Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $50 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While most modern quarters you find in your change are made of copper-nickel, this special silver edition was minted specifically for collectors and carries a premium based on its precious metal content.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $10 – $12 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $15 – $22 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $35 – $60+ |
Understanding the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Silver Quarter
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt quarter was released as part of the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This specific design honors the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, featuring a majestic image of the 26th President on horseback near the Little Missouri River. If you have found one of these in a collection, the first thing to realize is that the “S” mint mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” quarters meant for daily spending, the “S” silver versions were issued in limited-edition Silver Proof Sets.
If you are unsure whether the coin you are holding is a business strike or a rare silver proof, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research. Many casual collectors often confuse the standard clad proof quarters with the silver versions. The silver quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing slightly more than a standard quarter. Identifying these nuances is where CoinKnow excels, providing instant feedback on your coin’s likely composition based on visual data.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The rarity of these coins stems from their distribution. They were never released into general circulation. Every 2016-S Roosevelt silver quarter began its life in a protective plastic lens. If yours is loose, it likely came from a “broken” set where a collector decided to sell the coins individually. Because these coins are minted with polished dies and planchets, they exhibit a mirror-like finish that is immediately distinguishable from the duller pocket change you use at the grocery store.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Silver Content vs. Numismatic Value
When determining the value of your 2016-S silver quarter, you have to look at two different numbers: the “melt value” and the “collector value.” As of today, a 90% silver quarter contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth its weight in silver. However, for a 2016 issue, the numismatic (collector) value is almost always higher than the raw silver price.
Collectors are particularly interested in the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect, where the frosted portrait of Roosevelt stands out sharply against a pitch-black, mirror-like background. You can check the latest market trends and 2016 silver coin price data to see how these premiums fluctuate based on silver spot prices. In general, the higher the silver market goes, the higher the floor price for these quarters becomes.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Composition Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Silver Purity | 90% Silver (.900 Fine) |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| ASW (Actual Silver Weight) | 0.1808 oz |
How Grading Affects the 2016-S Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. A 2016-S Roosevelt quarter is graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were proof coins, almost all of them will grade between PR 65 and PR 70. A “Perfect 70” is a coin that has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. These are highly sought after by Registry Set collectors. Even a tiny hairline scratch caused by improper handling can drop the grade—and the price—significantly.
Using CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. If the app suggests your coin is in flawless condition, the investment in professional grading could turn a $15 coin into a $60 coin. You can find more details regarding the 2016 America the Beautiful quarter worth to understand which specific National Park designs are currently most popular among investors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Theodore Roosevelt design is particularly popular because of his association with American conservation. Many people who aren’t even coin collectors want this specific quarter because of the “Rough Rider” imagery. This “crossover appeal” keeps the demand steady, even as other quarters in the 2016 set might see their prices dip. Always look for coins with “creamy” white frosting on the Roosevelt portrait, as these represent the highest quality strikes from the San Francisco Mint.
Identifying the Silver 2016-S vs. the Clad 2016-S
It is a common mistake for people to find a “S” mint mark quarter and assume it is silver. However, the San Francisco Mint also produced “Clad” proof quarters in 2016. These clad versions are made of the same copper-nickel alloy as regular quarters and are only worth about $1 to $3. To tell the difference, you can look at the edge of the coin. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge, while a clad quarter will show a distinct copper stripe running through the middle.
Another dead giveaway is the weight. If you have a precise jewelry scale, the silver 2016-S should weigh 6.25 grams. The copper-nickel clad version weighs only 5.67 grams. If you are ever in doubt while out at a yard sale or a flea market, CoinKnow allows you to snap a photo and instantly get an idea of what you are looking at. Being able to distinguish silver from clad in seconds can be the difference between a great find and a waste of money.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Market Trends for the Theodore Roosevelt Quarter
The market for modern silver proofs like the 2016-S T. Roosevelt quarter is generally stable but influenced by the broader “America the Beautiful” series. As collectors try to complete their 56-coin sets, they often go back to the 2016 issues to fill gaps. The Roosevelt design is considered one of the more aesthetically pleasing of that year, which included Shawnee, Cumberland Gap, Harpers Ferry, and Fort Moultrie.
Usually, the value of these quarters increases when the original Mint sets become harder to find. When dealers break open sets to sell the individual silver quarters, the supply of original “unbroken” sets goes down, eventually driving up the price of both the sets and the individual coins. Keeping an eye on auction results from platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions is a great way to stay updated on what buyers are actually paying right now.
| Year / Mint | Mintage (Silver Proof) | Rarity Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-S Roosevelt | Approx. 400,000-500,000 | Moderate |
| 2016-S Harpers Ferry | Approx. 400,000-500,000 | Moderate |
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2016-S Roosevelt quarter is 90% silver?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver color without a copper stripe, it is silver. Additionally, a silver quarter weighs 6.25g, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67g.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Was the 2016-S Silver Roosevelt Quarter ever found in pocket change?
A: It is very rare but possible. These were only sold in sets to collectors. If you find one in change, someone likely spent a coin from a collector’s set by mistake. In that case, it is likely “impaired” and worth mostly its silver value.
Q: Is the 2016-S Silver Quarter a good investment?
A: While it is a stable way to own silver, it is generally considered a collector’s item rather than a high-growth investment. Its value is tied to the silver market and the number of collectors wanting to finish the America the Beautiful series.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2016 Roosevelt quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail, just below the “In God We Trust” motto.