2002-S Tennessee Silver State Quarter: Value and Guide

The 2002-S Tennessee Silver State Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While your average pocket change consists of copper-nickel coins, this special silver edition was minted specifically for collectors and remains a prized find for those checking their old coin jars.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$8 – $12
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15 – $25
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$45 – $110

Identifying the 2002-S Tennessee Silver State Quarter

Before you get too excited about your find, it is crucial to ensure you actually have the silver version of the Tennessee quarter. In 2002, the U.S. Mint produced Tennessee quarters in three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the Philadelphia and Denver coins were intended for circulation, San Francisco produced “Proof” coins.

If you aren’t sure what you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between a standard proof and the silver proof. The silver version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference without a scale is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no traces of orange or brown copper, you likely have the silver proof. If you see a copper line, it is a standard clad proof or a business strike coin from the other mints. CoinKnow users often report that the weight of the silver version (6.25 grams) is significantly heavier than the clad version (5.67 grams).

Understanding the Mintage and Rarity

The 2002-S Tennessee Silver Quarter was not released into general circulation. It was sold by the U.S. Mint as part of the 2002 Silver Proof Set. Because these were handled with care and sold in protective plastic lenses, most examples found today are in excellent condition.

The total mintage for the silver version was approximately 892,229. While nearly 900,000 might sound like a lot, compare that to the hundreds of millions of regular Tennessee quarters struck for circulation. This relative scarcity is why the current market value for Tennessee quarters in silver is significantly higher than their face value.

Because these sets are often broken up by collectors to sell individual coins, the supply of loose “S” mint silver quarters has grown. However, finding one in your change is extremely rare, as it likely means someone accidentally spent a collector’s item or a set was stolen and dismantled.

Mint Mark	Composition	Mintage Total
2002-P (Philadelphia)	Copper-Nickel Clad	361,600,000
2002-D (Denver)	Copper-Nickel Clad	279,000,000
2002-S (San Francisco)	Copper-Nickel Clad Proof	2,319,766
2002-S (San Francisco)	90% Silver Proof	892,229

Grading and the Deep Cameo (DCAM) Effect

When discussing the 2002-S Tennessee Silver States Quarter value, grading is the most important factor. Since these coins are proof strikes, they are graded on a scale from PR 1 to PR 70. A “Proof” coin is struck twice with specially polished dies, giving the background a mirror-like finish and the design details a frosted appearance.

In professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC, you will often see the designation “DCAM” (Deep Cameo) or “Ultra Cameo.” This refers to the high contrast between the shiny fields and the white, frosted imagery of the fiddle, guitar, and trumpet on the Tennessee reverse.

A coin that achieves a perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo grade is the “holy grail” for this specific year. While a PR 69 is common and affordable, the jump to PR 70 can triple or quadruple the price. If you think your coin is flawless, CoinKnow can help you compare it against high-resolution images of known top-tier grades to see if it’s worth the cost of professional certification.

Silver Content and Melt Value Floor

Even if a 2002-S Tennessee Silver Quarter is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth more than 25 cents because of its precious metal content. This is known as the “melt value.” Each silver quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

When silver prices rise, the baseline value of this coin increases accordingly. Many investors buy these silver state quarters not just for their numismatic appeal, but as a fun way to stack silver bullion. Currently, the melt value usually sits around $4 to $5 depending on the spot price of silver.

However, collectors should avoid melting these coins. The collector value of the 2002 Tennessee quarter almost always exceeds the raw silver price. Keeping the coin in its original state—or better yet, in a protective flip or capsule—ensures that you retain the premium value associated with the San Francisco Mint’s craftsmanship.

Feature	Specification
Percentage of Silver	90% Silver / 10% Copper
Actual Silver Weight (ASW)	0.1808 troy oz
Diameter	24.3 mm
Edge	Reeded (Silver edge)

Design Elements and Historical Significance

The 2002 Tennessee Quarter was the 16th coin released in the 50 State Quarters® Program. The design, titled “Musical Heritage,” features a fiddle, a guitar, and a trumpet, representing the diverse musical traditions of the state—from Appalachian bluegrass to Nashville country and Memphis blues.

The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (the “heads” side) to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. Below the mint mark, you’ll see the initials of the designers. For the Tennessee quarter, the reverse was designed by Donna Weaver.

Collectors often search for “errors” on these coins, although they are exceptionally rare in proof sets. Most “errors” reported by casual finders are actually post-mint damage, such as scratches or environmental toning. Using the CoinKnow app’s identification tool can help clarify whether a weird mark is a valuable mint error or just a sign that the coin had a rough life in someone’s pocket.

Summary: Is Your Tennessee Quarter a Jackpot?

While you likely won’t be retiring on the proceeds of a single 2002-S Tennessee Silver Quarter, it is a fantastic “treasure” to find in the wild. Finding a 90% silver coin for the price of 25 cents is an immediate 3,000% return on investment!

If you have a pristine, unopened 2002 Silver Proof Set, it is generally worth keeping the set together. If you have a loose coin, check its condition carefully. Most of these quarters will sell for roughly $8 to $15 to a casual collector. Only the perfect, certified PR 70 specimens break into the $100+ range.

Always remember to handle your silver coins by the edges. Fingerprints contain oils that can permanently “etch” the mirror finish of a proof coin, significantly reducing its grade and market value. Store your 2002-S Tennessee Silver Quarter in a PVC-free holder to keep the musical heritage of the Volunteer State shining bright for years to come.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell for sure if my Tennessee quarter is silver or clad?

A: Check the weight and the edge. A silver quarter weighs exactly 6.25 grams and has a solid silver-colored edge. A clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams and shows a copper-orange stripe around the edge.

Q: What is the most expensive 2002-S Tennessee Silver Quarter ever sold?

A: In high-grade auctions, perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens can sell for over $150, though most high-grade examples hover around $40 to $70.

Q: Did they make Tennessee quarters in Philadelphia or Denver with silver?

A: No. The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints only produced copper-nickel clad quarters. Only the San Francisco (S) mint produced the silver version for special collector sets.

Q: Should I clean my silver quarter to make it look “shinier”?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning creates micro-abrasions that professional graders can easily spot. A cleaned coin will lose its numismatic value and be worth only its weight in silver.