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The 1999-S Silver New Jersey Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. This stunning coin was part of the first year of the 50 State Quarters program, making it a favorite for collectors and casual hobbyists alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $15 – $25 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $35 – $60 (Average) |
| Auction Records (PCGS PR70DCAM) | $1,200+ |
Identifying Your 1999-S Silver New Jersey State Quarter
If you’ve discovered a shiny New Jersey quarter in a collection, the first step is determining if it is truly the silver version. In 1999, the San Francisco Mint produced two types of proof quarters: one made of the standard copper-nickel “clad” composition and one made of 90% silver. If you want to check your pocket change quickly, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various mint marks and metal types.
The New Jersey quarter features General George Washington crossing the Delaware River on its reverse. To confirm you have the silver version, check the edge of the coin. A silver coin will show a solid bright silver stripe, whereas a clad coin will show a distinct copper ring. The CoinKnow app can also provide real-time scanning to help you verify these subtle physical differences.
Beyond the edge test, you can check the weight. A silver state quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams, while a standard clad quarter weighs only 5.67 grams. Knowing these technical details is essential before you attempt to sell or trade your find.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The Rarity and Production of 1999-S Silver Quarters
The 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter was never intended for general circulation. It was sold exclusively by the U.S. Mint as part of the 1999 Silver Proof Set. Because these were issued in limited quantities—exactly 804,565 sets—the “S” silver quarters are significantly rarer than their “P” or “D” counterparts found in your spare change.
Collectors often look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finishes, where the frosted design stands out sharply against a mirror-like background. While hundreds of thousands were made, finding one in “Perfect” PR70 condition is quite difficult. For those tracking market trends, the 1999-S New Jersey silver issue holds its value better than many later years in the series.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you are curious about how this coin compares to the first-ever state quarter released that same year, take a look at the Delaware quarter price trends to see why the 1999 series remains a powerhouse in the numismatic world.
| Mint Mark | Composition | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-P (Philadelphia) | Copper-Nickel Clad | 363,200,000 |
| 1999-D (Denver) | Copper-Nickel Clad | 300,200,000 |
| 1999-S (San Francisco) | 90% Silver | 804,565 |
Determining the Value of Proof 69 vs. Proof 70 Grades
In the world of coin collecting, the difference between a “near perfect” coin and a “perfect” coin can be hundreds of dollars. Most 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarters found today will grade at PR69. These are beautiful coins with no visible flaws to the naked eye, and they usually sell for a modest premium over their silver melt value.
However, a PR70 (the highest possible grade) is an entirely different story. These coins must be flawless under 5x magnification. For a professional assessment, many collectors use the CoinKnow app to get a preliminary idea of their coin’s strike quality before sending it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The current market shows that while silver bullion prices fluctuate, the numismatic premium for “perfect” 1999-S quarters remains stable. You can find more comprehensive data on the current 1999 New Jersey quarter market value to see how much collectors are paying this month.
Factors That Influence 1999 Silver New Jersey Quarter Prices
Several factors determine how much someone will pay for your 1999-S Silver New Jersey Quarter. The most obvious is the spot price of silver. Since this coin is 90% silver, it has an intrinsic “melt value” that acts as a price floor. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
Another factor is the “Cameo” effect. On proof coins, the frosted appearance of George Washington and the crossing scene should be heavy and uniform. If the frosting is light or patchy, the value drops. Collectors specifically hunt for “Deep Cameo” designations, which represent the highest quality of the minting process.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Finally, the presence of the original mint packaging can add value. A loose silver quarter is worth less to a “set collector” than one still sealed in its original 1999 Silver Proof Set lens. Keeping the coin protected from fingerprints and environmental damage is crucial to maintaining its worth.
| Coin Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Silver Content | High (Provides a minimum price floor) |
| Deep Cameo Contrast | Medium (Adds $5-$15 for raw coins) |
| Scratches/Haze | Negative (Reduces coin to melt value) |
| Perfect PR70 Grade | Extreme (Can increase value by 20x or more) |
Are New Jersey Quarters Without the ‘S’ Mark Valuable?
A common question among beginners is whether the New Jersey quarters they find in change are valuable. Most of these will have a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark. Millions of these were produced, and in circulated condition, they are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents.
However, error coins are the exception. There are known 1999 New Jersey quarters with “double dies” or “clipping errors” that can be worth $20 to $100 even if they aren’t silver. If you find a coin that looks unusual—perhaps the text is doubled or the edge is missing—don’t spend it!
Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you identify if that strange-looking quarter is a valuable error or just a damaged coin. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid leaving oils from your skin, which can damage the finish of high-value silver or error coins over time.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Sell Your Silver State Quarters
If you’ve decided to sell your 1999-S Silver New Jersey Quarter, you have several options. Local coin shops are the fastest route, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices so they can make a profit on the resale. Expect to receive 60-70% of the retail value.
Online marketplaces like eBay are excellent for reaching specialized collectors. If you have a PR70 graded coin, auction houses are your best bet to achieve those record-breaking prices. For a standard PR69 silver quarter, listing it on a collector forum or local classifieds might save you on shipping and seller fees.
Always check the current silver spot price before selling. Since these quarters contain .1808 troy ounces of pure silver, their value will rise and fall with the global metals market. Keeping an eye on these trends ensures you get a fair price for your piece of American history.
| Selling Venue | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant Cash | Lower payout |
| eBay / Online | High price potential | Fees and shipping risks |
| Coin Shows | Direct access to experts | Travel required |
1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter FAQ
Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S New Jersey Quarter?
A: The 1999-S Silver New Jersey Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I find a 1999 silver quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. Most silver quarters were sold in proof sets and kept by collectors. If one was “broken out” of a set and spent, it would likely be scratched and lose its proof-like luster.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for this coin?
A: While standard silver proofs sell for $10-$30, a perfect specimen graded PR70 Deep Cameo by PCGS has sold for over $1,200 at auction due to its extreme rarity in that specific grade.
Q: How do I tell the difference between the S-clad and S-silver quarters?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a brown copper stripe, it is a clad coin worth about $1-$3. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is the 90% silver version worth $8 or more.