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The 2013-S Great Basin Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade silver specimens. Whether you found a shiny one in your pocket or a proof set in the attic, understanding the “S” mint mark is key to realizing its true market value.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Clad) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated Business Strike (S-Mint) | $2.00 – $15.00 |
| Clad Proof (S-Mint) | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| 90% Silver Proof (S-Mint) | $15.00 – $50.00+ |
Identifying the 2013-S Great Basin Quarter
The Great Basin National Park quarter was the 18th release in the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) series. It features a majestic Bristlecone pine tree, believed to be among the oldest living things on Earth, set against the rocky landscape of Nevada.
If you are trying to identify your find, the most important feature is the “S” mint mark located on the obverse (the face side) next to George Washington’s ponytail. This signifies that the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” quarters you see every day, the “S” mint versions weren’t generally intended for pocket change.
Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the three different versions of the San Francisco strikes. While the Denver and Philadelphia mints produced millions for circulation, San Francisco focused on special strikes for collectors.
If you’re unsure about the metal content or the specific strike of your coin, CoinKnow allows you to snap a photo and instantly get details on the coin’s history. It’s a great way to avoid spending a silver quarter at the vending machine by mistake!
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Understanding the San Francisco “S” Variations
Not all 2013-S Great Basin quarters are created equal. The San Francisco Mint produced three distinct types of this coin. First is the “Business Strike” (Uncirculated) S-mint quarter. These were sold in bags and rolls specifically for collectors but have a matte look similar to normal pocket change.
Second is the Clad Proof. Proof coins are made with polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. These are visually stunning and were originally sold in “Proof Sets.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Finally, there is the 90% Silver Proof. These look identical to the clad proofs but are made of precious metal. You can tell the difference by looking at the coin’s edge. If you see a sandwich of copper (an orange line), it’s clad. If the edge is solid silver-white, you’re holding a silver treasure.
Knowing these differences is crucial for determining current Great Basin quarter worth across various marketplaces and auction houses.
Value of 2013-S Great Basin Business Strikes
In 2013, the Mint produced a limited number of “S” mint quarters for direct sale to collectors, rather than for general circulation. These are often referred to as “Circulating Finish” or “Business Strike” S-mints.
Because they were produced in much lower quantities than the P or D versions, they carry a premium even in lower grades. An “S” mint Great Basin quarter in a high Mint State (MS67 or MS68) can be quite desirable for registry set collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade (Mint State) | Business Strike S-Mint Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $2.50 |
| MS65 (Gem) | $5.00 |
| MS67 | $18.00 |
| MS68 | $85.00+ |
If you happen to find one of these in your change, it probably traveled from a collector’s broken roll. While it may show some scratches, it is still a “semi-key” find for a casual hunter. CoinKnow can help you keep track of these rare circulation finds.
Clad Proof vs. Silver Proof Values
Proof coins are the “supermodels” of the coin world. The 2013-S Great Basin Proofs come in two varieties: Copper-Nickel Clad and 90% Silver. The Silver Proof is always more valuable because it has “melt value”—the intrinsic value of the silver metal itself.
When checking the Great Basin quarter market prices, you will notice a significant jump for PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens. A PR70 is a “perfect” coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Most collectors find these coins through estate sales or by breaking open silver proof sets. Because the 2013 ATB sets had a relatively lower mintage compared to early 2000s state quarters, they have held their value well.
| Proof Grade | Clad Proof Value | Silver Proof Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 DCAM | $4.50 | $18.00 |
| PR69 DCAM | $9.00 | $30.00 |
| PR70 DCAM (Perfect) | $35.00 | $145.00 |
Are There Any Rare Errors on the 2013 Great Basin Quarter?
Error hunting is one of the most exciting parts of coin collecting. For the 2013-S Great Basin quarter, errors are quite rare because the San Francisco Mint has very high quality control for its collector products.
However, researchers and “cherrypickers” always keep an eye out for “Doubled Die” errors. Look closely at the needles of the Bristlecone pine or the lettering in “Great Basin.” If you see clear doubling or overlapping of the design elements, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.
Die chips and “cuds” (extra blobs of metal) are also possible. If you think you’ve spotted an anomaly, take a high-quality photo and use CoinKnow to compare it with known error varieties. A certified error can turn a $1 coin into a $500 centerpiece for your collection.
How to Store and Protect Your 2013-S Quarters
If you’ve identified a valuable 2013-S Great Basin quarter, you must protect its condition. Even a single fingerprint can damage the delicate surface of a proof coin. The natural oils in your skin can cause “toning” or corrosion over time, which often lowers the value of modern coins.
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For “Business Strike” S-mints, a simple cardboard “2×2” holder is sufficient. For Silver Proofs or PR70 candidates, a plastic capsule or a professional grading slab from NGC or PCGS is highly recommended.
Avoid keeping your coins in PVC-containing plastic flips, as these can leach chemicals that turn silver green. Instead, use PVC-free flips or official coin albums. Proper storage ensures that when you’re ready to sell, your coin stays in the highest price bracket possible.
Summary: Is the Great Basin Quarter Worth Keeping?
In short: Yes! If it has an “S” mint mark, it is automatically more interesting than 99% of the quarters in your jar. While most circulated versions only carry a small premium, the potential for high-grade silver proofs or rare errors makes this a fun coin to examine.
Always check the edge first to see if it’s silver. Then, look at the finish to see if it’s a proof. Finally, check for any “doubling” on the tree. With a bit of luck and the right tools, you might just find a 2013-S Great Basin quarter that is worth a lot more than twenty-five cents.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2013-S Great Basin quarter look so shiny compared to others?
A: You likely have a “Proof” coin. These were minted specifically for collectors using special processes that create a mirror-like finish. They are usually found in sets but occasionally end up in circulation.
Q: Is every 2013 quarter with an “S” mark made of silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both “Clad” (copper-nickel) and “Silver” (90% silver) versions. Check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper stripe, it is clad.
Q: Where can I sell my 2013-S Great Basin Quarter?
A: For common S-mints, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. For high-grade coins (certified PR70 or MS68), consider specialized numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
Q: What is the mintage of the 2013-S Great Basin quarters?
A: The mintage varies by type. Roughly 1.3 million Business Strike S-mints were made, while Clad and Silver proofs typically had mintages between 400,000 and 800,000. These numbers are very low compared to the 263 million “D” mint quarters from the same year!