Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 2016-S Fort Moultrie Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in circulated condition to over $60 for high-grade specimens. As part of the “America the Beautiful” series, this San Francisco-minted coin is a favorite among collectors due to its 90% silver content and historical significance.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $15 – $25 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $45 – $75 |
Understanding the 2016-S Fort Moultrie Silver Quarter
If you have found a 2016 quarter featuring a soldier and a fort, you likely have the Fort Moultrie (Sullivan’s Island) National Monument coin. This specific release is the 35th in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. While millions of copper-nickel quarters were minted for general circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, the 2016-S version was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. This means you won’t find these in your everyday pocket change unless a collector accidentally spent one.
To determine if yours is the silver version, you must look for two things: the “S” mint mark and the weight. Using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm these details instantly. The San Francisco mint produced both “Clad” proofs and “Silver” proofs in 2016. Because the silver version consists of 90% silver and 10% copper, it carries an intrinsic “melt value” that is significantly higher than its 25-cent face value.
For casual collectors, identifying the difference between a standard quarter and a silver proof is the first step in valuation. The mirror-like finish and the crisp strike of the “S” mint mark are dead giveaways of a special issue. If you are unsure why some 2016 quarters sell for more than others, you can analyze the fair market value for 2016 quarters here.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Silver Content and Precious Metal Value
The primary reason the 2016-S Fort Moultrie Silver Quarter is worth more than a typical quarter is its composition. Unlike the quarters we use at the grocery store, which are made of copper and nickel, these contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. 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 naturally follows. However, collectors usually pay a “premium” above the silver price because of the coin’s low mintage figures. In 2016, mintage was relatively restricted compared to the billions of coins produced for circulation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Using the CoinKnow app is a great way to track the current silver spot price and see how it affects your collection. Many people use CoinKnow to organize their “America the Beautiful” sets and stay updated on price fluctuations. You should always check the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe without a copper core visible, you likely have the silver version.
| Metal Composition | Weight | Silver Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver / 10% Copper | 6.25 grams | .1808 oz pure silver |
Historical Significance of the Fort Moultrie Design
The reverse design of this coin is visually striking. It depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the ramparts of Fort Moultrie while under fire from a British ship. This scene honors the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, a pivotal victory for the American revolutionaries. The level of detail on the silver proof version is much higher than on the circulation coins, making it a masterpiece of modern minting.
Because this design is so popular, it often carries a higher demand than some other sites in the series. Collectors often look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which refers to the extreme contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like background fields.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
When researching prices, look for current price data for 2016 series quarters to see how the Moultrie coin stacks up against contemporaries like the Illinois Shawnee National Forest quarter. The Fort Moultrie design remains one of the more sought-after depictions in the middle years of the ATB program.
Grading and Evaluating Your Silver Quarter
Condition is king in the world of coin collecting. While a circulated 2016-S silver quarter exists (rarely), most are found in the original plastic lens cases from the U.S. Mint. If your coin has been removed from its case and handled by bare hands, skin oils can cause “toning” or cloudiness on the surface.
A “Perfect 70” is the highest possible grade a coin can receive. For the 2016-S Moultrie Silver Proof, a PCGS or NGC grade of PR70 can push the value over the $60 mark. Most coins fresh from a silver proof set will grade at least PR67 or PR68.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Before sending a coin off for professional grading, many users turn to CoinKnow to get a preliminary idea of their coin’s state. Professional grading can be expensive, so it is only worth it if the coin is flawless. Scratches, milky spots, or fingerprints can drop the value back down to the basic silver melt price plus a small premium.
| Grade Level | Visual Description | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded / Lens | Original US Mint packaging | $10 – $15 |
| PR 67 DCAM | Minor flaws, good contrast | $15 – $20 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Flawless under 5x magnification | $55 – $85 |
Mintage Numbers and Rarity Factors
Rarity is determined by how many coins were produced. In 2016, the United States Mint produced several hundred thousand Silver Proof sets. While this may sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the 150 million versions made at Philadelphia for the same design. The low mintage of the “S” mint silver series ensures that these coins maintain value over time.
Because these were never released to banks for circulation, the “S” silver quarter is naturally rarer than the “P” or “D” versions. There are also “S” Clad Proofs which are not silver. You must be careful to distinguish between the two, as the clad version is worth significantly less—usually only $1 to $3.
Collectors who want to complete the 56-coin America the Beautiful set often search specifically for these silver proofs to have the highest quality set possible. Tracking your progress on a collection like this is easy with tools like the CoinKnow app, which allows you to digitize your inventory and see which years you are missing.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Where to Buy and Sell Your 2016-S Silver Quarter
If you are looking to sell your Fort Moultrie silver quarter, you have several options. Local coin shops are the most convenient, but they will likely offer you “wholesale” prices (around 60-70% of the market value) because they need to make a profit. Since these coins are largely valued for their silver content and collector appeal, you might get a better deal by selling directly to another collector through online marketplaces.
eBay is a popular platform for these quarters, but keep in mind that fees and shipping can eat into your profit. If you have a certified PR70 coin, auction houses might be a better route. For those just starting out, checking local coin shows can be a great way to learn about the market and see what others are paying for 2016 silver issues.
Always remember to keep your silver coins in protective holders. Never clean them with chemicals or cloths, as this can create micro-scratches that destroy the collector value. A “cleaned” silver proof is often worth no more than its basic silver weight.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2016 Fort Moultrie quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If it is solid silver-colored with no copper (brown) stripe, and it has an “S” mint mark, it is likely silver. It also weighs more (6.25g) than a standard quarter (5.67g).
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is the 2016-P or 2016-D quarter worth anything?
A: The P and D versions were made for circulation. Unless they have a rare mint error, they are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents, though they are still fun to collect!
Q: What is the “melt value” today?
A: The melt value depends on the current price of silver. Since the coin contains 0.1808 ounces of silver, simply multiply 0.1808 by the current spot price per ounce. Usually, the melt value is between $4 and $6.
Q: Why does the “S” mint mark matter?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 2016, this mint only produced collector-level coins (Proofs and Uncirculated sets), making those coins much rarer than the everyday Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins.