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The 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver State Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $1,500 for a perfect specimen. Whether you found this coin in an old family stash or a safe deposit box, its deep mirror finish and silver content make it a prize for any casual collector.
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $10 – $15 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $25 – $40 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Deep Cameo) | $500 – $1,500+ |
How to Identify the 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Quarter
If you just stumbled upon a shiny 1999 quarter, your first step is to determine if it is the silver version or the common clad version. To do this quickly, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the image and confirm the mint mark. The “S” mint mark, located to the right of George Washington’s portrait, indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. However, San Francisco produced both clad (copper-nickel) and silver quarters in 1999.
To confirm your coin is silver, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the 90% silver composition. If you see a copper-colored streak, it is a standard clad proof worth significantly less. The silver version is part of the first year of the 50 State Quarters Program, making it a historic piece of American numismatics. Using the CoinKnow app can help you keep track of these subtle differences so you don’t accidentally spend a valuable coin at the grocery store.
The Pennsylvania design features the commonwealth’s outline, a keystone (representing its nickname as the Keystone State), and an allegory of the “Commonwealth” statue. Because these were never intended for circulation, any specimen you find should still have its original luster. If the coin looks dull or scratched, it has been mishandled, which significantly lowers its premium above the spot price of silver.
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Silver Content and Melt Value for the 1999-S Quarter
Unlike the quarters you find in your pocket change today, the 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the stock market. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver. Many everyday Americans are surprised to learn that 1999 silver quarter values are heavily influenced by the daily price of precious metals.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the value of this coin follows suit. However, because it is a “State Quarter,” collectors usually pay a numismatic premium that goes beyond just the silver weight. If you are trying to build a collection, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for monitoring how silver price shifts impact your total portfolio value.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Silver Content | 0.1808 oz ASW |
Grading and the Impact on Pennsylvania Quarter Prices
When it comes to high-end collectibles, the grade is everything. Professionally graded coins are sealed in plastic “slabs” by companies like PCGS or NGC. For the 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Quarter, most coins will fall into the Proof 68 or Proof 69 range. Because the U.S. Mint’s quality control was high in 1999, “perfect” PR70 coins are the only ones that command massive prices at auction.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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A PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin is flawless under 5x magnification. It features a stark contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background. While a PR69 might sell for $25, a PR70 can fetch hundreds or even thousands depending on current demand. For context, you can compare this to the 1999-P Delaware MS65 price data to see how proof silver coins differ from business-strike copper coins minted in Philadelphia.
If you are a beginner, it can be hard to tell a 69 from a 70. This is where CoinKnow becomes invaluable. By comparing your coin to high-resolution reference images in the app, you can decide if it is worth the $30-$50 fee to have the coin professionally graded. Most of the time, for “everyday” finds, keeping the coin in a protective flip is sufficient to preserve its value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Rarity and Mintage of the 1999-S Silver Quarter
The San Francisco Mint produced a total of 804,565 silver Pennsylvania quarters in 1999. While this may sound like a large number, it is tiny compared to the hundreds of millions of coins minted for circulation in Philadelphia and Denver. These silver quarters were only sold in 5-coin silver proof sets, which also included Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.
Many of these sets have been broken up over the years so that collectors could “fill holes” in their individual state albums. This has created a steady market for single 1999-S Pennsylvania silver coins. Because 1999 was the inaugural year of the program, many people held onto these sets as investments, meaning the market is healthy but not necessarily “rare” in lower grades.
| 1999 State | Silver Proof Mintage |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 804,565 |
| Delaware | 804,565 |
| New Jersey | 804,565 |
Common Errors to Look For in 1999-S Quarters
While proof coins are usually inspected carefully at the mint, errors can still occur. For the Pennsylvania Silver Quarter, errors are extremely rare, which actually makes them “Holy Grail” items for specialized collectors. Look for “Double Dies,” where the lettering or the keystone design appears doubled. Another rare error is the “Grease Strike,” where debris on the die causes parts of the design to be faint or missing.
Another thing to look for is “cuz” or die cracks. If you find a 1999-S Silver Quarter with a visible error, its value could skyrocket from $20 to over $500 instantly. Always inspect the “S” mint mark carefully; occasionally, mint marks can be filled with metal or misaligned. Using a jeweler’s loupe or a high-quality camera zoom will help you spot these lucrative mistakes.
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Should You Sell or Hold Your Pennsylvania Quarter?
If you have a 1999-S Pennsylvania Silver Quarter that is in great condition, you might be wondering if it’s time to sell. Since the 50 State Quarters Program ended, interest in silver proofs has remained consistent. They are popular gifts for residents of Pennsylvania or hunters of the “first year” coins. If your coin is a PR70, selling it at a major auction house might be your best bet to get the maximum price.
However, if your coin is a standard proof worth $10 – $15, it might be more rewarding to keep it as a family heirloom or the start of a silver collection. Silver is a finite resource, and as more of these coins are lost to damage or being melted down, the surviving specimens will likely become more desirable. No matter what you decide, knowing the history and value of the coin in your hand is the first step toward becoming a savvy collector.
FAQ
Q: Is every 1999 Pennsylvania quarter valuable?
A: No. Most 1999 Pennsylvania quarters found in pocket change were minted in Philadelphia or Denver. These are made of copper-nickel and are generally worth only 25 cents unless they have a major error. Only the “S” mint mark silver and clad proofs carry a significant premium.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How can I tell the difference between a Clad Proof and a Silver Proof?
A: The easiest way is the weight and the edge. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. Additionally, the edge of a silver quarter is solid silver-white, whereas the clad quarter has a visible copper stripe.
Q: Where is the best place to sell my 1999-S Silver Quarter?
A: For coins worth under $50, eBay or a local coin shop are the most convenient options. For high-grade PR70 coins, it is better to go through a professional auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections to ensure you reach the right buyers.
Q: Does the original packaging increase the value?
A: Yes. If you have the full 1999 Silver Proof Set in its original U.S. Mint box with the Certificate of Authenticity, it is generally easier to sell and worth more than the five coins sold individually.