The 2013-S White Mountain Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $450 for high-grade silver specimens. Finding one of these in your pocket change is an exciting moment, as it represents the first release of the 2013 America the Beautiful series and carries a special “S” mint mark.
| Coin Type / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2013-S Copper-Nickel (Circulated) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| 2013-S Copper-Nickel (MS65 Uncirculated) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 2013-S 90% Silver Proof (PR69) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| 2013-S 90% Silver Proof (PR70 Deep Cameo) | $40.00 – $450.00+ |
Why the 2013-S White Mountain Quarter Is Special
The 2013 White Mountain National Forest quarter honors the stunning landscape of New Hampshire. It was the 16th coin released in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. While millions of these quarters were struck in Philadelphia and Denver for general circulation, the “S” mint mark coins from San Francisco hold a unique place in the market.
If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different compositions and finishes. The San Francisco Mint produced three distinct types for this release: a business-strike (circulation-like) copper-nickel version, a clad proof version, and a 90% silver proof version.
Collectors often seek out these “S” mint quarters because they were not intended for general commerce. Instead, they were sold in bags and rolls directly to collectors at a premium. This artificial scarcity means that even a “pocket change” find might be worth significantly more than twenty-five cents. Using tools like CoinKnow allows you to stay updated on which specific strikes are currently trending in the numismatic market.
Understanding the Different 2013-S Quarter Strikes
When evaluating the 2013-S White Mountain quarter value, you must first determine the strike type. The “S” Mint mark on the obverse (the side with George Washington) indicates it was struck in San Francisco. Unlike older quarters, where “S” usually meant a proof coin, in 2013, the Mint also produced “Uncirculated” business strikes for collectors.
The copper-nickel clad “Business Strike” was sold in rolls. Because these weren’t released into the wild by banks, they usually remain in high grades. However, if one was spent by accident and now shows scratches, it is considered “circulated.” You can check the latest White Mountain quarter price guide data to see how these uncirculated business strikes compare to their Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
Proof coins are different. They are struck twice on polished blanks to create a mirror-like background and frosted details. There are two types of proofs for 2013: the standard clad proof and the 90% silver proof. The silver version is considerably heavier and has a distinct silver edge rather than the copper stripe seen on standard quarters. Identifying these subtle differences is where CoinKnow becomes an essential tool for every casual hunter.
| Strike Type | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Business Strike (S) | Copper-Nickel | Collector Bags/Rolls |
| Clad Proof (S) | Copper-Nickel | Proof Sets |
| Silver Proof (S) | 90% Silver | Silver Proof Sets |
Grading and Its Impact on White Mountain Quarter Value
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the biggest factor in its final price. Professional grading services use a 1-to-70 scale. For a 2013-S White Mountain quarter, a grade of MS65 (Mint State 65) is common, but a grade of MS68 or MS69 can skyrocket the value into the hundreds of dollars.
For proof coins, collectors look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation. This refers to the heavy contrast between the shiny fields and the milky-white frosted design of the mountain and trees. A PR70 Deep Cameo is a “perfect” coin, and for the 90% silver version, these can be quite expensive. If you are looking for more comprehensive 2013 quarter value information, you will find that the “S” mint marks consistently outperform the “P” and “D” marks in high grades.
Even if you aren’t a professional grader, you can look for major flaws. Large scratches, “bag marks” from coins hitting each other, or dullness from oils on fingers will lower the grade. Many collectors use CoinKnow to take high-resolution photos of their quarters to see detail that the naked eye might miss, helping them decide if a coin is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Silver Content vs. Numismatic Premium
If you have the silver version of the 2013-S White Mountain quarter, it has two types of value: melt value and numismatic value. The “melt value” is based on the current price of silver on the commodities market. Since these quarters are 90% silver, they contain roughly 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
However, most of these quarters trade for a “numismatic premium,” meaning they are worth more to a collector than just the raw silver they contain. A silver proof in its original government packaging is almost always worth more than a loose, scratched one.
When the price of silver rises, the floor price of these quarters rises too. It is important to keep track of both the silver market and the collector market. Most everyday Americans might not realize they are holding a piece of precious metal. If the edge of your quarter is solid silver-white with no brown/copper stripe, you’ve likely found a silver proof that should be handled with care to preserve its finish.
| Condition | Clad (S) Value | Silver (S) Value |
|---|---|---|
| Average Circulated | $0.25 – $0.50 | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $5.00 – $15.00 | N/A (Business Strike only) |
| Gem Proof (PR69) | $7.00 – $10.00 | $25.00 – $35.00 |
Common Errors to Look For
While the 2013-S White Mountain quarter is known for high production standards, error hunters still keep a close eye on this series. Errors can turn a $1 coin into a $100 coin instantly. Common errors in the America the Beautiful series include “Doubled Dies,” where parts of the design appear doubled, or “Clad Layers,” where the outer nickel coating is missing, exposing a bright copper surface.
One specific area to check on the White Mountain design is the trees and the birch branches. Look for any raised bumps (die chips) or doubling in the inscriptions “WHITE MOUNTAIN,” “NEW HAMPSHIRE,” or “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” While no major, world-famous error has been categorized for the 2013-S specifically yet, new discoveries are made by collectors every year.
Because error coins are rare, they often require a second pair of eyes. Before spending or selling an unusual-looking coin, check it against a database. By documenting your find in CoinKnow, you can compare your coin’s features against known error patterns and ensure you aren’t overlooking a hidden gem.
How to Sell Your 2013-S White Mountain Quarter
If you’ve determined that your quarter is a high-grade “S” mint mark or a silver proof, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For lower-value uncirculated coins ($5-$10), local coin shops or eBay are usually the best routes. However, keep in mind that shipping costs and platform fees can eat into your profit on cheaper items.
For high-grade specimens worth over $100, you might consider having the coin professionally graded first. A coin in a “slab” (a protective plastic holder with a certified grade) is much easier to sell for top dollar. Auctions like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are excellent for high-end 2013-S quarters.
Always remember that “asking price” is not the same as “sold price.” When researching, look for “Sold Items” on auction sites to see what people are actually paying. This gives you a realistic expectation of what you can get for your New Hampshire treasure.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S quarter is silver?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver color with no copper stripe, it is likely silver. Additionally, a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
Q: Is the 2013-S White Mountain quarter rare?
A: It is “semi-rare” in the sense that it wasn’t made for general circulation like the “P” and “D” versions. While over 68 million were made in Philadelphia, only about 1.4 million of the “S” business strikes were produced, making them much harder to find.
Q: Can I find an “S” mint mark quarter in my change?
A: Yes, but it is rare. Most were sold in special sets or rolls to collectors. If you find one in change, it is usually because someone broke open a collector set and spent the coins. These are known as “circulated proofs” or “circulated collector strikes.”
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for this coin?
A: High-grade silver proofs (PR70 Deep Cameo) have sold at auction for over $400. The non-silver business strikes in perfect MS68 condition have also fetched prices between $100 and $200 depending on the current demand.