The 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.50 in standard clad proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver versions. While most quarters you find in your pocket are only worth face value, these special “S” mint mark coins were made specifically for collectors.
| Coin Version | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-S Clad Proof | PR65 to PR69 | $1.00 – $3.50 |
| 2002-S Silver Proof | PR65 to PR69 | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| 2002-S Clad Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| 2002-S Silver Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $45.00 – $60.00 |
Identifying Your 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter
The 2002 Louisiana Quarter was the 18th coin released in the U.S. Mint’s famous 50 State Quarters Program. If you have found one with an “S” mint mark, it means it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) quarters that we use to buy groceries, the “S” quarters were never intended for circulation.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a rare find or just a common pocket piece, using the best coin identifier app can help you zoom in on those tiny details. Most 2002-S Louisiana quarters are “Proof” coins, which means they were struck with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish.
The design of the Louisiana quarter is particularly iconic. It features an image of the state bird (the Brown Pelican), a trumpet with musical notes representing the state’s jazz heritage, and an outline of the Louisiana Purchase territory. For many hobbyists using CoinHix, this is one of the more aesthetically pleasing designs in the entire series.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver 2002-S Quarters
One of the most important factors in determining the 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter value is the metal composition. In 2002, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of proof quarters: the standard copper-nickel “clad” version and a special 90% silver version.
The silver version is significantly more valuable because of its precious metal content. To tell them apart, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe without any copper (orange/brown) showing, you likely have the silver proof.
| Composition Type | Weight | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67 grams | 3,128,660 |
| 90% Silver | 6.25 grams | 892,229 |
The silver quarters are much rarer, with less than one million minted compared to over three million of the clad versions. If you are tracking your collection’s worth, you can find current 2002 Louisiana quarter valuation trends to see how these prices fluctuate with the silver market.
Understanding Proof Grades and Deep Cameo Finishes
When collectors talk about the value of the 2002-S Louisiana Quarter, they often use terms like “PR69” or “Deep Cameo.” Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets, many have survived in nearly perfect condition. A coin graded PR70 (a perfect score) is worth much more than a PR69.
“Deep Cameo” refers to the contrast on the coin. On a high-quality proof, the background looks like a black mirror, while the raised designs (like the pelican and the trumpet) look frosted and white. If your coin looks “flat” or has scratches from being handled, it will be worth much less.
To get an idea of where your coin fits, you can check detailed numismatic pricing for 2002 quarters to compare different finishes and grades. Most casual finders will have coins that grade around PR65, which are worth just a few dollars.
How Much Can You Sell a 2002-S Louisiana Quarter For?
Selling an “S” mint quarter depends entirely on its condition and whether it is silver. If you have the standard clad proof that has been taken out of its case and shows some wear, it might only sell for $1.00 at a local coin shop.
However, if you have a 90% silver version in a certified “slab” (a plastic holder from a grading service like PCGS or NGC), you could be looking at $30 to $50. Collectors are always looking for the “highest grade” possible to complete their sets.
Before you take it to a pawn shop—where you likely won’t get a fair price—it is a good idea to use CoinHix to scan the coin and see recent auction results. Knowledge is power when it comes to negotiating with dealers or listing on eBay.
Common Errors to Look For in 2002 Quarters
While the 2002-S proof coins are known for their high quality, errors can still happen. Some collectors search for “doubled die” errors, where parts of the design appear to be doubled. While extremely rare on San Francisco proofs, they are the “Holy Grail” for quarter hunters.
Check the lettering in “Louisiana” or the lines on the Louisiana Purchase map. If you see clear overlapping lines, you might have a rare variety. Even if it’s not a proof, some business-strike quarters from 2002 have shown leaf errors or die cracks that drive up the price.
Always keep an eye out for off-center strikes. If the design is not perfectly centered and part of the rim is missing, that coin could be worth $50 to $100 depending on the severity of the error. High-tech tools like CoinHix can help you identify these subtle anomalies.
| Error Type | Estimated Value | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | $20 – $100 | High |
| Off-Center Strike | $50+ | Very High |
| Die Crack (Cud) | $5 – $15 | Moderate |
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2002-S Louisiana Quarter in my change?
A: It is very rare, but it does happen! These are called “Impaired Proofs.” When someone breaks open a collector set and spends the coins, they enter circulation. However, once they are touched by fingers and scratched by other coins, they lose most of their collector value and are usually worth about $0.50 to $1.00.
Q: How do I know for sure if my quarter is silver?
A: The easiest way is the “Tissue Test.” Place a single ply of white tissue paper over your quarter and a normal quarter. Through the tissue, the silver quarter will appear bright white, while the clad quarter will look dark or gray. You can also weigh it; silver quarters weigh 6.25g, while clad ones weigh 5.67g.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2002-S Louisiana Quarter graded?
A: Only if it is the silver version and appears to be in “perfect” condition (PR70). Grading costs around $20-$30 per coin, so if the coin is only worth $10, you would lose money. Use a coin app first to estimate the grade before spending money on professional services.
Q: What makes the 2002 Louisiana Quarter special?
A: This coin celebrates the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. Because it features a pelican and a trumpet, it is a favorite for people who collect “bird” coins or “music-related” coins, which helps maintain its demand on the secondary market.