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The 1993-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade silver specimens. While your everyday pocket change from 1993 usually only carries face value, those specific “S” mint marks signify special collector editions that are always worth more than twenty-five cents.
| Coin Variation | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1993-S Clad Proof | PR 65 – PR 69 | $3.00 – $12.00 |
| 1993-S Clad Proof | PR 70 Deep Cameo | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| 1993-S Silver Proof | PR 65 – PR 69 | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| 1993-S Silver Proof | PR 70 Deep Cameo | $650.00 – $1,250.00 |
Identifying a 1993-S Proof Washington Quarter
If you have found a 1993 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you’ve found a “Proof” coin. Unlike the quarters you use at the vending machine, these were never intended for circulation. They were minted in San Francisco specifically for collectors and sold in plastic-encased sets.
To check if your coin is a winner, you can use the top coin identifier app to instantly distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof strike. Proof coins are recognizable by their mirror-like background and frosted details.
If you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, the CoinKnow app can help you scan the surface for imperfections. These coins are prized for their perfection, so even a tiny scratch can lower the price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Clad vs. Silver: Knowing the 1993-S Composition
In 1993, the U.S. Mint produced two distinct types of quarters with the “S” mint mark. The first is the “Clad” proof, which is made of the same copper-nickel mixture as standard quarters. The second is the “Silver” proof, which contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
Distinguishing between the two is vital for determining the 1993 quarter value because silver prices add an intrinsic “melt value” that clad coins lack. You can tell them apart by looking at the edge of the coin; a clad coin will show a copper stripe, while a silver coin will appear solid white/silver.
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| Feature | Clad Proof (S) | Silver Proof (S) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Content | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.25 grams |
| Edge Color | Visible Copper Ring | Solid Silver Look |
Grading and Condition of the 1993-S Quarter
Condition is everything when it comes to the 1993-S Washington Quarter. Because these were issued in sets, most survivors are in decent shape. However, to reach the top-tier prices of over $500, the coin must be in “Pocket Change” or Uncirculated condition, specifically a PR 70 (Proof 70).
A PR 70 grade means the coin is flawless under 5x magnification. Most coins you find in the wild will be lower grades like PR 63 to PR 67 because they have been handled or removed from their protective cases.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution photos of graded examples. Many collectors also look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which describes a sharp contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted portrait of George Washington.
Market Pricing for the 1993-S Silver Quarter
The silver version of the 1993-S is consistently more valuable. Since it contains roughly 0.18 ounces of pure silver, it will always be worth at least its weight in bullion, even if it is scratched or damaged. However, collectors will pay much more for a well-preserved piece.
You can often find current 1993 Washington Quarter market data indicating that silver proofs in PR 69 condition are very affordable for new collectors, usually selling for $15 to $20.
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But when a silver proof reaches that perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo grade, the price skyrockets. These are rare because even the slightest microscopic dust during the minting process can prevent a coin from achieving a perfect score.
| Grade (Silver Only) | Auction Record / Price |
|---|---|
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $25 – $35 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $45 – $60 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $800 – $1,350 |
Why the Mint Mark Matters: S vs P vs D
Most 1993 quarters you see have a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark. Billions of these were made, and unless they are in absolutely superb uncirculated condition, they are only worth 25 cents. The “S” signifies a much lower mintage.
In 1993, the San Francisco Mint produced about 2.6 million clad proofs and only 1.3 million silver proofs. Compared to the nearly 600 million quarters minted in Philadelphia that year, the “S” quarters are significantly harder to find.
If you are hunting for valuable quarters in your change, keep an eye out for that “S” above the date (or to the right of Washington’s ponytail depending on the year). If you find one, use CoinKnow to verify its authenticity before heading to a coin shop.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Collector Tips: Finding and Storing Your 1993-S Quarter
If you’ve found a 1993-S quarter, the first thing to do is stop touching the surface with your fingers. The oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror-like finish of a proof coin, drastically reducing its value.
Hold the coin only by the edges. If it came in a plastic case (the original government packaging), keep it there! Taking it out can expose it to humidity, which leads to “toning” or spotting. While some “rainbow toning” can be beautiful, “milk spots” on a silver proof will generally lower the grade.
Storing your coin in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe flip is the best way to ensure that its value continues to grow over time. Even if it isn’t a thousand-dollar rarity today, these low-mintage proofs are staple pieces of American numismatic history.
FAQs
Q: Is a 1993-S quarter made of real silver?
A: It depends. There are two versions of the 1993-S quarter. One is a “Clad” version made of copper and nickel, and the other is a “Silver” version made of 90% silver. Check the edge of the coin; if you see a brownish-copper line, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver-white, it is the silver version.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Why is my 1993 quarter worth only 25 cents?
A: Most 1993 quarters found in pocket change were minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for general use. These were made by the hundreds of millions and are only worth face value unless they are in perfect, uncirculated condition. Only the “S” mint mark quarters are considered collector items.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1993-S Washington Quarter?
A: The record for a 1993-S Silver Proof Washington Quarter (PCGS PR70DCAM) is over $1,300 at auction. Clad versions in the same perfect grade usually sell for closer to $40-$50 because they are more common and lack silver content.
Q: Can I find a 1993-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare but possible. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set to spend the coins, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. If you find one that looks exceptionally shiny compared to other quarters, it might be a proof that accidentally entered circulation!