1999-P Delaware State Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 1999-P Delaware Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in circulated condition to over $3,500 for rare “Spitting Horse” errors or high-grade specimens. Finding one in your pocket change is exciting, as this was the first coin that launched the famous 50 State Quarters Program.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.35
Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65)	$1.00 – $15.00
Mint State (MS67+)	$50 – $400+
Rare Errors (Spitting Horse)	$10 – $250+

The History and Significance of the 1999-P Delaware Quarter

The 1999-P Delaware State Quarter holds a special place in American numismatic history because it represents the “First State” in the first year of the 50 State Quarters Program. Before you rush to spend it, you might want to use a top coin identifier app to see if you have a variety that collectors are hunting for.

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the “P” mint mark near Washington’s ponytail), this coin features Caesar Rodney on his historic 1776 midnight ride to Philadelphia. Rodney’s ride was crucial, as his tie-breaking vote paved the way for the Declaration of Independence. Because it was the inaugural release, many people hoarded these coins, leading to millions of them remaining in circulation today.

While most are common, the high demand for “First Year” issues in perfect condition keeps the market active. Finding a high-grade example can be a challenge since these coins were workhorses of the American economy for over two decades. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny or “fresh,” it could be worth much more than twenty-five cents.

Using an app like CoinKnow can help you quickly determine if the luster on your coin is original mint frosting or just wear from being in a vending machine. Most people find that their Delaware quarters are worth face value, but the thrill of the hunt lies in the rare exceptions.

How Grading Affects the 1999-P Delaware Quarter Value

In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. A coin that has been touched by thousands of hands is considered “circulated” and typically only fetches face value. However, coins that were plucked from bank rolls in 1999 and stored away are considered “Mint State” (MS). These are the versions that collectors pay a premium for.

For instance, the 1999-P Delaware Quarter price in MS68 condition can reach several hundred dollars because very few coins escaped the minting process without tiny scratches or “bag marks.” At the highest levels of preservation, like MS69, the value skyrockets because such perfection is nearly impossible to find in a mass-produced circulation coin.

Numerical Grade	Description	Typical Price
MS63	Typical Uncirculated	$1 – $2
MS65	Gem Uncirculated	$5 – $10
MS67	Superb Gem	$30 – $60
MS68	Near Perfect	$400+

Identifying the Famous “Spitting Horse” Error

One of the most famous errors in the entire State Quarter series is the “Spitting Horse” variety found on the 1999-P Delaware coin. This isn’t a design choice; it’s a “die crack.” A die crack occurs when the heavy steel stamp used to make the coin begins to break under the pressure of striking thousands of blanks.

On this particular coin, a crack developed on the reverse side, running from the horse’s mouth down toward the ground. To the naked eye, it looks like Caesar Rodney’s horse is spitting. This error is highly sought after by “variety” collectors who enjoy the quirks of the minting process.

Depending on the severity of the crack and the overall condition of the coin, a “Spitting Horse” can sell for anywhere from $10 to over $200. If you think you see a line coming out of the horse’s mouth, download CoinKnow to zoom in and compare your find with authenticated error photos. This small detail can turn a common quarter into a valuable treasure.

Where to Find the 1999-P Delaware Mint Mark

To ensure you have the Philadelphia minted version, you need to look for the “P” mint mark. On the 1999 Delaware Quarter, the mint mark was moved from the reverse side to the obverse (the heads side). If you look to the right of George Washington’s portrait, just below the “In God We Trust” motto, you will see a small letter.

A “P” stands for Philadelphia, a “D” for Denver, and an “S” for San Francisco. While Denver quarters are also common, Philadelphia coins from 1999 often suffered from more “bag marks” due to the way they were transported, making high-grade “P” mint coins slightly rarer in the top tiers of grading.

If you find an “S” mint mark, you have a Proof coin. These were never intended for circulation and were sold to collectors in special sets. If an “S” mint mark shows up in your change, it was likely broken out of a set by someone who didn’t know its value. These are often worth $3 to $5 even if they have some light scratches.

Market Rarety and the 1999 Quarter Value Trend

The market for state quarters has stabilized significantly since the initial craze of the early 2000s. However, certain “condition rarities” and errors have actually seen an increase in value as the “hoarded” supply finally gets graded. You can find more detailed 1999 quarter value charts that track these specific market fluctuations over time.

Because billions of these quarters were minted, the “average” coin will likely never be worth more than its face value. However, the 1999-P Delaware remains a favorite for beginners because it is the “Number 1” coin in a 50-coin set. Completing a full set of uncirculated state quarters is a rite of passage for many American hobbyists.

When evaluating your coin, look for “strike quality.” Some 1999-P quarters look “mushy” because the dies were worn out. A sharp, crisp strike where you can see the individual strands of hair on Caesar Rodney and the muscles in the horse’s legs will always command a higher price from serious collectors.

Auction Date	Grade	Sale Price
Heritage Auctions	MS69	$3,220
eBay Sale	MS68	$450
Private Sale	Spitting Horse (Raw)	$25

Tips for Selling Your Delaware Quarter

If you’ve identified a 1999-P Delaware Quarter that seems to be in perfect condition or features an error, your next step is to sell it or get it “slabbed” (professionally graded). For everyday Americans, the best places to sell are reputable local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay.

Before selling, make sure you don’t clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that ruin its value. High-end collectors want the original patina. Using CoinKnow can give you a baseline of what similar coins have sold for recently, so you don’t get underpaid at a pawn shop.

Remember that a coin is only “worth” what someone is willing to pay for it on a given day. While a guide might say $50, a local buyer might offer $30 to ensure they can make a profit. Usually, the best way to get top dollar for a high-value 1999-P Delaware is to list it on a platform where multiple collectors can bid on it.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1999-P Delaware Quarter silver-colored if it’s supposed to be rare?

A: All standard 1999 quarters are made of a copper-nickel “clad” composition, which gives them a silver color. They do not contain any actual silver unless they are special “Silver Proof” versions from the San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”). Your “P” mint quarter is a standard circulation coin.

Q: Is the “Spitting Horse” error official?

A: No, it is not an intentional part of the design. It is a “die crack” error recognized by collectors. The U.S. Mint considers these “defects,” but in the hobby, these defects are what make a coin unique and valuable.

Q: How many 1999-P Delaware Quarters were made?

A: The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 373,400,000 Delaware quarters. Because over 373 million were made, they are very easy to find, which is why only the highest-quality or error versions are worth more than 25 cents.

Q: Should I pay to get my quarter graded?

A: Only if it is in spectacular condition. Grading costs $20-$50 per coin. If your 1999-P Delaware isn’t at least an MS67 or a rare error, you might spend more on the grading fee than the coin is actually worth! Use an app to estimate the grade first.