The 2002-S Mississippi Silver States Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in standard Proof condition to over $1,200 for top-tier specimens. If you have found a shiny, silver-edged quarter featuring a magnolia blossom in your collection, you might be holding a valuable piece of American history.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $15 – $25 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $40 – $110 |
| Rare Errors/Deep Cameo | $500+ |
Identifying the 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter
Before you get too excited about your find, it is crucial to identify whether you have the “Silver” version or the standard “Clad” version of the 2002 Mississippi Quarter. Both were minted in San Francisco and carry the “S” mint mark, but they have vastly different metal compositions and values. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two by scanning the coin’s surface luster and rim.
The Silver version is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. To check yours, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without any orange or copper stripes, you likely have the silver proof. Standard clad quarters, even those with an “S” mint mark, will show a visible copper core when viewed from the side. The silver version weighs 6.25 grams, while the copper-nickel version weighs only 5.67 grams.
Collectors prize these coins because they were never meant for general circulation. They were sold by the U.S. Mint in special Proof Sets. If you find one in your pocket change, it was likely broken out of a set and spent by someone unaware of its value. Using the CoinKnow app can help you keep track of these specific metal compositions so you don’t accidentally spend a silver treasure.
The Significance of the Mississippi State Design
The 2002 Mississippi Quarter was the 20th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. The design features the elegant Magnolia blossom, which is the state flower of Mississippi. Surrounding the flower are the words “The Magnolia State,” reflecting Mississippi’s proud botanical heritage. This design was chosen by the state’s citizens and finalized by the Governor before being engraved by Donna Weaver.
When analyzing the 2002 silver quarter auction data, you will notice that the visual appeal of the Magnolia flower plays a role in the coin’s desirability. Because proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies, the background is usually mirror-like, while the flower itself has a frosted, matte appearance. This contrast is known as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM).
If your coin looks exceptionally “black and white” in its contrast, it may be a high-grade specimen. Most collectors look for the Deep Cameo effect to ensure the coin meets the highest aesthetic standards. If you are unsure about the strike quality, CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s image against high-resolution archive photos to see where yours stands.
| Composition Detail | Silver Version Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.250 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (119 reeds) |
| Silver Content | 0.1808 troy oz Pure Silver |
Determining the Market Value of 90% Silver Quarters
The value of a 2002-S Silver Mississippi Quarter is tied to two main factors: its silver “melt” value and its numismatic (collector) value. Because it contains 0.1808 ounces of pure silver, the coin will always be worth at least its weight in silver, which fluctuates daily with the precious metals market. However, for a 2002-S Silver Proof, the collector price usually exceeds the silver weight.
For those curious about the current market, checking the 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter price trends is the best way to stay updated. A standard silver proof found in its original Mint packaging usually sells for $10 to $12. If the coin has been professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC, the price can skyrocket. A “Perfect” PR70 Deep Cameo coin is the “Holy Grail” for Registry Set collectors.
In recent years, the market for 2000s-era silver quarters has remained steady. While they are not as old as Silver Washington quarters from the 1960s, their limited mintage (only about 892,000 silver sets were made in 2002) makes them relatively scarce compared to the millions of clad quarters produced for circulation.
Grading and Condition: Why It Matters
To the untrained eye, two silver quarters might look identical, but to a professional grader, a tiny hairline scratch can mean a $100 difference in value. Proof coins are delicate; even touching the mirrored surface with your finger can leave permanent oils that damage the finish. If you find one, handle it only by the edges or wear cotton gloves.
The grading scale goes from 1 to 70. For 2002-S Silver Quarters, most coins fall between PR67 and PR69. A PR69 coin is almost perfect but might have a microscopic blemish visible only under magnification. A PR70 coin is flawless. Because so many of these were kept in protective cases, the competition for a PR70 grade is intense, making those specific coins highly valuable to serious investors.
If you are thinking about sending your coin to a grading service, use CoinKnow first to get an AI-assisted estimate of the grade. This can save you the expensive fees of professional grading if the app detects scratches or “milk spots” (cloudy white spots caused by the cleaning process at the Mint) that would lower the grade significantly.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $12 – $15 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $18 – $22 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $25 – $35 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $90 – $140 |
Are There Any Rare Errors for the 2002 Mississippi Quarter?
While proof coins undergo rigorous quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. For the 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter, collectors look for “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris gets caught between the die and the coin, leaving an indent. These are extremely rare for silver proofs and can command prices in the hundreds of dollars.
Another thing to look for is “Double Die” varieties, although none have been widely confirmed for the silver proof Mississippi issue yet. Most “errors” people think they find on these coins are actually just post-mint damage (scratches or dings from being handled). However, searching for a unique error is part of the fun of coin collecting.
If you suspect you have an error, take high-quality photos and post them on coin forums or use a specialized identification tool. The rarity of the 90% silver composition paired with a manufacturing mistake would make for a very lucrative find. Always verify your “error” against known Mint errors to ensure you aren’t just looking at a damaged coin.
How to Sell Your 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter
If you’ve decided to part with your coin, you have several options. The fastest way to get money is a local coin shop, but keep in mind they need to make a profit and will likely offer you closer to the “melt” value or a wholesale price. For higher-grade PR69 or PR70 coins, online auctions like eBay or Heritage Auctions are usually the best bet to reach collectors willing to pay a premium.
When listing your coin online, be sure to mention it is the “Silver Proof” and include its weight to prove its authenticity. Clear, macro photography is essential. Buyers want to see the details of the Magnolia flower and the clarity of the “S” mint mark. Providing a clear view of the edge to show the lack of copper is also a great selling point.
Before selling, check recent “Sold” listings on eBay rather than “Active” listings. Active listings show what people want to get, while sold listings show what people are actually paying. This will give you a realistic expectation of the cash you can put in your pocket.
FAQ
Q: Is every 2002-S Mississippi Quarter made of silver?
A: No. There are two “S” mint mark versions. One is the standard Clad (copper-nickel) version found in regular Proof Sets, and the other is the 90% Silver version found in Silver Proof Sets. You must check the edge of the coin to be sure.
Q: Can I find a 2002-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare, but possible. Usually, this happens if someone breaks open a Silver Proof Set and spends the coins. If you find one, it will likely be “impaired,” meaning it has scratches from being in circulation, which lowers the value to its silver weight.
Q: How much silver is in the 2002-S Silver Quarter?
A: It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. You can calculate its “melt” value by multiplying 0.1808 by the current spot price of silver.
Q: What is the most valuable 2002-S Mississippi Quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade PR70 Deep Cameo specimens can sell for over $100, but rare error versions or coins with unique toning have been known to fetch even higher prices at specialty auctions.