1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter Value Guide and Rarities

The 1999-S Delaware Silver States Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade specimens. This coin marks the very first release in the historic 50 State Quarters Program, making it a foundation stone for many modern coin collections.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof)	$8.00 – $12.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 DCAM (Perfect Specimen)	$45.00 – $75.00
Exceptional Auction Records	$1,000+

Understanding the 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter History

If you have discovered a shiny 1999 Delaware quarter among your belongings, the first thing to check is the composition. While millions of these coins were made for general circulation out of copper-nickel, the San Francisco Mint produced a special “Silver Proof” edition specifically for collectors. To verify if your coin is the valuable silver version or the common pocket change variety, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to get an instant digital assessment.

The Delaware quarter honors Caesar Rodney’s historic ride in 1776. Rodney rode 80 miles to Philadelphia to cast a tie-breaking vote for Delaware in favor of American independence. Because Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, it was the first state honored in the series. The 1999-S Silver Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams, which is significantly heavier than the 5.67 grams of a standard copper-nickel quarter.

Collectors often look for these silver proofs because they possess a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish. This means the design elements are frosted and white, while the background fields are mirror-like and reflective. When using CoinKnow, many users find that these visual distinctions are the key to separating a common coin from a valuable keepsake.

How Much Is the Silver Delaware Quarter Worth Today?

Determining the exact worth requires looking at recent sales data. Most 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarters were sold in five-coin proof sets, meaning they were protected from the elements. As a result, many are found in excellent condition today. You can check the latest market trends by browsing the Delaware quarter auction price history to see what specific grades are selling for on the open market.

While a raw silver proof might only fetch $10, coins that have been professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC can command much higher premiums. A “Perfect” PR 70 Deep Cameo coin is the “holy grail” for this specific year. Because the 1999 silver set had a lower mintage compared to some later years in the 2000s, there is a consistent demand among completionists who need the “First State” to finish their album.

Mintage Year	Mintage Figure (Sets)	Metal Content
1999-S Silver Proof	804,511	90% Silver
1999-S Clad Proof	3,713,359	Copper-Nickel

Identifying Silver vs. Clad Delaware Quarters

The biggest mistake a beginner can make is confusing the “Clad” proof-set quarter with the “Silver” proof-set quarter. Both were minted in San Francisco and both carry the “S” mint mark. However, their values are vastly different. To get an accurate reading on your specific find, checking a comprehensive state quarter price guide is highly recommended before you attempt to sell it.

The easiest way to tell the difference without a scale is the “Edge Test.” Look at the side of the coin (the reeded edge). If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no copper showing, you likely have the 90% silver version. If you see a distinct brown or orange copper stripe sandwiched between layers of nickel, it is a standard clad coin worth only a few dollars.

Using CoinKnow allows you to photograph the edge and face of the coin to confirm these details. Remember, the silver weight alone gives this coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the price of silver, whereas the clad version only has collector value or face value.

Feature	Silver Proof (90% Ag)	Clad Proof (Cu-Ni)
Weight	6.25 Grams	5.67 Grams
Edge Color	Pure Silver White	Copper/Orange Core
Value Range	$8 – $1,000+	$1 – $5

Grading and Quality Factors for Max Value

When it comes to the 1999-S Delaware Silver States Quarter, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were proof coins handled with care at the mint, most are expected to be at least a PR 67 or PR 68. A single tiny scratch, known as a “hairline,” seen under a magnifying glass can drop the value by 50% or more.

If you suspect your coin is flawless—meaning no spots, no cloudiness, and extremely sharp details—it might be worth sending it to a professional grading service. A PR 70 Deep Cameo 1999-S Delaware quarter is rare because even at the mint, tiny imperfections often occur during the striking or packaging process.

Before spending money on grading fees, which can cost $30-$50 per coin, use CoinKnow to get a preliminary high-resolution analysis. This can help you decide if the coin is a “top-pop” candidate or a standard silver proof better suited for a personal album.

Common Errors Found on 1999 Quarters

While the silver proof version is typically struck with great care, errors can still happen. Collectors are always on the hunt for “mules” (where the wrong dies were used) or “double dies.” Although rare on the 1999-S Silver Proof, other 1999 Delaware quarters from Philadelphia and Denver are famous for the “Spitting Horse” error, caused by a die crack stemming from the horse’s mouth.

In the world of silver proofs, the most sought-after “errors” are actually stunning toning patterns. If a silver quarter has been stored in a way that allows it to oxidize naturally, it may develop beautiful rainbow colors. These rainbow-toned 1999-S silver quarters can sell for hundreds of dollars more than a standard white coin because of their unique visual appeal.

Always inspect the “S” mint mark carefully. Occasionally, mint marks can be filled or slightly doubled. While these aren’t as common on the silver proofs as they are on circulation coins, they represent the kind of “treasure hunting” that makes coin collecting so exciting for everyday Americans.

Potential Error/Variety	Estimated Value Adder
Rainbow Toning	+$20 – +$100
Struck Through Foreign Object	$50 – $200
Die Polish Lines	Minimal Increase

How to Sell Your 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter

If you’ve identified that you have a silver version and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. For a quick sale, local coin shops are best, but they will likely offer you “wholesale” prices (around 50-60% of the retail value) so they can make a profit.

For the highest return, online marketplaces like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses are your best bet. When listing your coin, ensure you have high-quality photos and clearly state whether the coin is “Raw” or “Graded.” Including the weight in your description is a great way to prove to buyers that you have the genuine 90% silver 1999-S Delaware quarter.

Finally, keep an eye on the spot price of silver. Since this coin contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, its “floor price” will always go up if the silver market rises. Even if the coin is damaged or scratched, it will never be worth less than its weight in silver.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1999 Delaware quarter not silver?

A: Most 1999 Delaware quarters were minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) and were made of copper-nickel for circulation. Only the San Francisco (S) mint produced silver versions, and even then, they also produced copper-nickel proofs. Check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper stripe, it is not silver.

Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S Silver Quarter?

A: These coins are 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: Can I find a 1999-S Silver Delaware quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare but possible. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set and spend it, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. If you find an “S” mint mark quarter in your change that looks unusually shiny, check the weight and the edge immediately!

Q: What is the most expensive 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in perfect PR 70 DCAM condition have sold for over $1,200 at major auctions, though most silver proofs sell in the $10-$20 range.