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The 2008-S Alaska State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in standard proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver versions. Whether you found a shiny one in a collection or just want to know its market value, this guide breaks down the specific prices for these San Francisco minted coins.
| Coin Version | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-S Clad Proof | PR 65 DCAM | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| 2008-S Clad Proof | PR 70 DCAM | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| 2008-S Silver Proof | PR 65 DCAM | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| 2008-S Silver Proof | PR 70 DCAM | $45.00 – $60.00 |
History of the 2008-S Alaska State Quarter
The Alaska State Quarter was released on August 25, 2008, as the 49th coin in the original 50 State Quarters Program. By this time, the U.S. Mint was nearing the end of its decade-long journey to celebrate every state in the Union. The design features a grizzly bear emerging from the water with a salmon in its mouth, symbolizing the wild beauty of the “Last Frontier.”
If you have discovered one of these coins with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the quarters you spend at the grocery store, which are produced in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), the San Francisco (S) versions were made specifically for collectors. They were struck using special polished dies and blanks to create a mirror-like finish. To gain an edge in identifying these specialized strikes, many hobbyists use a top coin identifier app to instantly distinguish between standard business strikes and collector-grade proofs.
Because these coins were never intended for circulation, finding one in your pocket change is quite rare. Usually, a 2008-S quarter found in the wild is the result of someone breaking open a specialized proof set to spend the money. While still worth more than twenty-five cents, its value is significantly impacted by any scratches or dulling of the original luster. Using CoinKnow, you can quickly catalog these finds and monitor their market movements over time.
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Clad vs. Silver: Knowing the Difference
In 2008, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the Alaska Quarter. The most common is the “Clad” proof, which is made of the same copper-nickel composition as standard quarters. The second version is the “Silver” proof, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Identifying which one you have is crucial because the silver content alone makes the latter far more valuable.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The quickest way to tell the difference is by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe (a visible “sandwich” layer), it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is likely the 90% silver version. Additionally, the silver coin weighs 6.25 grams, while the copper-nickel version weighs 5.67 grams.
| Composition | Weight | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67 grams | 2,058,100 |
| 90% Silver | 6.25 grams | 1,192,908 |
Determining the Grade of Your 2008-S Quarter
When collectors talk about value, they focus heavily on the “grade” or condition of the coin. Proof coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A grade of PR 70 (Proof 70) represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Most coins pulled from original government packaging will grade between PR 67 and PR 69.
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Collectors also look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations. This refers to the contrast between the frosted design (the grizzly bear and the “Alaska 1959” text) and the mirror-like flat surfaces (the field). A high-contrast DCAM coin is much more desirable than a “brilliant” proof that lacks that frosty frosted look.
To understand how these grades translate to dollars, you can look at the 2008-S Alaska proof sales data which shows that perfect PR 70 samples fetch a significant premium compared to PR 68 or PR 69 versions. If your coin has fingerprints or minor scratches, it likely won’t hit those top-tier prices, but it still holds value for a collector building a “dansco” album.
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Valuing the 2008-S Alaska Clad Proof
The 2008-S Clad Proof Alaska Quarter had a mintage of roughly 2.05 million. While this sounds like a lot, many have been lost or damaged over the years. In the current market, a standard “raw” (un-certified) clad proof typically sells for about $1.50 to $3.00.
If the coin is professionally certified by PCGS or NGC in a high grade, the price jumps. A PR 69 DCAM might sell for $10, while a perfect PR 70 DCAM can reach $25. These are great coins for beginners to collect because they are affordable yet beautiful pieces of American numismatic history.
Checking the latest quarter market value updates can help you stay current, as prices for the 2008 series often fluctuate based on collector demand for complete proof sets. If you find yourself enjoying the hunt, CoinKnow offers a streamlined way to track these values on your mobile device.
| Grade (Clad) | Market Price |
|---|---|
| PR 67 Deep Cameo | $4.00 |
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $6.50 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $28.00 |
How to Sell Your Alaska Quarter
If you believe you have a valuable 2008-S Alaska Quarter, you have several options for selling it. For individual coins that aren’t professionally graded, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. Because the value is relatively low (under $10 for most clad versions), paying $30 for professional grading usually doesn’t make financial sense unless the coin is absolutely perfect.
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For silver versions or perfect PR 70 specimens, auction houses or specialized coin dealers might be more appropriate. Always ensure you handle the coin by the edges to avoid leaving permanent oil prints on the mirrored surface, which instantly ruins the “Cameo” effect and lowers the price.
Using CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin is worth the effort of an official appraisal. The app’s community and database features provide a baseline so you don’t get underpaid when visiting a shop. Remember, the value of silver coins is also tied to the “spot price” of silver, so when silver prices go up, your 2008-S Silver Alaska quarter becomes more valuable regardless of its grade.
FAQ
Q: Does a 2008 Alaska Quarter with a “P” or “D” mark have extra value?
A: Most 2008-P and 2008-D Alaska Quarters found in circulation are only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, if they are in “Uncirculated” condition (meaning they look brand new and came from a mint roll), they might be worth $1.00 to $2.00 to a collector.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is the 2008-S Alaska Quarter made of real silver?
A: Only the specific “Silver Proof” version is made of 90% silver. You can identify it by the lack of a copper stripe on the edge and its slightly heavier weight. The standard “S” marked proof is made of copper and nickel.
Q: What is the rarest 2008-S Alaska Quarter?
A: The rarest version is the 90% Silver Proof in a perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo grade. While over a million were made, only a fraction remain in flawless condition, making them the “holy grail” for this specific state design.
Q: Where can I find the 2008-S Alaska Quarter value today?
A: You can check real-time auction results on eBay, use specialty pricing guides, or download the CoinKnow app for instant access to historical pricing data and professional estimates.