2002-S Ohio Silver Quarters: How Much Are They Worth?

The 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter Dollar value is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. If you have found one of these shiny coins in a collection, its mirror-like finish and silver content make it a special find compared to regular pocket change.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof)	$8.00 – $12.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 (Perfect Deep Cameo)	$45.00 – $120.00+

Identifying the 2002-S Ohio Silver State Quarter

The 2002 Ohio State Quarter was the 17th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. While the U.S. Mint produced millions of “clad” versions for general circulation, they also created a limited number of silver proof versions specifically for collectors. If you aren’t sure what you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between the common copper-nickel version and the precious metal silver version.

To identify the 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter, look for the “S” mint mark on the obverse (the side with George Washington’s portrait). This indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. However, the “S” mark alone doesn’t guarantee silver content, as San Francisco also produced clad proofs. You must check the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver-colored edge without a copper stripe, you likely have the 90% silver version.

Many people use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan the obverse and reverse of their quarters. This allows you to verify the design details, such as the Wright Brothers’ Flyer and the astronaut silhouette featured on the Ohio reverse, representing Ohio’s massive contribution to aviation and space exploration.

Determining the Composition and Metal Value

The 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter is highly desired because it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Unlike the quarters we use at the grocery store, these coins have “melt value.” Even if the coin is slightly scratched or damaged, its silver content ensures it will always be worth significantly more than its 25-cent face value.

Currently, the 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver in each coin provides a solid price floor. When silver prices rise, the value of these quarters fluctuates upward. It is always wise to check the latest current average sales prices for 2002 quarters to see how the market is trending for premium silver strikes.

Coin Feature	Silver Proof Version	Clad Proof Version
Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper	75% Copper, 25% Nickel Clad
Weight	6.25 Grams	5.67 Grams
Edge Appearance	Solid Silver / White	Orange / Copper Stripe

The Importance of Proof Quality and Grading

Since the 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter was never intended for circulation, almost every specimen found today will be in “Proof” condition. Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially prepared blanks, resulting in a mirror-like field and frosted details. In the numismatic world, these are graded on a scale from 1 to 70.

A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is the gold standard for these coins. This means there is a stark contrast between the shiny background and the milky-white frosted design. Most collectors look for PR 69 or PR 70 grades. If you have a coin that looks flawless, you might want to use CoinKnow to browse high-resolution images of graded coins to see how yours compares.

Small scratches, known as “hairlines,” can significantly reduce the price. These often occur if a coin is removed from its original plastic lens from the U.S. Mint and handled with bare fingers. Fingerprint oils can actually eat into the silver surface over time, so always handle your 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter by the edges.

Historical Context: The “Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers”

Ohio’s state quarter design is one of the most popular because of its “Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers” theme. It features an early 1905 Wright Flyer and an astronaut, alongside an outline of the state. This celebrates Ohio as the home of the Wright Brothers as well as famous astronauts like John Glenn and Neil Armstrong.

Because of this cross-sector appeal (both coin collectors and space enthusiasts), the Ohio quarter holds its value better than some of the more obscure state designs. For those tracking 2002 State Quarter value information, the silver Ohio version consistently remains a highlight of the 2002 proof set series.

The total mintage for the 2002-S Silver Proof Quarter was approximately 892,229. While this may sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions of clad quarters produced that same year in Philadelphia and Denver. This relative scarcity is what drives the premium price on the secondary market.

Why Some 2002-S Quarters Sell for More

You might see 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarters selling for vastly different prices on auction sites like eBay or at local coin shops. The primary driver of these price gaps is the grading service. A coin authenticated and slabbed by PCGS or NGC will almost always fetch a higher price than an “unprocessed” coin still in its original government packaging.

A perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo can sometimes sell for over $100 because collectors who want to complete a “registry set” are willing to pay a premium for perfection. Conversely, a coin that has been cleaned or scratched might only be worth its “junk silver” value.

Sales Channel	Pros	Expected Payout
Local Coin Shop	Instant cash, no shipping	60-70% of retail
eBay Auction	Highest potential price	85-90% (after fees)
Precious Metal Buyer	Fast and easy	Melt value only

Using CoinKnow can help you keep an eye on recent auction realized prices so you don’t undersell your silver tokens. Knowledge is power when negotiating with dealers.

How to Store and Preserve Your Quarter

If you discover that you own a 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter, preservation should be your top priority. Silver oxidizes and develops “toning” when exposed to air and moisture. While some collectors enjoy the rainbow colors of natural toning, most prefer the brilliant, untarnished white of a fresh proof.

Avoid storing your silver quarters in PVC-containing flip holders, as the chemicals can cause a green, slimy residue that ruins the coin’s surface. Instead, use PVC-free “Saflips” or keep the coin in its original U.S. Mint plastic housing.

If you find a quarter that looks like it might be silver but is very dirty, do not clean it! Rubbing a coin with a cloth or using polish creates micro-scratches that professional graders can spot instantly. This can drop the value from $20 down to just $5 or $6 (the base silver price).

Final Thoughts on the 2002-S Ohio Silver Quarter

The 2002-S Ohio Silver State Quarter is a beautiful piece of American history that combines the intrinsic value of precious metals with the artistry of the U.S. Mint. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or someone who just inherited a collection, knowing the difference between a common quarter and a silver proof is essential.

Check your “S” mint mark quarters carefully. If they have that tell-tale silver edge and a mirror finish, you are looking at a coin that is worth many times its face value. Keep it safe, track its value as silver prices change, and enjoy owning a small piece of Ohio’s aviation heritage.

FAQ

Q: Is every 2002-S quarter made of silver?

A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both copper-nickel “clad” proofs and 90% silver proofs. You must check the weight or the edge of the coin to be sure. Clad coins have a brown/copper stripe on the edge, while silver ones are solid white.

Q: Can I find a 2002-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare but possible. This usually happens if someone “breaks” a proof set and spends the coins. Because the silver version has no copper stripe on the edge, it might look slightly different than other quarters in your hand.

Q: How much silver is in a 2002-S Ohio Quarter?

A: The coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Specifically, it has about 5.625 grams of pure silver (0.1808 troy ounces).

Q: Does the Ohio quarter have any famous errors?

A: While there are few major errors for the silver proof specifically, collectors always look for “doubled dies” or “strike-throughs.” Most Ohio quarters are valued based on their grade (condition) rather than errors.