The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated business strikes to over $40 in high-grade silver proof condition. Whether you found one in your pocket change or inherited a mint set, understanding the specific minting characteristics is the key to determining its actual market price.
| Coin Type/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2016-S Copper-Nickel Proof (PR65) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| 2016-S Silver Proof (PR69) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| 2016-S Business Strike (Circulated) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| 2016-S Gem Deep Cameo Silver (PR70) | $45.00+ |
Understanding the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter History
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt National Park quarter is the 34th release in the “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This series, which started in 2010, honors national parks and historic sites across all 50 states and U.S. territories. If you are unsure if your coin is a rare variety, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard circulation coin and a specialty mint strike from San Francisco.
The reverse design of this coin features a stunning depiction of a young Theodore Roosevelt on horseback, surveying the rugged terrain of the North Dakota badlands near the Little Missouri River. This specific coin resonates with many collectors because Roosevelt was the “Conservationist President” who established the United States Forest Service.
Finding an “S” mint mark on a 2016 quarter usually indicates it was minted at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) versions, the S-mint coins were primarily produced for collectors in proof sets or sold in rolls and bags directly from the U.S. Mint. This makes them significantly scarcer in general circulation than their common counterparts.
The Value of 2016-S Clad vs. Silver Proofs
When determining the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter value, you must first identify the metal composition. The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions: the standard copper-nickel clad proof and the 90% silver proof. The silver version is always more valuable because of its precious metal content and lower mintage numbers.
To tell them apart, look at the edge of the coin. A copper-nickel clad coin will show a brown/copper stripe along the rim. A silver proof will have a solid, shiny silver edge. If you are struggling to verify the authenticity, the CoinHix app can provide visual guides to help you identify these differences instantly.
| Composition | Mintage (Approx.) | Raw Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 1,100,000 | $2.50 – $6.00 |
| 90% Silver | 570,000 | $10.00 – $15.00 |
2016-S Business Strike Quarters in Circulation
While most “S” quarters are proofs (with a mirror-like finish), the Mint also produced “Circulating Quality” S-mint quarters. These were not released into general circulation through banks but were sold in bags and rolls to collectors. If you find one in your change, it’s likely that a collector broke open a set and spent it.
Even in circulated condition, these S-mint business strikes are worth a premium over face value. While a common quarter is just worth 25 cents, a 2016-S in “About Uncirculated” condition might fetch $1.00 to $2.00. For those looking for the most accurate 2016-S quarter price guide, realize that condition is the primary driver of value.
These business strikes lack the mirror finish of proofs. They have a “satin” or “matte” appearance similar to the P and D quarters you see every day. Because of their limited distribution, they are highly sought after by those trying to complete a full “America the Beautiful” folder.
Grading and Its Impact on Theodore Roosevelt Quarter Value
The difference between a $5 coin and a $50 coin often comes down to the grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. For proof coins, collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, where the frosted design contrasts sharply against the mirror-like background.
A 2016-S Roosevelt Quarter in a grade of PR69 is common and affordable. However, a “Perfect” PR70 is significantly rarer and commands a higher price. Many hobbyists use CoinHix to compare their coins against high-resolution photos of graded specimens to estimate their own coin’s potential grade.
| Grade | Clad Value | Silver Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS65 (Business Strike) | $5.00 | N/A |
| PR67 (Proof) | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| PR69 (Proof) | $8.00 | $20.00 |
| PR70 (Proof) | $35.00 | $55.00 |
Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 2016-S quarters are known for their high quality, minting errors can still occur. Error coins are the “holy grail” for everyday hunters because they can turn a normal coin into a four-figure treasure. You should check for “doubled die” errors, particularly on the inscriptions “Theodore Roosevelt” or “North Dakota.”
Another potential error is a “struck through” error, where a piece of debris gets between the die and the planchet during striking, leaving a depression on the coin’s surface. For more information on 2016 quarter errors, collectors often monitor auction houses to see which unique misstrikes are currently trending.
If you find a coin that looks “off”—perhaps the rim is unusually thick (a broadstrike) or the image is off-center—do not clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use a tool like CoinHix to identify the specific type of error you might have and get an idea of its market demand.
Collecting the National Park Series
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Many Americans enjoy the hunt for all 56 quarters in the ATB series. Because the San Francisco “S” mint coins were produced in much lower quantities than the Philadelphia and Denver strikes, they are often the most difficult “modern” quarters to acquire.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just someone who found a shiny coin in a vending machine, the Roosevelt quarter is a beautiful tribute to American history. Keeping your coins in protective flips or albums will ensure that their “mint state” value remains intact for years to come.
Remember that the coin market fluctuates based on the price of silver and the current interest in the “America the Beautiful” series. Staying updated with digital price guides and community forums will help you know exactly when to sell or when to hold onto your 2016-S quarters for future appreciation.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2016 quarter have an “S” mint mark?
A: The “S” mint mark means the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These are typically part of proof sets for collectors or sold in specialty rolls, rather than being released into general circulation through banks.
Q: Is the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter made of real silver?
A: Only if it was part of a Silver Proof Set. Standard 2016-S quarters are copper-nickel clad. You can check the edge of the coin: if it shows a copper stripe, it is clad; if it is solid silver-colored, it is likely 90% silver.
Q: How much is a 2016-S Silver Quarter worth today?
A: As of current market trends, a raw 2016-S silver proof is generally worth between $10 and $15, depending on the spot price of silver and the coin’s condition. “Perfect” PR70 specimens can sell for $50 or more.
Q: Can I find a 2016-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare but possible. Most “S” quarters found in circulation were accidentally spent by collectors. They are worth keeping because they carry a premium over the standard P and D quarters.
