The 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in standard gem condition to over $1,500 for perfect proof specimens. While a circulated quarter in your pocket is usually just worth face value, finding a “S” mint mark silver edition is a true treasure for any casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Proof) | $500.00 – $1,600.00+ |
Understanding the 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter
If you’ve recently sorted through an old coin jar or inherited a collection, you might have stumbled upon a shiny New Jersey quarter dated 1999 with a small “S” below the “In God We Trust” motto. This isn’t your average pocket change. The 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter was minted specifically for collectors and was never intended for general circulation. Unlike the copper-nickel versions found at grocery stores, this coin is struck in 90% silver. If you are unsure exactly what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the common base-metal version and the valuable silver proof.
These coins were issued as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, which launched in 1999. New Jersey was the third state honored in the series, following Delaware and Pennsylvania. The reverse design depicts General George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Because these were struck with polished dies and planchets, they have a mirror-like finish that makes the historical scene pop. Identifying these early in your collecting journey is easy with CoinHix, which provides high-resolution imagery to compare your find against museum-grade specimens.
To confirm you have the silver version, check the “S” mint mark, but also look at the edge of the coin. A standard quarter has a copper stripe visible on the edge. A silver proof quarter will have a solid, bright silver edge. This distinction is the primary reason why the 1999 quarter value for silver proofs is significantly higher than that of the billions of quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver.
How the San Francisco Mint Created a Rarity
The “S” mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint, a facility renowned for producing proof coins. In 1999, the mint produced two types of “S” New Jersey quarters: a standard clad proof and a 90% silver proof. While both are beautiful, the silver version is the one that commands a premium. The total mintage for the New Jersey silver proof was approximately 804,565 pieces. While that may sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the hundreds of millions produced for daily use.
When professional graders look at these coins, they are searching for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effects. This is where the raised details (like Washington’s boat) look frosty and white, while the flat fields look like a black mirror. If your coin has this contrast, the value jumps significantly. Many collectors use the CoinHix app to track these auction trends in real-time. Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets, finding one in the “wild” or out of its case usually means it has acquired some scratches, which can lower the grade from a perfect 70 to a more common 60 or 63.
For those curious about how this specific state compares to the very first release of the program, checking the 1999 Delaware quarter mint state prices offers a great perspective on how the market values the start of the series versus the New Jersey release.
Grading and Pricing for 1999-S Silver Quarters
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter is technically a “Proof” coin, meaning its “grade” is measured on a scale from PR 1 to PR 70. Most silver proofs that have remained in their original government packaging will grade between PR 67 and PR 69. A PR 69 is very common and usually sells for about the price of a nice lunch. However, a PR 70—representing a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification—is exceptionally rare.
| Coin Strike Type | Composition | Value (Raw/Ungraded) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-S Proof | Clad (Copper-Nickel) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof | 90% Silver | $8.00 – $12.00 |
If you find a silver quarter that has been “impaired”—meaning it was spent as money and has scratches or wear—it is still worth its weight in silver. As of today, the melt value of a 90% silver quarter is roughly $5.00, depending on the current market price of silver. This provides a “floor” for the value; no matter how beat up it is, it will never be worth just 25 cents. For investors, CoinHix can be a vital tool to monitor the fluctuating silver bullion prices that affect these coins.
The “Crossroads of the Revolution” Design
The design of the 1999 New Jersey quarter is often cited as one of the best in the 50 State Quarters series. It features a rendition of the famous 1851 painting by Emanuel Leutze. The detail on the silver proof is much sharper than on the circulating P or D mint coins. On a high-quality silver proof, you can clearly see the ripples in the water and the determined expressions on the soldiers’ faces.
Collectors prize this coin not just for its silver content, but for its historical significance. Because 1999 was the first year of the program, excitement was at an all-time high. Many people bought the silver proof sets as gifts or investments. If you are looking at a New Jersey quarter and it looks “too shiny,” you should check the mint mark immediately. If it’s an “S,” you’re in luck. If it’s a “P” or “D” but looks incredibly shiny, it might be a “Proof-Like” strike or a high-grade business strike, but it won’t be silver.
What to Do if You Find One
If you discover a 1999-S New Jersey Silver State Quarter, your first step is to handle it properly. Never touch the flat surfaces of the coin with your bare fingers, as the oils from your skin can permanently “fingerprint” the silver. Only hold it by the edges. If the coin is already in a plastic holder or slab from a company like PCGS or NGC, leave it there! Removing it can instantly devalue the coin.
Most everyday Americans will find these coins in “raw” condition. To get an idea of the current market, check recent eBay sold listings or use a dedicated coin pricing app. Remember that “asking prices” are not the same as “sold prices.” Just because someone lists a quarter for $5,000 doesn’t mean it’s worth that much. Real-world values are determined by what collectors are actually paying at prestigious auction houses or local coin shops.
| Mintage Year | Mint Mark | Rarity Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | P (Philadelphia) | Common (363 Million) |
| 1999 | D (Denver) | Common (301 Million) |
| 1999 | S (Silver Proof) | Scarce (804,565) |
FAQ
Q: How can I tell for sure if my 1999 New Jersey quarter is silver?
A: There are three main ways: the weight, the edge, and the mint mark. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. Additionally, look at the edge; a silver quarter will be solid silver/white with no copper stripe. Finally, it must have an “S” mint mark.
Q: Is the 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter a good investment?
A: While they generally appreciate in value alongside the price of silver, common PR 69 graded coins are unlikely to see massive price jumps. However, perfect PR 70 specimens are highly sought after by registry set collectors and can be excellent long-term holds.
Q: Why is the perfect PR 70 grade worth so much more?
A: In the world of coin collecting, the “best of the best” always commands a massive psychological and financial premium. Because very few coins emerge from the mint without a single microscopic microscopic scratch or “milk spot,” a certified perfect 70 is a trophy for serious collectors.
Q: Can I find a silver 1999-S New Jersey quarter in my change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. This happens when someone breaks open a proof set to spend the money or when a collection is stolen and “dumped” at a bank. If you find one in a roll of quarters, it’s called a “Proof in the Wild” and is a great find for any hobbyist!