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The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for a circulated coin to over $450 for a high-grade silver proof specimen. Whether you found one in your pocket change or inherited a collection, understanding the minting history and finish of this National Park quarter is the key to discovering its true market value.
| Coin Version (2016-S) | Average Value (Raw) | High-End Value (Graded) |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof (Copper-Nickel) | $1 – $5 | $25 – $40 |
| Silver Proof (90% Silver) | $10 – $15 | $450+ (PR70) |
What Makes the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter Special?
The 2016 Theodore Roosevelt quarter is the 34th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This specific design honors the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, featuring a stunning image of the young Roosevelt on horseback near the Little Missouri River. If you find a coin with an “S” mint mark, it was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Unlike the common 2016-P or 2016-D quarters you see every day, the “S” quarters were primarily produced for collectors in proof sets. However, some circulation-strike clad quarters were also minted in San Francisco for bulk purchase by collectors, which occasionally find their way into general circulation. To quickly check if your find is a rare variety, you can use a top coin identifier app to get an instant reading on your coin’s condition and rarity.
Most people who find these coins are curious about the “S” mark. While millions of quarters are made in Philadelphia and Denver, San Francisco focuses on quality over quantity. If you are comparing your find to other modern coins, checking a comprehensive 2016 quarter value guide can help you see where the Roosevelt design fits within the broader series.
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Understanding the Different 2016-S Roosevelt Quarter Finishes
There are three distinct types of 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarters, and their values vary significantly based on composition and finish. The most common “S” quarters found in circulation are the “Business Strike” clad versions. These were sold in bags and rolls by the U.S. Mint but were not intended for general commerce, making them a “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation) item.
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Then there are the Proof coins. A proof coin is struck using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background (field) and a frosted foreground (device). These come in two metal types: Clad (copper-nickel) and Silver. The Silver Proof version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Identifying which one you have is crucial, as the metal content alone gives the silver version an intrinsic melt value much higher than 25 cents.
When assessing your collection, using the CoinKnow app can help you differentiate between a high-luster business strike and a genuine proof. The app’s visual recognition technology is designed to spot the sharp details that characterize San Francisco strikes. Professionals often look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations on these coins, which signifies a high contrast between the shiny and frosted surfaces.
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| Surface Type | Metal Composition | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated (S) | Clad | Satin or Shiny Luster |
| Clad Proof | Clad | Mirror-like finish |
| Silver Proof | 90% Silver | Brilliant Mirror, White Edge |
Determining the 2016-S Quarter Value by Grade
In the world of coin collecting, “Grade” is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter in a grade of Mint State 65 (MS65) is a beautiful coin, but a grade of MS68 or MS69 can skyrocket the price into the hundreds of dollars. For the proof versions, a PR70 (Proof 70) is considered a “perfect” coin.
For example, a standard 2016-S clad proof is generally worth about $3 to $7 in typical condition. However, if that coin is graded PR70 Deep Cameo by a service like PCGS or NGC, collectors might pay $30 to $50 for it. The silver version is even more volatile. You can check the current 2016 Roosevelt coin market data to see how modern graded strikes are currently performing at auction.
Many casual hunters use CoinKnow to keep an inventory of their graded coins. Since modern quarters are minted in the billions, only the highest possible grades or those with rare errors actually appreciate in value over time. If your 2016-S shows signs of wear—like scratches on Roosevelt’s horse or dullness in the “S” mint mark—it is likely only worth its face value or a small premium to a neighborhood collector.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Error Coins and 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Varieties
While the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is modern, error hunters still keep a close eye on it. Common errors in the America the Beautiful series include “doubled dies,” where the image appears blurry or doubled, and “cuds,” which are blobs of metal caused by a break in the die.
Because the San Francisco Mint produces fewer coins and maintains stricter quality control, “S” marked error coins are exceptionally rare and highly sought after. Look closely at the lettering “Theodore Roosevelt” and “North Dakota” on the reverse. If you see clear doubling in the letters, you might have found a “Double Die Reverse” (DDR) variety.
Another thing to look for is “die chips.” On the Roosevelt design, collectors often look for extra metal on the horse’s mane or Roosevelt’s hat. While these aren’t as valuable as a major error, they can add a $5 to $10 premium to an otherwise common quarter. Always handle your coins by the edges to ensure you don’t smudge the surfaces, as fingerprints can actually lower the grade of a proof coin.
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| Error Type | Estimated Added Value | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Reverse | $20 – $100 | Rare |
| Die Chip (on horse) | $2 – $10 | Common |
| Off-Center Strike | $50+ | Very Rare |
Tips for Collectors: How to Store and Sell Your 2016-S Quarter
If you’ve identified that your 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is a high-grade proof or a silver strike, the next step is preservation. Modern coins are very susceptible to “milky spots” and environmental damage. Storing them in PVC-free flips or official coin capsules is the best way to maintain their value.
When it comes time to sell, your best bet for a 2016-S quarter is likely an online marketplace like eBay or a dedicated coin forum. Local coin shops often pay “wholesale” prices, which might be less than the coin’s actual book value. However, for a perfect PR70 specimen, sending the coin to a professional grading service (like PCGS) before selling can significantly increase the final hammer price.
Using an app like CoinKnow helps you track the market trends for these modern quarters. As the America the Beautiful series ages, certain years become harder to find in pristine condition. The Theodore Roosevelt design is widely considered one of the most artistic in the series, making it a favorite for “thematic” collectors who focus on national parks or presidential history.
FAQ
Q: Is a 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter made of real silver?
A: It depends! The San Francisco Mint produced both copper-nickel (clad) versions and 90% silver versions. You can tell the difference by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe, it’s clad. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is likely the silver proof version.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Why did I find an “S” mint mark quarter in my change?
A: Normally, “S” quarters are only sold to collectors. However, sometimes collectors spend their coins, or “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation) rolls are broken open and spent. While it’s rare, it’s a great find for a “coin roll hunter.”
Q: How many 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarters were minted?
A: The mintage for the 2016-S clad proofs was approximately 600,000 to 700,000, while the silver proofs had a lower mintage of around 400,000. These are much lower numbers than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia and Denver.
Q: What is the most expensive 2016-S Roosevelt quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade Silver Proofs in PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at auction for over $400. Standard clad versions in perfect condition usually sell in the $30-$50 range.