The 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $450 in high-grade mint state. Whether you found one in your pocket change or inherited a collection, understanding the specific factors that drive the price of this America the Beautiful series coin is essential for any casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Pocket Change) | $0.25 – $0.35 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $150.00 – $450.00+ |
History of the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter
The 2016-P Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter) quarter is the 35th release in the “America the Beautiful” Quarters program. It commemorates the historic site in South Carolina where American forces successfully defended Charleston from the British Royal Navy in 1776. If you are unsure if you have a winner, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the origin and variety of your quarter instantly.
The “P” mint mark indicates this coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Because Philadelphia coins were intended for general circulation, finding one in your daily change is quite common. However, the quality of these coins can vary wildly.
While millions were minted, only those that escaped the wear and tear of daily commerce are considered “collectible.” If your coin looks brand new—with a sharp strike and no scratches—it might be worth significantly more than its face value. CoinKnow users often find that early identification of high-grade coins is the key to building a valuable collection.
Grading and 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter Value
When determining the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter value, condition is the most significant factor. Professional graders use a 1-to-70 scale, where 70 is a perfect coin. Most quarters found in the “wild” are considered “circulated” and typically only fetch face value.
For a coin to be worth a premium, it must be in “Mint State” (MS). In these higher grades, collectors look for a strong “luster” (the way light dances off the surface) and a lack of contact marks from other coins. You can check the current market prices for high-grade 2016 quarters to see how quickly the price climbs as the grade increases.
| MS Grade | Price Range | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | $2 – $5 | Very Common |
| MS65 | $15 – $30 | Common |
| MS67 | $100 – $200 | Scarce |
| MS68 | $400+ | Rare |
Identifying Rare Mint Errors and Varieties
One way to find a 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter worth money is to search for errors. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the minting process, resulting in a unique and often valuable coin. Common errors for the America the Beautiful series include “doubled dies” or “off-center strikes.”
For the Fort Moultrie design, specifically look at the reverse side which depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the ramparts. Small errors in the flag’s details or “die cracks” (raised lines on the coin’s surface) can add value. Always use CoinKnow to zoom in on high-resolution photos of known errors to see if yours matches.
Collectors also keep an eye out for “Lead” or “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris gets caught between the die and the coin blank. These errors can turn a 25-cent coin into a $50 or $100 treasure for the right buyer.
Comparison with Other 2016 Quarters
The year 2016 saw five different quarter designs released by the U.S. Mint: Shawnee, Cumberland Gap, Harpers Ferry, Theodore Roosevelt, and Fort Moultrie. While all serve as legal tender, their market values fluctuate based on demand and population reports.
The Fort Moultrie “P” mint is often compared to its Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”) counterparts. Generally, the “P” and “D” mints have similar values, while the “S” mint quarters (especially proofs) are minted in lower quantities and sold specifically to collectors. You can find more detailed 2016 quarter value data and design lists to see how your Fort Moultrie compares to the rest of the year’s lineup.
| 2016 Quarter Design | Mintage (Philadelphia) | Typical MS65 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Shawnee | 155,600,000 | $12 |
| Harpers Ferry | 424,000,000 | $15 |
| Fort Moultrie | 154,400,000 | $20 |
Tips for Selling Your Fort Moultrie Quarter
If you believe you have a valuable 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter, your next step is to protect it. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can permanently damage the surface and destroy its collector value. Put the coin in a plastic flip or a protective holder immediately.
Selling can be done through local coin shops, online auction sites like eBay, or specialized numismatic forums. For coins estimated to be worth over $100, professional grading by a service like PCGS or NGC is often recommended to verify the grade and secure a higher price. CoinKnow can help you track auction results for similar coins to ensure you don’t undersell your find.
Remember that “raw” (ungraded) coins rarely sell for the top-tier prices listed in price guides. Most buyers are looking for the security of a third-party grade. If your coin has a beautiful “rainbow” tone or an exceptionally clean strike, it may be worth the investment of a grading fee.
Where to Find High-Value 2016-P Quarters
The best place to find these coins is still in circulation, though it gets harder every year as collectors pull the best specimens out of the supply. Checking “rolls” from the bank—known as “roll hunting”—is a popular hobby where you buy $10 worth of quarters and inspect each one.
Another source is estate sales or old jars of change. Because the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter value isn’t common knowledge to the general public, many valuable Mint State coins are still floating around in jars. Keep your eyes peeled for that “P” mint mark and a design that portrays Sergeant Jasper.
Consistency is key. The more coins you look at, the better you will become at spotting the “high-luster” specimens that are actually worth more than 25 cents. Happy hunting!
FAQ
Q: Is the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the standard 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Only specialized silver proof sets from the San Francisco mint contain 90% silver.
Q: How many Fort Moultrie quarters were minted in Philadelphia?
A: Approximately 154,400,000 Fort Moultrie quarters were produced at the Philadelphia mint in 2016. While this sounds like a lot, high-grade examples remain desirable for collectors.
Q: What is the “P” on the 2016 Fort Moultrie Quarter?
A: The “P” is the mint mark for the Philadelphia Mint. It is located on the obverse (front) side of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
Q: How can I tell if my quarter is an error coin?
A: Look for anomalies like doubled lettering, parts of the design that are missing, or the coin being struck off-center. Using a magnifying glass or a high-resolution coin app is the best way to spot these details.