Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1999-S Delaware Silver State Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $1,200 for specimens with perfect preservation. This coin holds a special place in history as the very first release in the United States Mint’s ambitious 50 State Quarters Program, making it a favorite for beginners and seasoned collectors alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $10 – $15 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $25 – $40 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $450 – $1,250+ |
History of the 1999-S Delaware Silver State Quarter
The year 1999 marked a massive shift in American numismatics. For the first time in decades, the “boring” Washington Quarter design was replaced by a rotating series of commemorative backs. The Delaware quarter was the pioneer, honoring the “First State” to ratify the Constitution. While millions of copper-nickel Delaware quarters were struck for circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced a limited number of silver proof versions specifically for collectors.
If you have stumbled upon one of these in a felt-lined box or a plastic case, you might be holding a piece of silver bullion and a piece of history. To be sure you have the silver version and not the common clad one, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the edge of the coin and check its specifications. Using modern technology like CoinKnow allows you to instantly catalog your find without needing a physical magnifying glass.
The 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter features Caesar Rodney on his historic 1776 ride to Philadelphia to cast a tie-breaking vote for independence. Because this was the debut coin of the series, many people hoarded them, but many were also lost to the silver melts over the years when metal prices spiked. Today, the demand remains high because every “State Quarter” set starts with this specific coin.
That Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Identify the Silver Version vs. the Clad Version
The most common question people ask is: “How do I know if my 1999 Delaware quarter is silver?” There are three quick ways to check. First, look at the mint mark. The “S” mint mark is located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. While all silver quarters have an “S,” not all “S” quarters are silver—some are copper-nickel clad proofs.
The definitive test is the “edge test.” Look at the rim of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no copper (orange/brown) showing through, you likely have the 90% silver version. If you see a copper line, it is a clad proof. Furthermore, the silver coin weighs 6.25 grams, while the copper-nickel version weighs 5.67 grams. If you aren’t sure, CoinKnow can help you distinguish between these varieties by comparing your coin’s luster with high-resolution database photos.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Knowing the difference is vital because the 1999 Delaware quarter value for a silver proof is significantly higher than that of its copper-clad cousin. Silver proofs were sold in specific “Silver Proof Sets” and were never meant to be spent at the grocery store.
| Feature | 90% Silver Proof | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.25 Grams | 5.67 Grams |
| Edge Appearance | Solid White/Silver | Visible Copper Layer |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
Determining the Grade and Condition
In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. Since the 1999-S Silver Delaware Quarter was a proof coin, it was struck using special dies and polished planchets to create a mirror-like finish. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A “Proof 70” is considered perfect, with no visible scratches or imperfections even under 5x magnification.
Most 1999-S silver quarters found in original mint packaging will grade at PR68 or PR69. The jump in price from a PR69 to a PR70 is massive. While a PR69 might sell for $30, a PR70 can fetch hundreds at auction. This is due to the scarcity of “flawless” coins from the early years of the Statehood program.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
When assessing your coin, look for “haze” or “toning.” Sometimes, the plastic used in original mint packaging can react with the silver over 25 years, causing the coin to turn blue, gold, or even black. This toning can sometimes add to the value if it is attractive, but usually, collectors prefer a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) look where the frosted portrait of Caesar Rodney pops against a black, mirror-like background. You can check the current price trends for 1999 Delaware quarters to see how recent auction results have favored high-grade specimens.
Key Errors to Look For in 1999 Delaware Quarters
Even though proof coins are inspected more rigorously than circulation coins, errors still happen. Some of the most valuable 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarters are those that managed to escape the mint with defects. One rare error is the “Struck Through” error, where a piece of dust or grease gets between the die and the coin, leaving a faint blurred area on the design.
Another sought-after variety isn’t an error, but a “mule” or transition piece. While extremely rare in the silver series, there have been reports of coins being struck with the wrong die. Using CoinKnow helps you stay updated on the latest error discoveries within the numismatic community. Many “pocket change” hunters look for the “Spitting Horse” error, though that is almost exclusively found on Philadelphia (P) minted circulation coins, not the silver proofs.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Nonetheless, keep an eye out for “Double Dies.” This happens when the hub strikes the die twice at a slightly different angle, causing letters or dates to look doubled. On a silver proof, a doubled die is exceptionally rare and would dramatically increase the coin’s market value.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on “Liberty” or Date | $50 – $100+ |
| Strike-Through | Foreign object pressed into coin | $20 – $50 |
| Proof Die Clash | Outlines of reverse seen on obverse | Variable |
Where to Sell Your 1999-S Silver Delaware Quarter
If you’ve identified that you have a valuable silver quarter, your next step is deciding where to sell. For a common PR69 silver proof, your best bet is often eBay or a local coin shop. Local shops will typically pay you the silver melt value plus a small premium for the collectible aspect. As of current silver prices, the “melt” value alone is often around $5.00, meaning the coin is always worth at least that much regardless of condition.
If you believe your coin is a perfect PR70 or has a significant error, you should consider having it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. A graded coin is much easier to sell for top dollar at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions. Before spending money on grading fees, use an app like CoinKnow to get a preliminary assessment and see if the coin is worth the investment of professional certification.
Always remember that “raw” (ungraded) coins sell for much less than “slabbed” (graded) coins. A raw 1999-S Delaware silver quarter might sell for $12 on a good day, while the same coin in a PCGS PR70 holder has sold for over $1,200 at high-end auctions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Future Value of Statehood Quarters
The 50 State Quarters program ended in 2008, and since then, the US Mint has moved on to several other series. However, the first year (1999) remains the most iconic. As the children who collected these coins in 1999 grow into adult collectors with more disposable income, the demand for high-quality “Key Date” and “First Year” coins is expected to rise.
The 1999-S silver set is particularly interesting because it includes five different states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Delaware is the “leader” of this group. Because it is the first coin of the entire program, it will always be the starting point for every complete collection. Investing in a high-grade Delaware silver quarter is often seen as a safe bet for long-term numismatic growth.
Keep your silver quarters in a cool, dry place. Exposure to humidity can cause “milk spots”—unattractive white blotches that form on the surface of silver proof coins. Milk spots are permanent and can drastically reduce a coin’s grade and value. By preserving the luster today, you ensure that your 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter remains a valuable treasure for years to come.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1999 Delaware quarter made of real silver?
A: Most 1999 Delaware quarters found in your change are made of a copper-nickel alloy. However, the US Mint produced a special “90% Silver” proof version for collectors. You can identify these by their “S” mint mark and their solid silver-colored edge.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is the “Spitting Horse” error on the Delaware quarter?
A: This is a die crack error that looks like a line coming out of the horse’s mouth. It is very popular among collectors but is usually found on the Philadelphia (P) minted circulation quarters, not the San Francisco (S) silver proof coins.
Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S Silver Quarter?
A: Each silver proof quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means the coin will always be worth at least its “melt value” based on the current spot price of silver.
Q: Can I find a 1999-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare, but it does happen! Sometimes people accidentally spend proof sets, or “breaking” a set becomes necessary. These are known as “impaired proofs” and usually have some scratches, but they are still worth more than 25 cents because of their silver content.