The 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.50 in circulated condition to over $500 in high-grade silver proof condition. Whether you found one in your pocket change or discovered a shiny version in an old collection, understanding the specific mint marks and metal compositions is key to determining its true market value.
| Condition/Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S Mint Mark) | $2.00 – $7.00 |
| Silver Proof (S Mint Mark) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| MS68 Silver Proof | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
What Makes the 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter Special?
The 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter is the fifth release in the “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This series, which debuted in 2010, honors national parks and sites across the United States. If you are examining your coin and see an “S” mint mark, you have found a coin minted in San Francisco. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) quarters meant for everyday spending, the “S” quarters were specifically produced for collectors.
Because these were not intended for general circulation, finding one in your change is a rare treat. To quickly identify what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes available. The Mount Hood design features a majestic view of the Oregon mountain peak with Lost Lake in the foreground.
New collectors often use tools like CoinHix to track these early releases in the series. The year 2010 was a particularly low-production year for quarters due to the economic aftermath of the 2008 recession, making even the standard business strikes slightly more elusive than later years. Understanding the current 2010 quarter market value is the first step in building a valuable modern collection.
Understanding the Two Types of S-Mint Quarters
The most important thing for an everyday American to know about the 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter is that there are actually two different versions. One is made of the standard “clad” material (copper-nickel), and the other is made of 90% silver. Telling them apart is essential because their prices vary wildly.
The clad proof was included in standard annual proof sets. These have shiny, mirror-like backgrounds. The silver proof, however, contains actual precious metal. You can usually tell the difference by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, you likely have the silver version.
| Metal Composition | Mintage Numbers | Rarity Status |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 1,685,216 | Common Collector Item |
| 90% Silver | 585,048 | Sought After |
Determining the Grade and Quality of Your Coin
When it comes to the 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter price, condition is everything. Because most S-mint quarters were sold in protective plastic cases by the Mint, they are usually in “Proof” (PR) condition. However, if a set was broken open and the coin was used to buy a soda, it becomes “impaired.”
An impaired proof is only worth a small premium over face value. On the other hand, a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) proof, where the frosted image of the mountain contrasts sharply against a black-mirror background, can fetch higher prices. Collectors look for coins without scratches, milk spots, or fingerprints.
If you aren’t sure how to grade your find, the CoinHix app allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution images of certified grades. For those tracking the broader series, including the fair market value of 2010 silver coins, grading is the difference between a $10 coin and a $100 coin.
Is the Silver 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter Worth More?
Yes, the silver version is significantly more valuable because of its intrinsic “melt value.” A 90% silver quarter contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the baseline value of this coin rises regardless of its condition as a collectible.
However, the 2010-S Silver Mount Hood Quarter also has a relatively low mintage compared to later years. Only about 585,000 were made. This makes it a “key date” for people trying to complete a full silver set of the America the Beautiful series.
| Condition | Clad S-Mint Price | Silver S-Mint Price |
|---|---|---|
| Proof 65 (Standard) | $2.50 | $15.00 |
| Proof 69 (Near Perfect) | $8.00 | $28.00 |
| Proof 70 (Perfect) | $35.00 | $125.00+ |
Modern Errors and Varieties to Watch For
While proof coins are usually inspected thoroughly by the Mint, errors can still occur. For the 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter, collectors look for “die chips” or “doubled dies.” A die chip on the mountain can make it look like there is an extra rock or a “bleeding” effect in the design.
In some rare cases, proof coins can be found with “haze” or toning. While most collectors prefer a white, brilliant finish, some “rainbow-toned” silver quarters sell for huge premiums at auction. These naturally occurring colors happen when the silver reacts with the air over decades.
If you suspect your coin has a unique error, it is best to consult with the CoinHix community or a professional appraiser. Even a small error on an S-mint coin can double its value to the right collector. Always handle these coins by the edges to ensure you don’t leave oils that could damage the metal.
How to Store and Sell Your Mount Hood Quarters
If you have a 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter worth money, you must protect it. The mirror-like finish of these coins is incredibly delicate. Even a soft cloth can leave hairline scratches that drop the grade from a PR70 down to a PR63 instantly. Using plastic “flips” or air-tight capsules is the best way to preserve the value.
When you are ready to sell, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they generally pay wholesale prices (about 50-70% of the retail value). For higher-value silver proofs or perfect PR70 specimens, online auction sites or specialized coin forums might yield better results.
Always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic view of the market. The 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter is a favorite among Oregon residents and national park lovers, so there is always a steady demand for high-quality examples of this beautiful piece of American history.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter in my pocket change?
A: While rare, it is possible. These coins were originally sold in sets for collectors, but sometimes people spend them by mistake. If you find one, it will likely be worth more than 25 cents, though it will be “impaired.”
Q: How do I know if my 2010-S quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color, it’s likely silver. If you see a orange/copper stripe, it is a copper-nickel clad coin. You can also weigh it; the silver version weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad weighs 5.67 grams.
Q: What is the most a 2010-S Mount Hood Quarter has sold for?
A: High-grade silver proofs in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold for over $150 in recent years. Standard clad versions in the same grade usually sell for $25 to $40.
Q: Is “Mount Hood” written on the coin?
A: Yes, the reverse side of the coin features the name “MOUNT HOOD,” the state “OREGON,” the year “2010,” and the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”