Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 2000-S Maryland Silver States Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While your average pocket change version is just worth 25 cents, finding one with the “S” mint mark and a silver edge could be a nice little payday.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 DCAM (Typical Proof) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 69 DCAM (Near Perfect) | $15 – $25 |
| PR 70 DCAM (Flawless) | $45 – $125 |
Identifying Your 2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter
If you just looked at the change in your cup holder and saw a Maryland quarter, you might wonder why this specific 2000-S version is special. Most Maryland quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. However, the United States Mint also produced a special silver version specifically for collectors as part of the 2000 Silver Proof Set. To know if you have a winner, you can use a top coin identifier app to check the mint mark and the edge of the coin.
The first thing to look for is the mint mark located on the “heads” (obverse) side, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. You are looking for a small “S” which indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. But wait—the “S” mark was used for both the standard clad proof and the silver proof. To tell them apart, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no copper showing, you have the 90% silver version.
To get even more precision on your find, the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between these versions using your phone’s camera. This is crucial because the silver content alone makes the 2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter worth much more than its face value, regardless of its collector appeal.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Current Market Value and Pricing for Maryland Silver Quarters
The 2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter price is dictated by its grade and the current “spot” price of silver. Because these coins are 90% silver and 10% copper, they have an intrinsic value that fluctuates daily based on the precious metals market. Beyond the metal, the numismatic (collector) value remains steady for coins that have been kept in their original plastic packaging.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For those looking at their collection as an investment, it is helpful to track the current price trends for 2000-dated state quarters. While the Maryland design—featuring the Old State House and oak branches—is common, the silver proof is a restricted-mintage item.
| Mintage Period | Composition | Total Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-S Proof | 90% Silver | approx. 965,949 |
Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction
When researching your 2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter value, you will often see the term “Deep Cameo” or “DCAM.” This refers to the visual contrast on the coin. On a high-quality proof, the raised parts of the design (like the State House) look frosted and white, while the flat background (the field) looks like a dark, polished mirror.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Most silver proofs from 2000 are Deep Cameo, but those that lack this sharp contrast are worth significantly less. If your coin has scratches or has been handled with bare fingers, it may have lost its “proof” luster. Oil from skin can permanently damage the surface of a silver coin, which is why professionals always suggest holding them by the edges.
Collectors using CoinKnow often find that identifying the difference between a PR68 and a PR70 (a perfect grade) is the difference between a $15 coin and a $100 coin. If you think your coin is perfect, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to lock in that high value.
Design History of the Maryland State Quarter
The Maryland quarter was the seventh coin released in the 50 State Quarters® Program and the second released in 2000. It features the dome of the Maryland State House, which is historic for being the first peacetime capitol of the United States. Surrounding the dome are leaf clusters from the White Oak, Maryland’s state tree.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Knowing the history helps collectors appreciate why the worth of 2000 State Quarters varies so much between the different states. The Maryland design was selected by Governor Parris N. Glendening after a state-wide design contest. Because the silver proof version accurately captures the intricate lines of the State House dome, it remains a favorite for residents of the “Old Line State.”
Factors That Can Increase the Maryland Silver Quarter Value
While the standard silver proof follows a predictable price guide, certain anomalies can skyrocket the value. Errors are rare in proof coins because the Mint exerts extra quality control over these sets, but they do happen. “Double dies” or “clipped planchets” on a silver proof are extremely rare and could be worth hundreds of dollars to the right buyer.
Another factor is the “set” value. Most Maryland Silver Quarters are sold as part of the five-coin 2000 Silver Proof Set (which includes Massachusetts, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia). If you have the original box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the U.S. Mint, the total value is often higher than the sum of the individual coins.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you find an loose coin and aren’t sure of its origin, the CoinKnow app can help you determine if it’s a genuine silver strike or just a shiny clad coin. Always remember that a genuine silver quarter will weigh approximately 6.25 grams, whereas a regular quarter weighs only 5.67 grams.
| Weight Check | Standard Clad | 90% Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Grams | 5.67g | 6.25g |
Where to Sell Your 2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter
If you’ve confirmed that your coin is the silver version, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices (around 60-70% of the market value) so they can make a profit.
For the highest return, online auction sites like eBay are popular. However, you must take high-quality photos that show the “S” mint mark and the silver edge clearly. Mention the Deep Cameo status if it applies. Many collectors also use specialized numismatic forums or marketplaces discovered through coin apps to find buyers who are specifically looking for the Maryland design to complete their silver statehood sets.
FAQ
2000-S Maryland Silver Quarter Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my Maryland quarter is silver without a scale?
A: The easiest way is the “Edge Test.” Look at the rim of the coin where the ridges (reeding) are. If you see a solid silver/white color, it is likely silver. If you see a copper or brownish stripe in the middle, it is a standard clad quarter worth only 25 cents.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is a 2000-P or 2000-D Maryland quarter worth anything?
A: Quarters with “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint marks were made for general circulation. Unless they have a major mint error, they are only worth their face value of 25 cents, even if they look shiny.
Q: What is the silver content of the 2000-S Maryland Quarter?
A: It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the traditional “coin silver” composition used by the U.S. Mint for dimes, quarters, and halves until 1964.
Q: Why is my 2000-S silver quarter turning black or yellow?
A: This is called “toning.” Silver reacts to oxygen and sulfur in the air over time. While some collectors love “rainbow toning” and will pay a premium for it, most prefer a white, brilliant finish. Never clean your coin to remove toning, as cleaning significantly reduces a coin’s value!