The 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade silver proof condition. Whether you found this coin in your pocket change or discovered a shiny version in a collected set, its value depends heavily on its finish and metal composition.
| Coin Version | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2011-S Clad Proof | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| 2011-S Silver Proof (90% Silver) | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| Deep Cameo Gems (PR70) | $50.00+ |
History and Significance of the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter
The Vicksburg National Military Park quarter was the ninth release in the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) Quarters Program. This series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, honored various national sites across the United States. The Vicksburg design commemorates the American Civil War battle and the site’s preservation in Mississippi.
The “S” mint mark on your coin indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” versions meant for business strikes, the S-mint coins were specifically minted for collectors. If you aren’t sure how to distinguish these marks, using a best coin identifier app can help you zoom in on small details to verify your coin’s origin.
Many everyday Americans are surprised to find these in circulation. While they were originally sold in sets, some eventually find their way into “the wild” when sets are broken up or spent by mistake. Identifying the condition of these coins is the first step in determining if you have a common find or a collector’s gem.
How to Differentiate Clad vs. Silver S-Mint Quarters
In 2011, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of quarters: the Copper-Nickel Clad version and the 90% Silver version. This is the most critical factor in determining the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Value. A clad coin is worth a few dollars, but the silver version is tied to the current market price of precious metals.
The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper-colored line running through the center of the edge, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is likely the 90% silver version. To be 100% sure, you can use the CoinHix app to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of both types.
Another method is weighing the coin. A clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams. This small difference in weight accounts for a large difference in price. Collectors often check 2011 quarter value charts to see how metal prices fluctuate and affect their collection’s worth.
Grading the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter
Since these coins were minted as “Proofs,” they started their life in perfect condition. Proof coins are struck multiple times with polished dies, giving them a mirror-like background and frosted details. Over time, however, if they are handled without gloves, they develop scratches or dullness.
A grade of PR70 (Proof 70) is the highest possible grade, meaning the coin is flawless under 5x magnification. Most coins found in original packaging will grade around PR68 or PR69. If your coin has fingerprints or “hairline” scratches from being cleaned, its value will drop significantly toward the lower end of the spectrum.
| Condition / Grade | Clad Price | Silver Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical) | $4.50 | $18.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $10.00 | $28.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect) | $45.00 | $95.00 |
Design Details of the Vicksburg Quarter
The reverse of the coin, designed by Thomas Kuzma and sculpted by Joseph Menna, features the U.S.S. Cairo. This ironclad gunboat was a major part of the Union’s naval assault on the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg. The detail on the boat—including the smokestacks and the water ripples—is what makes this a favorite among military history buffs.
On the obverse (the “heads” side), you will find the standard portrait of George Washington used for the ATB series. This portrait is a restored version of the 1932 design by John Flanagan. For those tracking series-wide values, viewing the current price trends for 2011 ATB quarters can provide context on how Vicksburg stacks up against other releases that year, like Gettysburg or Glacier.
When examining your coin, look for the crispness of the lettering “VICKSBURG,” “MISSISSIPPI,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” On a high-quality “S” mint proof, these letters should be razor-sharp against the reflective background.
Are There Any 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Errors?
While errors are much rarer on proof coins than on standard business strikes, they do happen. The San Francisco Mint has higher quality control, but sometimes “doubled dies” or “clashed dies” slip through. A doubled die error would show clear doubling on the lines of the U.S.S. Cairo or the inscriptions.
If you suspect your coin has a strange mark or a shifted design, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can ruin its numismatic value. Instead, use a tool like CoinHix to compare your coin with known error varieties. A genuine error on an S-mint proof could easily double or triple its value to the right collector.
Because the 2011-S coins were part of specific sets (The 2011 Proof Set and Silver Proof Set), any “out of place” coin is unusual. Most “errors” found in pocket change are actually just post-mint damage (scratches from vending machines), so be sure to verify before getting too excited.
Summary of the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Value
In short, if you have a 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter, you likely have something worth more than its face value. Even the most common clad proof sells for a few dollars to people looking to fill holes in their albums. The 90% silver versions remain the prize of the 2011 San Francisco production run because they hold both collectible and “junk silver” value.
As silver prices rise, the floor for the 90% silver quarter value rises with it. Always keep your proof quarters in protective flips or capsules to prevent “haze” or oxidation from forming on the surface. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just someone who found a shiny coin in a jar, the 2011-S Vicksburg is a piece of American history well worth keeping.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Type | Current Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| S (San Francisco) | Clad Proof | Common (Collector Sets) |
| S (San Francisco) | 90% Silver Proof | Moderate (Precious Metal) |
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2011 Vicksburg quarter have an ‘S’ mint mark?
A: The ‘S’ mint mark means the coin was minted in San Francisco. These were originally sold in special proof sets for collectors and were not intended for general circulation.
Q: How much silver is in a 2011-S silver proof quarter?
A: It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. In 2011, the Mint used a 90% silver and 10% copper alloy for silver proof sets.
Q: Can I find a 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare, but possible. Sometimes people spend proof sets by accident. If you find one, it will likely be scuffed and lose its “Proof” premium, but the silver version is still worth its weight in metal.
Q: What is the most expensive 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter ever sold?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens can sell for well over $100 at professional auctions, especially if they are 90% silver and certified by agencies like PCGS or NGC.
Q: Should I get my 2011-S quarter graded?
A: Generally, it is only worth grading if the coin is the 90% silver version and looks absolutely perfect. For common clad versions, the cost of grading (often $20-$40) may be higher than the value of the coin itself. Use CoinHix to estimate the grade before sending it off!
