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The 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter value ranges from approximately $1 in circulated Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade Silver specimens. Whether you found one in a coin jar or a late relative’s collection, understanding the “S” mint mark is key to determining its worth.
| Coin Version | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-S Clad Proof | PR65 to PR69 | $1.00 – $7.00 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof | PR67 to PR69 | $12.00 – $25.00 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $40.00 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the Significance of the 1999-S New Jersey Quarter
The 1999 New Jersey State Quarter was the third coin released in the historic 50 State Quarters Program. It depicts George Washington crossing the Delaware River, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. While millions of these quarters were minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for everyday pocket change, the “S” mint mark signifies something much more special. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors and were never intended to be spent at a grocery store.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a common Philadelphia strike or a valuable San Francisco Proof, using a top coin identifier app can provide an instant ID. For many beginners, the CoinKnow app is a lifesaver, as it analyzes the physical characteristics of the coin through your phone’s camera. Because the “S” mint mark coins come in two distinct metal compositions—copper-nickel clad and 90% silver—knowing exactly what you have is the first step in valuation.
The New Jersey quarter design is particularly beloved because of its action-packed imagery based on the famous Emmanuel Leutze painting. However, for a coin to be worth significant money today, it generally needs to be in its original mint packaging or professionally graded. If you find an “S” quarter in your pocket, it is likely “impaired,” meaning it was removed from a set and spent, which significantly lowers its premium.
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Distinguishing Clad Proofs from Silver Proofs
Not all 1999-S New Jersey quarters are created equal. The San Francisco Mint produced two versions: a base-metal “Clad” version and a “Silver” version. The Clad Proof consists of the same copper and nickel layers found on standard quarters. These are common and usually trade for just a few dollars. On the other hand, the Silver Proof is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, making it valuable both as a collectible and for its precious metal content.
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A quick way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver-white, you likely have the silver version. Modern collectors often check the 1999 New Jersey quarter price trends to see how the silver market impacts these values. Because silver prices fluctuate, the base value of the 1999-S Silver Proof will always be higher than the clad version.
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| Feature | Clad Proof (S) | Silver Proof (S) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.25 grams |
| Edge Appearance | Copper stripe visible | Solid silver/white |
The Value of Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Specimens
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. Proof coins are evaluated on a scale from 1 to 70. A “PR70” grade represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For the 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter, achieving a PR70 grade can skyrocket the value. While a PR69 might sell for $25, a PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) can fetch hundreds or even over a thousand dollars at major auctions.
The “Deep Cameo” designation is also vital. This refers to the contrast between the frosted, white design (Washington and the boat) and the mirror-like, shiny background. When the contrast is extreme, the coin is far more desirable. If you think your coin looks flawless, using CoinKnow can help you compare it to high-res images of graded specimens. You can also research the current market value for 1999 quarters to see what recently sold examples reached in the high-end market.
Why the 1999 Year Matters for State Quarters
1999 was the inaugural year of the State Quarters program, which makes these coins particularly sentimental and collectible. Five states were honored this year: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Because it was the first year, many people hoarded these coins, but the “S” mint proofs were produced in much lower quantities than the P and D business strikes.
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The San Francisco Mint struck roughly 3.7 million Clad Proof sets and only about 800,000 Silver Proof sets in 1999. This scarcity compared to the billions of circulating quarters is why the 1999-S New Jersey Quarter holds a premium. Collectors who are trying to complete a “Silver State Quarter” run often find that the 1999 set is one of the more expensive years to acquire due to the high demand from those starting their collections from the beginning.
| 1999 State | Mintage (Clad Proof) | Mintage (Silver Proof) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| New Jersey | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While errors are more common on the business strike (P and D) coins, some exist on the “S” proofs as well. Errors like double dies or struck-through lint can occasionally appear. However, because proof coins are inspected more rigorously by the Mint, these errors are incredibly rare. If you find a 1999-S New Jersey quarter that looks “off”—perhaps the lettering is doubled or there is a strange bump in the metal—it could be worth significantly more than the standard proof value.
Most people who think they have an error actually have “post-mint damage.” This happens when a coin is scratched or hit by another object after it leaves the mint. A true error occurs during the striking process itself. To accurately identify a rare variety, many hobbyists utilize the CoinKnow database to see if their specific anomaly has been documented before. Investing time in researching varieties is how many “everyday” finders turn a $1 coin into a $100 windfall.
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Where to Sell Your 1999-S New Jersey Quarter
If you’ve determined that your quarter is a high-grade Silver Proof or a rare error, your next step is selling it. For low-value clad proofs worth $1-$5, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. However, these are often sold as part of the full 5-coin 1999 Proof Set rather than individually. Selling them individually often results in shipping costs that outweigh the profit.
For high-grade PR70 specimens, specialized auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are preferred. These venues attract serious investors willing to pay the highest premiums. Before selling, ensure you have clear, high-resolution photos. Most collectors will want to see the “S” mint mark clearly and verify the silver edge. Keeping your coin in a protective flip or a hard plastic capsule is essential to maintaining its condition and its value.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-S New Jersey Quarter is Silver?
A: The most reliable way is the “Edge Test.” Hold the coin and look at the ridged edge. If you see a solid silver/white color with no copper stripe, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh it; the silver version weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad version weighs 5.67 grams.
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Q: Is a 1999 New Jersey Quarter with a “P” or “D” mint mark worth anything?
A: Generally, no. Most “P” and “D” quarters from 1999 were minted in the hundreds of millions and are only worth their face value of 25 cents unless they are in absolutely pristine, uncirculated condition or have a major mint error.
Q: Why is my “S” mint mark quarter scratched and dull?
A: This is called an “impaired proof.” It means someone took the coin out of its protective collector set and used it as regular money. Once a proof coin enters circulation and gets scratched, its collector value drops significantly, often to just its face value (for clad) or its weight in silver (for silver).
Q: What is the most expensive 1999-S New Jersey Quarter ever sold?
A: Some PR70 Deep Cameo Silver specimens have sold for over $1,200 at auction. However, most collectors should expect to find coins in the $5 to $30 range unless they are professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.