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC can verify these high grades. However, grading often costs $20-$40 per coin, so you should only consider it if you believe your coin is truly flawless. When using CoinHix, you can compare your coin’s luster and strike to high-resolution images of top-graded specimens.
How Mintage Figures Affect Market Price
Mintage figures for 2007-S Proofs are much lower than the business strikes from Philly or Denver. In 2007, the San Francisco Mint produced approximately 2.3 million Clad Proof sets and about 1.3 million Silver Proof sets featuring the Montana design.
While 1.3 million might sound like a lot, it is quite low compared to the 200+ million produced for circulation. This scarcity is what keeps the 2007-S Montana State Quarter Value stable. As silver prices fluctuate, the value of the silver proof version will also rise and fall based on its intrinsic melt value, currently providing a “floor” price for the coin regardless of its collector appeal.
| Mint Location | Mintage (Approx.) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 257,000,000 | Circulation |
| Denver (D) | 223,000,000 | Circulation |
| San Fran (S) Clad | 2,300,000 | Collector Sets |
| San Fran (S) Silver | 1,300,000 | Silver Sets |
Common Errors Found on 2007 Montana Quarters
While error coins are more common on the business strikes from P and D mints, proof coins can occasionally have rare mishaps. One thing to look for on the Montana design is the “Double Die” error, where the lettering or the bison skull appears slightly blurred or doubled.
Another rare occurrence is the “strikethrough” error, where a piece of debris gets between the die and the coin during striking. Even small errors can double or triple the value of your quarter. If you think you’ve found something unique, using an app like CoinHix can help you magnify the details to see if what you’re looking at is a true mint error or just post-mint damage.
Most “errors” reported by beginners turn out to be simple scratches or wear from hanging out in a vending machine. However, because “S” mint coins rarely enter circulation, any “S” quarter found in the wild with an error is a massive find for any collector.
Where to Sell Your 2007-S Montana Quarter
If you discover that your coin is a high-grade silver proof, you may want to sell it. For common clad proofs, your best bet is often a local coin shop or an online marketplace like eBay. Collectors often look for these to fill holes in their “Statehood Quarter” albums.
For high-value PR70 silver proofs, specialized auction houses or dedicated coin forums are better options. Always ensure your coin is handled by the edges; the oils from your fingers can ruin the mirrored finish of a proof coin and instantly drop its grade and value.
Remember that the 2007-S Montana State Quarter Value is largely dictated by whether someone needs that specific coin to complete a set. Keeping your coin in its original US Mint packaging is the best way to ensure it retains its maximum potential value over time.
FAQ
Q: Why does my Montana quarter have an ‘S’ mint mark?
A: The ‘S’ stands for the San Francisco Mint. These coins were produced as “Proof” coins specifically for collectors and were originally sold in sets, rather than being released for general use in stores.
Q: How can I tell if my 2007-S Montana quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If it is solid silver with no visible copper layer, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh it; a silver quarter weighs 6.25g, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67g.
Q: Is a 2007 Montana quarter without an ‘S’ mark valuable?
A: Usually, no. Quarters with ‘P’ or ‘D’ mint marks were made in huge quantities (nearly 500 million combined). Unless they are in perfect uncirculated condition or have a major error, they are only worth face value ($0.25).
Q: Can I find a 2007-S Montana Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare but possible. This happens when someone “breaks” a proof set and spends the coins. If you find one, it will likely be scratched and “circulated,” which makes it worth much less than a coin still in its original packaging.