The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade silver specimens. While common pocket change might only be face value, certain “S” mint mark versions from San Francisco hold significant premiums for collectors and casual finders alike.
| Condition/Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Clad Business Strike) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated MS65 (Clad) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof Deep Cameo (Clad) | $7.00 – $25.00 |
| Silver Proof (90% Silver) | $30.00 – $60.00 |
| High Grade MS68+ or Errors | $100 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter Rarity
If you have recently looked through your spare change and found a quarter featuring the iconic stone faces of South Dakota, you are holding a piece of the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) series. To truly understand if your find is a treasure, you need to look for the “S” mint mark. Using the best coin identifier app can help you zoom in on that small letter located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
The “S” mint mark signifies the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Historically, San Francisco only made “Proof” coins—extra shiny versions meant for collectors. However, in 2013, they also produced “Business Strike” coins for collectors that were never intended for general circulation.
Because these coins weren’t released into the wild by the Federal Reserve, any 2013-S Mount Rushmore specimen you find in a vending machine or tip jar is a “circulated rarity.” Most of these coins are tracked via the CoinHix app to monitor current auction trends and population reports. Finding one is a lucky break for any casual hunter!
Identifying the Three Types of 2013-S Quarters
Not all “S” quarters are created equal. In 2013, the San Francisco Mint produced three distinct varieties of the Mount Rushmore quarter. Distinguishing between them is the first step in determining the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter value.
First, there is the Copper-Nickel (Clad) Business Strike. These were sold in bags and rolls to collectors. They have a standard duller finish. Second, there is the Clad Proof. These have a mirror-like background and frosted details. Third, and most valuable, is the 90% Silver Proof.
The silver version is noticeably heavier and lacks the “copper sandwich” stripe on the edge. You can use CoinHix to compare the weight and physical characteristics of these three types. Identifying a silver proof in a bulk lot of coins is a major win, as their melt value alone is worth many times the face value.
| Variety | Mintage | Visual Identifier |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated S-Mint | 1,114,300 | Standard finish, S mint mark |
| Clad Proof | 815,145 | Mirror finish, S mint mark |
| Silver Proof | 440,305 | Bright silver, S mint mark, no copper edge |
Determining the Mint State and Grade
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most significant factor in its price. For the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter value to reach the triple digits, the coin must be in “Mint State” (MS) or “Proof” (PR) 69 or 70. A grade of 70 is considered perfection, visible only under a microscope.
For everyday Americans, most 2013-S quarters found will be around the MS63 to MS65 range if they were taken from a collector roll. If you find one in your pocket, it might be “About Uncirculated” (AU). Even a small scratch on George Washington’s cheek or the workers on the mountain can drop the price significantly.
The current market value for high-grade 2013 quarters shows that while the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions, the San Francisco low-mintage figures make “S” coins much more desirable in top condition.
Value of 2013-S Mount Rushmore Silver Proofs
The 90% silver version of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter is a favorite among precious metal investors. Unlike standard quarters made of copper and nickel, these contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Because these were only sold in sets, finding one individually usually means a collector broke a set apart. The price of these coins fluctuates with the spot price of silver, but they always carry a “numismatic” premium. This means they are worth more than just the metal because of their history and beauty.
Check the latest 2013 quarter price trends to see how silver proofs are performing. Currently, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Silver Proof can fetch over $100, while a typical specimen in its original packaging sells for roughly $35.
| Condition | Clad S-Mint Price | Silver S-Mint Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS65 / PR65 | $12.00 | $40.00 |
| MS67 / PR67 | $25.00 | $65.00 |
| MS69 / PR69 | $55.00 | $90.00 |
| MS70 / PR70 | $150.00+ | $250.00+ |
Are There Any 2013-S Errors to Watch For?
Error coins are the “holy grail” for many collectors. Since the San Francisco Mint typically has higher quality control for its proof and collector-only coins, errors are exceptionally rare. However, they do exist.
Look for “Doubled Die” errors, where the lettering or the details on the mountain appear to be doubled. Another common error type is the “Clad Layer Missing” error, where the coin looks bright copper on one side. If you suspect you have an error, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin to known error catalogs.
An error 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter could easily be worth $500 or more because of the “S” mint mark’s low production volume. Collectors will pay a premium for a mistake on a coin that was supposed to be perfect.
How to Sell Your 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
If you discover that your coin is a high-grade “S” mint mark or a silver proof, you might want to sell it. For coins worth under $20, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. If you believe your coin is a high-grade MS70, you should consider having it “slabbed” (certified) by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Certification can cost $30-$50, so only do this if the potential 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter value justifies the fee. Once certified, these coins can be sold at major auction houses or to specialized collectors who are looking to complete their “America the Beautiful” sets.
Always keep your coins in a protective flip or sleeve. Even a tiny fingerprint can cause “milking” or tarnish, which reduces the value of a proof coin. Treating your find with care ensures you get the highest possible price when it’s time to sell.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver color without a copper stripe, it is likely silver. Additionally, a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
Q: Is the 2013-S quarter actually used in circulation?
A: No, the San Francisco Mint did not make these for general circulation. If you found one in change, it was likely spent by accident by a collector or taken from a set. This makes them much rarer than “P” or “D” quarters.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 or MS69 have sold at auction for over $1,000, particularly those with rare toning or impeccable strikes. Most silver proofs sell in the $30-$60 range.
Q: Should I clean my quarter to make it worth more?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that destroy the numismatic value. A dirty “S” mint mark quarter is worth more than a cleaned, shiny one.
