The 1999-S Georgia Silver State Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in collections are worth their silver melt value plus a small premium, certain “Deep Cameo” versions command significant attention from professional collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Silver Melt Value (Bullion) | $5.00 – $6.50 (Market Dependent) |
| Proof-65 (Standard Silver) | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| Proof-69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof-70 Deep Cameo | $40.00 – $110.00 |
Identifying Your 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarter
Determining whether you have a rare treasure or a common pocket change item starts with identification. In 1999, the U.S. Mint produced several versions of the Georgia quarter. To ensure your coin is the “Silver” proof version, you must look for the “S” mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
If you aren’t sure how to spot these features, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the copper-nickel clad versions and the 90% silver ones. Modern technology like CoinKnow allows users to snap a photo and instantly get details on the coin’s composition.
The silver version is noticeably heavier than the standard version and has a bright white edge rather than the orange/brown copper stripe. These silver coins were only sold in special Proof Sets and were never intended for circulation. Most people finding them today are looking at coins from broken sets or collections.
Understanding the Silver Content and Melt Value
One reason the 1999-S Georgia Silver States Quarter value remains higher than its face value is its precious metal content. Unlike the quarters we use at the grocery store, these “S” mint silver proofs are made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
This means that even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will never be worth less than its weight in silver. Collectors often track 1999 quarter values daily based on the current spot price of silver.
Each silver quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the baseline value of this coin rises with it, making it a popular low-cost investment for hobbyists.
| Composition Factor | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Metal Purity | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| Silver Weight | ~5.625 Grams (0.1808 oz) |
The Grading Scale and Its Impact on Price
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarter that looks perfect to the naked eye might still have microscopic flaws that lower its grade. Professional services like PCGS and NGC grade these coins on a scale from 1 to 70.
Since these are proof coins, most start at a high grade like PR-65. However, the real jump in value happens when a coin reaches the “Perfect 70” status. You can check the latest Georgia and Delaware quarter market data to see how much of a premium collectors pay for these flawless specimens.
By using the CoinKnow app, you can compare your coin against high-resolution images of various grades. This helps you decide if it is worth the $20-$40 fee to have the coin professionally graded by a third party.
| Grade Level | Description | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR-67 | Near perfect, minor hairlines | $12 |
| PR-68 | Very attractive, sharp details | $18 |
| PR-69 | Virtually perfect | $25 |
| PR-70 | Museum quality, flawless | $100+ |
What Makes the Georgia Design Unique?
The 1999 Georgia State Quarter was the fourth coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. The design features a peach (the state’s icon), sprigs of live oak (the state tree), and the state’s motto: “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.”
The Georgia design is particularly popular among collectors because it was part of the inaugural year of the program. Because it is a 1999-dated coin, it holds more nostalgia for those who remember the “State Quarter craze” that swept the nation at the turn of the millennium.
While millions were minted, the silver proof versions were only available to those who specifically ordered them from the Mint. This artificial scarcity makes the silver versions much more desirable than the billions of clad quarters found in change jars across America.
How to Tell If Your Quarter Is Silver or Clad
It is a common mistake to think every “S” mint quarter is silver. San Francisco actually minted both copper-nickel clad and 90% silver quarters in 1999. If you aren’t using CoinKnow to identify your coin, you can use the “Tissue Test” or the “Edge Test.”
Hold the coin on its side. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no traces of copper (orange or brown), it is likely silver. If you see a copper core, it is a clad proof worth about $1.00 to $3.00.
Additionally, a silver quarter will ring with a higher, clearer tone when tapped gently against a hard surface (though we don’t recommend this for high-value coins as it can cause damage). The weight is the ultimate decider; silver coins weigh significantly more than their copper counterparts.
| Test Method | Silver Result | Clad Result |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Inspection | Solid silver/white | Brown/Copper line visible |
| Weight Test | 6.25 grams | 5.67 grams |
Where to Sell Your 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarter
If you discover that you have a high-grade 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarter, your next step is finding a buyer. For standard silver proofs, local coin shops are often the easiest route, though they will usually pay slightly under the market value to make a profit.
For coins graded Proof-69 or Proof-70 by a professional service, online auctions like eBay or Heritage Auctions are your best bet. Collectors looking to complete their “Registry Sets” will often bid aggressively for flawless coins.
Remember to handle your coin by the edges and never clean it. Cleaning a coin removes the original mint luster and can instantly drop its value to just its basic silver price.
FAQ
Q: Why is the “S” mint mark important?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. While Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins were made for daily spending, “S” mint coins were created as “Proofs” for collectors, featuring sharper details and mirrored backgrounds.
Q: Does my Georgia quarter have to be in a set to be valuable?
A: No. While it is worth more if it is part of the original 5-coin 1999 Silver Proof Set, individual coins are still highly traded. A “loose” silver quarter in perfect condition can actually be worth more than a full set if it gets a high grade from a professional service.
Q: Is there a 1999-S Georgia Gold Quarter?
A: No, the U.S. Mint did not produce gold quarters. If yours looks gold, it was likely plated by a private company after it left the mint. These are usually considered “novelties” and are worth less than the official silver versions.
Q: How many 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarters were made?
A: Approximately 804,500 of these silver quarters were minted. This is a very low number compared to the hundreds of millions of regular quarters, which is why they carry a premium.