The 1999-S Delaware Silver State Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $1,500 for perfect specimens. If you have found a shiny, mirror-like quarter with the horse and rider design, you might be holding a piece of modern numismatic history from the very first year of the 50 State Quarters Program.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $10 – $15 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $25 – $40 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $80 – $200+ |
| Error Varieties | Varies ($50 – $1,000) |
What Makes the 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter Special?
The 1999-S Delaware Silver State Quarter holds a special place in the hearts of collectors because it represents the beginning of a revolution in American coinage. Launched in 1999, the State Quarters program reinvigorated interest in pocket change. If you are trying to identify whether your coin is a rare silver version or just a high-luster copper-nickel coin, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two types instantly.
Unlike the common Delaware quarters found in your grocery store change, the “S” mint mark silver version was never intended for circulation. These were struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. They are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making them “precious metal” coins. If you aren’t sure what you have, CoinHix is a fantastic tool to help you scan and catalog your find.
Most of these coins feature a “Deep Cameo” finish. This means the design (Caesar Rodney on horseback) looks frosted and white, while the background (the “field”) is polished to a mirror-like shine. This contrast is what makes the 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter so visually striking and desirable for those building a complete silver state quarter set.
How to Identify a Genuine Silver Delaware Quarter
Not every quarter from 1999 with an “S” mint mark is made of silver. The San Francisco Mint produced two versions: a standard copper-nickel clad proof and a 90% silver proof. To determine if yours is the silver variety, you should first look at the edge of the coin. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge, whereas a clad quarter will show a distinct copper stripe or “sandwich” look.
Weight is another major factor. A standard copper-nickel quarter weighs about 5.67 grams. In contrast, the 90% silver 1999-S Delaware quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams. Small differences in weight can mean a huge difference in price, as shown in the current price data for silver Delaware quarters.
If you don’t have a gram scale at home, don’t worry. You can also perform a “ping” test by gently tapping the coin; silver has a higher-pitched, longer-lasting ring compared to the dull thud of copper-nickel. Of course, the easiest way is to let CoinHix do the heavy lifting for you by analyzing the coin’s visual characteristics.
| Feature | Clad Proof | Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.25 grams |
| Edge Color | Orange/Copper Stripe | Solid Silver/White |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel | 90% Silver |
Historical Context: Caesar Rodney’s Midnight Ride
The design on the reverse of the 1999 Delaware Quarter commemorates Caesar Rodney’s historic ride in 1776. Rodney rode 80 miles through thunder and rain to Philadelphia to cast a tie-breaking vote for Delaware in favor of independence. It is an iconic piece of American history captured on a small canvas. Because 1999 was the first year of the program, the 1999-S silver coins are often the most expensive in a complete set.
Since these were the first “new” quarters since 1976, interest was sky-high. Millions of people started collecting, but most were only saving the coins from circulation. The silver proof sets were sold in limited quantities by the US Mint. Today, those who kept their 1999 silver proof sets in pristine condition are reaping the rewards of their foresight.
Understanding history is important, but for most people, the question is always “How much is it worth today?” You can find out more by checking the 1999 Delaware quarter value and rarity trends. Prices fluctuate based on the market price of silver and the demand from new collectors entering the hobby.
The Importance of Grading for Federal Silver Proofs
When it comes to the 1999-S Delaware Silver States Quarter dollar value, the “grade” is everything. Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70. Since silver proof coins were handled carefully with gloves at the mint, most would naturally grade at least PR 67 or PR 68. However, the price jumps significantly if the coin is graded a perfect PR 70 by services like PCGS or NGC.
A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is also standard for these proofs. If the frosting on the design is weak, the coin might only get a “Cameo” designation, which actually lowers the price. Investors look for those “perfect” coins because they are extremely rare. Even a microscopic scratch invisible to the naked eye can drop a coin from a $200 value down to $20.
If you have a collection of these and are thinking about sending them for professional grading, use CoinHix first. The app can give you an estimate of the condition so you don’t spend money on grading fees for a coin that won’t return a high enough value to justify the cost.
| Grade Level | Market Interest | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 70 DCAM | Very High | $150 – $450 |
| PR 69 DCAM | Moderate | $25 – $35 |
| Raw (Ungraded) | Steady | $8 – $12 |
Error Coins and Rarities to Look For
Even though silver proof coins are made under strict quality control, errors still happen. These are the “Holy Grail” finds for everyday Americans. Some 1999-S Delaware quarters have been found with “double dies” (where the letters or designs appear doubled) or “off-center strikes.” Because these are silver, an error on a 1999-S proof is significantly more valuable than an error on a standard circulating quarter.
Keep an eye out for “hazy” or “toned” coins as well. While most collectors prefer white, shiny coins, some pay a premium for “rainbow toning”—a natural oxidation process that creates beautiful colors on the silver surface. A beautifully toned 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter can sometimes sell for double the price of a standard white one.
If you think you see something weird on your coin, like a double ear on Caesar Rodney or extra leaves, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value instantly. Instead, take a high-resolution photo and use a specialized tool to see if it matches known error patterns.
FAQs
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Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S Delaware Quarter?
A: Each silver proof quarter from 1999 contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means even if the coin is damaged, it will always be worth at least its “melt value,” which changes daily based on the silver market.
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Q: Can I find a 1999-S Silver Delaware Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare, but it does happen. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set to spend it, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. If you find a quarter that looks much shinier than the others and has an “S” mint mark, check the edge immediately!
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Q: What is the difference between a Clad Proof and a Silver Proof?
A: A Clad Proof is made of copper and nickel (it has a brown stripe on the edge). A Silver Proof is made of 90% silver (it has a solid silver edge). The 1999-S Silver version is generally worth about 5 to 10 times more than the Clad version.
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Q: Is the 1999-S Delaware Quarter the most expensive state quarter?
A: It is certainly one of the most expensive in the silver series because it was the first one ever issued. As the “First of the First,” demand is always high from collectors who want to start their sets with the best possible coin.
