2011-S Gettysburg Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?
The 2011-S Gettysburg Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most quarters you find in your pocket change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark from San Francisco indicates a special coin that collectors actively seek out today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof (Clad) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR69 – PR70) | $25.00 – $80.00+ |
Identifying the 2011-S Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter
The 2011 Gettysburg Quarter is the sixth release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. It honors the site of the most famous battle of the American Civil War. If you have found one of these coins, the first thing you should do is use a top coin identifier and value app to confirm its origin. The design on the reverse shows the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument, located on Cemetery Ridge.
What makes the “S” mint mark version special is its production location. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) quarters intended for general circulation, the San Francisco (S) Mint produced these specifically for collectors. In 2011, the San Francisco mint only struck Proof versions, which were sold in sets.
If you find a 2011 Gettysburg quarter with an “S” mark in your change, it likely came from a broken collector set. Because these were never meant to be spent at the grocery store, they are much rarer than their P and D counterparts. Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof strike by analyzing the mirror-like finish common to San Francisco coins.
Understanding the Difference Between Clad and Silver S Quarters
Not all 2011-S Gettysburg quarters are made of the same metal. The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties: the Copper-Nickel Clad version and the 90% Silver version. Determining which one you have is crucial because the silver content alone makes the latter significantly more valuable
The clad version has a copper core, which you can usually see as a reddish line along the edge of the coin. The silver version, however, will have a solid silver edge and a distinct, high-pitched ring when gently tapped. The detailed price data for the 2011 Gettysburg quarter shows that silver proofs carry a premium regardless of the current market spot price of silver.
Collectors generally prefer the silver proofs because they are part of a limited production run. If you are unsure about the metal composition, CoinKnow can provide visual guides to help you identify the silver edge. Generally, a Silver Proof 2011-S Gettysburg quarter in perfect condition can fetch a much higher price at auction than a standard clad version.
| Variety Type | Mintage (Approx) | Metal Composition |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-S Clad Proof | 2,000,000+ | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| 2011-S Silver Proof | 900,000+ | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
Grading and Condition: Why It Matters for Value
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A 2011-S Gettysburg quarter that has been handled and scratched will only be worth a few dollars at most. However, if the coin is in “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) condition—meaning it has a heavy frost on the design and a deep mirror finish in the background—the price climbs.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A PR70 (Perfect Proof) coin is the holy grail for modern quarter collectors. You can check the current market values for 2011 quarters to see how a single grade point can double the price of a coin.
For the average American, the best way to preserve value is to keep the coin in its original plastic mint holder. If you found it loose, avoid cleaning it. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloths creates microscopic scratches that instantly destroy its numismatic value. Instead, use CoinKnow to photograph the coin and get an initial estimate of its grade before deciding whether to pay for professional certification.
Comparing the S Mint to Philadelphia and Denver Strikes
While the “S” mint quarters are generally more valuable, it is important to know about the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) versions. These were minted in much higher quantities—over 30 million each. While they are common, certain high-grade mint state (MS) versions of these coins can still be worth more than $20.
The 2011-S is distinguished by its proof finish. Notice how the background (the field) looks like a mirror while the foreground (the monument) looks white or frosted. This “cameo” effect is the hallmark of the San Francisco Mint’s quality control.
If you find a P or D mint quarter that looks exceptionally shiny, it might just be a high-grade business strike. However, the 2011-S Gettysburg quarter value remains more stable over time because the mintage numbers for San Francisco were strictly controlled by the U.S. Mint for collectors only.
| Mint Mark | Type | Typical Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | $5 – $15 |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | $5 – $18 |
| S (San Francisco) | Clad Proof | $10 – $25 |
| S (San Francisco) | Silver Proof | $40 – $100 |
Are There Any Errors on 2011 Gettysburg Quarters?
Error hunters always look for “double dies” or “clashed dies” on new quarter releases. While the 2011-S series is known for high quality, some minor errors have been reported on the P and D strikes, such as die chips on the monument or “doubled ear” on George Washington’s portrait.
For the 2011-S Gettysburg quarter, errors are extremely rare because proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies and hand-fed into the presses. If you do happen to find a 2011-S with a visible error, such as an off-center strike, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you suspect you’ve found an error, use the CoinKnow app’s magnifying feature to get a clear look at the details. Most “errors” found by beginners are actually just post-mint damage (PMD), which occurs after the coin leaves the mint. A genuine error happens during the striking process and is highly prized by specific segments of the collecting community.
How to Sell Your 2011-S Gettysburg Quarter
Once you’ve determined that your 2011-S Gettysburg quarter value is significant, your next step is selling it. For coins worth under $20, marketplaces like eBay or local coin shops are your best bet. If you have a silver proof in a PR70 grade, you might consider reaching out to a major auction house.
When selling online, take high-resolution photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse). Buyers want to see the “S” mint mark clearly and check for any scratches on the surface. Be honest about the condition to avoid returns and bad reviews.
Remember that a coin is only “worth” what someone is willing to pay for it on a given day. Modern quarters like the America the Beautiful series are popular, but the market can fluctuate. Tools like CoinKnow can keep you updated on the latest sales trends so you don’t sell your treasure for less than it’s worth.
FAQ
Q: Is a 2011 Gettysburg quarter made of real silver?
A: Only the versions minted in San Francisco (S mint mark) that were sold in “Silver Proof Sets” are 90% silver. The standard quarters found in circulation are made of copper and nickel.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2011-S Gettysburg quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the right side of the coin’s front (obverse), just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail, below the “In God We Trust” motto.
Q: How many 2011-S Gettysburg quarters were made?
A: There were approximately 2.1 million clad proofs and just under 1 million silver proofs minted. This is much lower than the 30 million+ quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver that same year.
Q: Can I find a 2011-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare, but possible. These are “impaired proofs,” meaning someone likely broke open a collector set and spent the coins. They are still worth more than 25 cents to a collector!
