The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade Proof condition. Whether you found one in a collection or inherited it, this beautiful 90% silver coin represents a unique piece of American numismatic history and is highly sought after by modern collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Average Raw | $8 – $12 |
| PR65 (Proof) | $15 – $22 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | $25 – $35 |
| PR70 (Perfect Grade) | $55 – $90+ |
Understanding the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter Heritage
The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter was released as part of the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) Quarters Program. This specific design honors Great Basin National Park in Nevada, featuring a massive, ancient Bristlecone pine tree—one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. While millions of copper-nickel clad quarters were struck for circulation, the “S” mint mark silver version was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors.
If you aren’t sure if your coin is the silver version or the standard clad version, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various mintages instantly. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, the silver version contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Because these were sold in sets, finding one in loose pocket change is incredibly rare. Collectors value the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter not just for its precious metal content, but for its artistic detail and limited mintage numbers. CoinHix users often report that these silver strikes hold their value much better than their base-metal counterparts, especially during times of high silver spot prices.
Silver Composition vs. Standard Clad Quarters
The most important factor in the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter value is its metal composition. In 2013, the Mint produced three types of quarters: the Copper-Nickel Clad (P and D mints), the Copper-Nickel Clad Proof (S mint), and the 90% Silver Proof (S mint). The silver version is the one that commands the highest premium over face value.
To identify a silver coin, look at the edge. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge without the copper “stripe” visible on standard quarters. Additionally, the silver version weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad versions weigh 5.67 grams. If you have a precise scale, this is the foolproof way to verify your find.
For those monitoring the market, checking the current America the Beautiful quarter prices is essential, as the market for these modern proofs can fluctuate based on silver demand.
| Feature | Silver Proof (S) | Standard Clad (S) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 8.33% Nickel, Balance Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams | 5.67 Grams |
| Edge Appearance | Bright Silver | Copper/Orange Layer Visible |
How Grading Affects the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. Since the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter was issued as a proof, it was struck using polished dies and specially treated blanks. This results in a mirror-like background (fields) and frosted foreground details (devices). A coin’s “grade” is a numerical score from 1 to 70.
A grade of “PR70 Deep Cameo” represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. These perfect specimens can sell for significantly more than a PR68 or PR69 coin. Even a tiny hairline scratch caused by improper handling can drop the price by $20 or $30 instantly.
Using an app like CoinHix can help you compare your coin’s luster to high-resolution images of graded specimens. If you find a coin that looks flawless, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to lock in its value. You can find more detailed 2013 quarter value and mintage data to help you decide if grading is worth the cost.
Identifying Errors on 2013-S Silver Great Basin Quarters
While the US Mint has strict quality control for proof coins, errors can occasionally occur. For the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter, collectors look for “Doubled Die” varieties, where the design appears slightly doubled on the lettering or the branches of the Bristlecone pine.
Other potential errors include “Shedding” or “Die Cracks,” though these are much rarer on proof strikes than on standard circulating quarters. If you find a 2013-S quarter that looks “wrong”—perhaps the mint mark is misplaced or the strike is off-center—you could be looking at a very valuable rarity.
Always handle your silver quarters by the edges. The oils from your skin can cause “milk spots” or cloudy patches on the silver surface, which will drastically reduce the appeal and retail price to a collector. Many beginners use CoinHix to learn proper coin preservation techniques to ensure their investment doesn’t tarnish over the years.
| Error Type | Typical Rarity | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | Extremely Rare | +$50 – $150 |
| Struck Through Error | Rare | +$20 – $100 |
| Off-Center Strike | Very Rare (Proofs) | $200+ |
The Marketplace for America the Beautiful Silver Quarters
The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is a staple of many modern coin albums. Because it was part of a five-coin set released that year (which included White Mountain, Perry’s Victory, Fort McHenry, and Mount Rushmore), many collectors prefer to buy them as a complete “2013 Silver Proof Set.”
If you are trying to sell a single coin, online auction sites and local coin shops are your best bet. However, be aware that shops often pay “melt value” (the value of the raw silver) unless the coin is in a certified professional slab. As of current silver prices, the melt value is usually around $4 to $5, but the collector value for this specific “S” mint coin is almost always higher.
To get the most money for your 2013-S silver quarter, look for buyers who are specifically trying to complete their ATB quarter set. These buyers are willing to pay a premium for the Great Basin design because of its intricate tree detail and Nevada state pride. Keeping the coin in its original US Mint plastic capsule is the best way to maintain its maximum market value.
| Market Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant Cash | Lower payout (Wholesale) |
| eBay / Online Auctions | Highest Price Potential | Fees and shipping hassle |
| Coin Shows | Direct Networking | Travel required |
FAQ: 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter Value
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S Great Basin Quarter is silver or just a regular proof?
A: Check the weight and the edge. A silver proof coin weighs 6.25 grams and has a solid silver edge with no copper visible. A regular “clad” proof weighs only 5.67 grams and will usually show a copper stripe on the side.
Q: Is the 2013-P or 2013-D Great Basin quarter worth anything?
A: Generally, P and D quarters found in your change are only worth their face value ($0.25) unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition or have a major mint error. The silver value is exclusive to the “S” mint mark silver proof issues.
Q: Should I clean my 2013-S Silver Quarter to make it worth more?
A: Never clean a coin! Cleaning creates micro-scratches that professional graders and collectors can spot instantly. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50-90% of its collector value.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2013 Great Basin Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail and just below “In God We Trust.” You are looking for a small “S” for San Francisco.
Q: Does the price of silver affect the value of this coin?
A: Yes. Because the coin is 90% silver, its “floor” price is determined by the spot price of silver. If silver prices rise significantly, the value of the quarter will rise even if collector demand stays the same.