2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Value: Pricing and Grade Guide
The 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $500 in deep cameo proof state. This historic coin, part of the America the Beautiful series, celebrates the Vicksburg National Military Park and remains a favorite among casual treasure hunters and seasoned collectors alike.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated Clad Proof (S) | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Gem Deep Cameo Clad (S) | $10 – $25 |
| 90% Silver Proof (S) | $15 – $35 |
| High Grade Silver Proof (PR70) | $100 – $550 |
Overview of the 2011-S Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter
The 2011-S Vicksburg quarter was the ninth release in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. This specific coin features a striking design of the U.S.S. Cairo, the ironclad gunboat that served during the Civil War. If you found one of these in your change or an old jar, the first thing to check is the mint mark. Unlike the common Philly or Denver versions, the “S” mint mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Interestingly, for the year 2011, the San Francisco Mint only produced “Proof” versions of these quarters for collectors. This means that any 2011-S Vicksburg quarter you find was originally part of a special set. If you are unsure about the authenticity of your find, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you confirm the strike type and current market interest.
Because these were never intended for general circulation, finding one in your pocket change is quite rare. They often enter circulation when someone spends a collector’s set by mistake. If you think you’ve struck gold with a rare find, it’s worth noting that the 2011 quarter value information suggests that the “S” mint mark consistently fetches a premium over its standard counterparts.
Distinguishing Between Clad and Silver 2011-S Quarters
One of the most important factors in determining the value of your 2011-S quarter is its metal composition. The San Francisco Mint produced two versions of the Vicksburg quarter: a copper-nickel “clad” version and a 90% silver version. Determining which one you have can drastically change the price you might receive at a coin shop or online auction.
The silver version is significantly more valuable because it contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. To tell them apart, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the 90% silver variety. If you see a copper or reddish line sandwiched between two silver-colored layers, it is a standard clad proof.
| Composition Type | Weight | Mintage (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67 grams | ~2.0 Million |
| 90% Silver Proof | 6.25 grams | ~575,000 |
For those who want a quick appraisal on the go, the CoinKnow app offers a high-resolution scanning feature that can often distinguish proof finishes from standard strikes. This is particularly helpful for beginners who might confuse a shiny, freshly minted P-mint quarter with a genuine San Francisco proof.
Analyzing the Market Price for 2011-S Vicksburg Proofs
The market for modern quarters is driven by “Grade.” Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC rate coins on a scale from 1 to 70. Since the 2011-S Vicksburg quarters were struck as proofs, they are expected to be in near-perfect condition. A coin graded PR69 (Proof 69) is worth significantly less than a perfect PR70.
Currently, the market price data for high-quality 2011 quarters shows that silver proofs in PR70 Deep Cameo can reach prices exceeding $100. If your coin has scratches from being in a pocket, it is considered “impaired,” and its value drops to roughly $2 to $5, depending on the silver content.
Collectors often look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations. This refers to the contrast between the frosty, white design and the mirror-like background. If yours looks like a photograph with a black-and-white effect, you likely have a Deep Cameo specimen. Always use CoinKnow to track the latest auction results for these specific designations.
Why the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters are Special
The year 2011 is considered a “low mintage” year for the America the Beautiful series. While billions of quarters were minted in the early 2000s, the economic climate in 2011 led the Mint to produce fewer coins. This scarcity applies to the Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Glacier, Olympic, and Chickasaw designs.
Lower supply often leads to higher demand later on. The 2011-S Vicksburg design is particularly praised for its historical depth. It features the USS Cairo, which is currently on display at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Coin collectors who are also history buffs often seek out this specific “S” mint mark to complete their “Silver Proof” or “Clad Proof” albums.
| Grade | Clad Value | Silver Value |
|---|---|---|
| Impaired/Circulated | $1.25 | $10.00 |
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $9.00 | $22.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $45.00 | $145.00+ |
Tips for Selling Your 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter
If you decide to sell your Vicksburg quarter, don’t just take it to a supermarket Coinstar machine. You would only get 25 cents for a coin that could be worth 100 times that amount. Instead, start by protecting the coin. Do not clean it—cleaning a proof coin creates tiny scratches that ruin its value.
Consider listing it on online marketplaces like eBay or taking it to a local reputable coin dealer. Before you go, check the CoinKnow app for the most recent “Sold” listings so you know exactly what the fair market value is. Often, collectors prefer to buy coins that have already been slabbed (encased in plastic) by a grading service, but even “raw” coins can sell quickly if they are the silver variety.
Keep in mind that dealers need to make a profit, so they may offer you 60% to 70% of the retail value. If you want the full price, selling directly to another collector through social media groups or numismatic forums is usually the best bet.
2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Potential Errors to Look For
While errors on proof coins are extremely rare because of the high level of inspection at the San Francisco Mint, they can happen. Error hunters look for “Double Dies,” where the design appears slightly doubled, or “Struck Through” errors, where a foreign object was between the die and the coin.
On the 2011-S Vicksburg quarter, look closely at the lettering in “Mississippi” and “Vicksburg.” Any doubling of the letters could turn a $5 coin into a $500 treasure. Because these coins are proofs, any flaw is usually highly visible against the mirror-like surface. If you see something unusual, it is definitely worth getting a professional opinion.
In conclusion, the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter is a fantastic piece of American history. Whether you have the copper-nickel version or the high-value silver edition, it represents a pivotal moment in the Civil War and a high-quality example of modern minting technology. Keep your eyes peeled for that “S” mint mark!
FAQ
Q: Is a 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter made of real silver?
A: It depends. The San Francisco Mint made both a clad version (copper-nickel) and a 90% silver version. Check the edge of the coin; if it’s all silver with no copper stripe, it’s likely silver.
Q: Why did I find an “S” mint mark quarter in my change?
A: These were only sold in sets for collectors. If you found one in circulation, it likely was “impaired,” meaning someone broke it out of a set and spent it as regular money.
Q: How much is a normal 2011 Vicksburg quarter worth?
A: Quarters with a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark that are heavily used are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents. Only high-grade uncirculated or “S” mint coins carry a significant premium.
Q: Which is the most valuable 2011-S Vicksburg quarter?
A: The most valuable is the 90% Silver Proof graded PR70 Deep Cameo. These can sell for several hundred dollars because they are in perfect, flawless condition.
