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The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade Proof 70 condition. Whether you found this beautiful coin in a collection or inherited a silver proof set, its value is significantly higher than a standard pocket change quarter due to its 90% silver content.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Melt Value) | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Proof-65 (Gem Silver) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect Grade) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
How to Identify the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter
The Great Basin National Park quarter was the 18th release in the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) series. Identifying whether you have a rare silver version or a common copper-nickel version is the first step in determining its worth.
If you are unsure about the metal composition or the mint mark of your coin, using a top coin identifier app can quickly solve the mystery. The silver version was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint and carries the “S” mint mark.
However, be careful! The San Francisco Mint also produced copper-nickel clad proof quarters with the “S” mint mark in 2013. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without a copper stripe, you likely have the silver version.
You can also weigh the coin to be certain. A standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while the silver Great Basin quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams. Using the CoinKnow app can help you log your findings and compare them against historical auction records to see what other collectors are paying.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The Precious Metal Value of 90% Silver Quarters
The primary driver of the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter value is its bullion content. These coins were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
When silver prices rise, the value of this coin rises regardless of its condition. Many investors buy these quarters as a way to hold “junk silver” in a recognizable and official US Mint format.
Because these were never intended for circulation and were only sold in Proof Sets, finding one in your change is very rare. If you do find one, it is usually because someone spent a proof set by mistake.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Collectors often check the current market value for 2013 quarters to see how spot price fluctuations affect their investment. If you have a bulk lot of these coins, the price difference between “melt value” and “collector value” can be substantial.
| Material Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Silver Content | 0.1808 troy oz |
| Purity | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
Condition and Grading: What Makes a Quarter Rare?
The value of a Great Basin silver quarter is heavily dependent on its “Proof” grade. Since these coins were minted using special dies and polished planchets, they have a mirror-like finish and frosted details.
A coin graded PR 69 (Proof 69) is almost perfect but might have a tiny, nearly invisible hair-line scratch. A PR 70 (Proof 70) is a “perfect” coin under 5x magnification. The price jump between a 69 and a 70 can be $30 or more.
If you suspect your coin is a perfect specimen, you might consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, you can use CoinKnow to get an initial estimate of your coin’s grade by comparing it to their high-resolution database images.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Keep in mind that “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations are standard for 2013 silver proofs. This refers to the contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted image of the ancient Bristlecone Pine tree featured on the reverse.
Understanding the Great Basin National Park Design
The 2013 Great Basin Silver Quarter features a stunning design by Ronald D. Sanders. It depicts a single Bristlecone Pine tree amongst the rocky glacial moraines of Nevada. This tree is iconic because it is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
The artistic value of the ATB series makes these quarters highly collectible for people who love the National Parks. Because 2013 had lower mintage numbers compared to the early years of the program, the silver versions are becoming harder to find in secondary markets.
Researching the detailed numismatic specs and pricing data for the 2013 series reveals that collectors often look for the complete 5-coin silver proof set rather than individual loose coins.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Individual sales generally occur when a set is “broken up” to sell the coins separately. This often happens when one coin in the set is perfect (PR 70) and the others are slightly flawed.
| Mintage Type | Approximate Mintage |
|---|---|
| 2013-S Silver Proof | ~831,000 |
| 2013-S Clad Proof | ~1,300,000 |
| 2013-P/D Business Strike | ~30,000,000 each |
Where to Sell Your 2013-S Silver Quarter
If you’ve determined that your 2013 silver quarter is worth selling, you have several options. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they will usually only pay you “wholesale” prices, which might be close to the silver melt value.
For those looking to get the maximum price, online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions are better. Collectors searching for specific ATB quarters often browse these sites to fill holes in their albums.
To ensure you are getting a fair price, always keep the CoinKnow app handy to check real-time sold listings. This prevents you from being low-balled by buyers who know you might not be an expert.
Another option is to join numismatic forums or Facebook groups. These communities are often friendlier to new collectors and can provide free advice on whether your coin is worth the cost of professional certification.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Practical Tips for Storing Your Silver Coins
If you decide to keep your 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter as an investment, proper storage is critical. Silver is prone to “toning” or tarnishing when exposed to air and moisture.
While some collectors like the look of a colorful toned coin, most modern proof collectors prefer a “white” or bright silver appearance. Storing your coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule is the best way to preserve its value.
Never clean your coin! Rubbing a silver proof with a cloth can cause micro-scratches that instantly lower its grade from a PR 70 to a PR 60. Even mild soap can chemically alter the surface.
If your coin is currently in its original US Mint lens (the plastic case the set came in), it is best to leave it there. Coins in original government packaging (OGP) are often easier to sell to purists.
FAQ
Q: Is every 2013 Great Basin quarter made of silver?
A: No. Most Great Basin quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition and are only worth 25 cents. Only the special “S” mint mark silver proof versions contain silver.
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Q: How can I tell the difference between a silver proof and a clad proof?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver proof will have a solid silver/white edge. A clad proof will show a distinct copper-colored stripe running through the middle of the edge.
Q: How much silver is in a 2013-S silver quarter?
A: It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This is based on its 90% silver purity and total weight of 6.25 grams.
Q: Are there any known 2013 Great Basin quarter errors?
A: While there are no major famous errors for this specific release, some collectors look for “doubled die” errors on the tree branches or “die chips.” These are very rare in silver proof versions.
Q: Is it worth grading a 2013 silver quarter?
A: It is generally only worth grading if the coin appears to be a perfect PR 70. If it has any visible scratches or fingerprints, the cost of grading will likely exceed the value of the coin.