2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value Guide
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The 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated coins to over $35 for high-grade specimens. Whether you found one in your pocket change or inherited a proof set, this coin marks a historic transition in American coinage and carries surprising value for collectors today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Business Strike) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Proof (PR69 Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR70 Deep Cameo) | $40.00 – $75.00 |
History of the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter
The year 2021 was a pivotal one for the United States Mint. It marked the conclusion of the long-running America the Beautiful Quarters series and a return to a classic theme. Before the new American Women Quarters debuted, the Mint released a special one-year-only design featuring General George Washington crossing the Delaware River. If you are trying to identify this coin among several modern issues, using the top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish the San Francisco (“S”) mint mark from more common Philly or Denver versions.
Unlike the quarters you see every day, the “S” mint mark quarters were primarily produced for collectors. While billions of quarters are made in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produces coins in much smaller quantities. This scarcity is a primary driver of the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter value. When you find one of these, you aren’t just looking at twenty-five cents; you are looking at a piece of numismatic history that was never intended to spend time in a cash register.
Because these coins are part of a transitional year, many people use CoinKnow to track which specific sets their coins originated from. The reverse design, created by Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, depicts Washington with a sword held high, leading his troops through the ice. It is a powerful image that resonates with collectors, making high-grade versions highly sought after in the secondary market.
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Understanding the San Francisco “S” Mint Mark Varieties
When we talk about the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter value, it is vital to understand that not all “S” quarters are created equal. The San Francisco mint produced two distinct types of quarters in 2021: NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) business strikes and Proof coins. The business strikes were sold in bags and rolls directly to collectors, while the Proof coins were sold in dedicated annual sets. Both carry the “S” mint mark, but their finishes and values differ significantly.
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Proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. These are often the most visually stunning examples you will find. On the other hand, the business strike “S” quarters look like normal change but are much rarer than the “P” or “D” versions. This rarity contributes to the 2021 quarter value growth seen in recent years, especially if the coin remains in its original mint luster.
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| Strike Type | Composition | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Business Strike (S) | Copper-Nickel Clad | Satin/Standard |
| Clad Proof (S) | Copper-Nickel Clad | Mirror-like (Cameo) |
| Silver Proof (S) | 99.9% Silver | Mirror-like (Cameo) |
The Value of 2021-S Silver Proof Quarters
The most valuable version of the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware quarter is the Silver Proof. Unlike older silver quarters that were 90% silver, the 2021 version is made of .999 fine silver. This high silver content provides a “floor” for the coin’s value based on the current market price of precious metals. However, the numismatic value—the value to collectors—is usually much higher than the melt value.
A perfect “PR70” grade for a silver proof quarter can command a premium price on auction sites. If you aren’t sure if your coin is silver or clad, CoinKnow provides a handy guide on checking the edge of the coin; silver coins will have a solid white/silver edge with no copper stripe. This distinction is crucial because the current market prices for 2021 quarters show a massive gap between the copper-nickel versions and the fine silver proofs.
Investors often buy these silver quarters in bulk as part of “Silver Proof Sets.” When these sets are broken up and the individual coins are graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC, the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter value can skyrocket. For the average person, finding one of these in the wild is unlikely, but they are frequently found in estate sales or coin collections left by family members.
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Grading and How It Affects Your Quarter Value
Condition is everything in the world of coin collecting. A coin that has been rattled around in a pocket with keys and other change will lose its “Mint State” status instantly. For the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware quarter, even a small scratch on Washington’s face or the boat can drop the grade from a 67 to a 63, which could mean a difference of $20 or more.
Professional graders look for several factors: the strength of the strike, the preservation of the surface luster, and the absence of “bag marks” (small nicks caused by coins hitting each other in the mint). Because the San Francisco business strikes were sold in bags, finding a truly perfect MS68 or MS69 specimen is quite difficult. These high-grade survivors are the ones that break records at auction.
| Grade | Clad S-Mint Price | Silver S-Mint Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 / PR63 | $3.00 | $18.00 |
| MS65 / PR65 | $8.00 | $25.00 |
| MS67 / PR67 | $22.00 | $45.00 |
| MS69 / PR70 | $65.00+ | $120.00+ |
Collecting the 2021-S Quarter: Is It a Good Investment?
Many “everyday” collectors ask if they should hold onto every 2021-S quarter they find. From a purely financial standpoint, the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter value is likely to remain stable or grow slowly over time. Because this design was only produced for a few months in early 2021, it doesn’t have the massive multi-year print run of the previous “Eagle” reverse quarters.
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Collectors who enjoy “filling the holes” in their albums always need these S-mint coins to complete a set. Since these coins were not released through banks, the supply is naturally limited. If you have a CoinKnow account, you can track the auction prices for these quarters over time to see when is the best time to sell. Generally, coins in their original US Mint packaging hold their value best for the casual collector.
While you shouldn’t expect to retire on a single 2021-S quarter, they are excellent low-cost entry points into the hobby. Identifying the difference between a common Philadelphia strike and a rare San Francisco strike is the first step toward becoming a savvy collector. Always handle your coins by the edges to preserve that precious luster!
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter is silver?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper-colored stripe, it is a standard clad coin. If the edge is solid silver-white, it is likely the .999 silver proof version. Additionally, silver quarters will weigh slightly more (6.34 grams) than clad quarters (5.67 grams).
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Q: Why is there an “S” on my quarter if I found it in circulation?
A: While the San Francisco Mint didn’t release these for general use, many collectors buy rolls from the Mint and eventually spend them. Occasionally, someone might accidentally spend a coin from a collection. Finding an “S” mint mark in your change is a rare and lucky find!
Q: Is the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware quarter more valuable than the Tuskegee Airmen quarter?
A: Generally, yes. While both were released in 2021, the Crossing the Delaware “S” business strike had a relatively low production volume and serves as a unique “bridge” design, making it highly desirable for collectors focusing on Washington-themed coinage.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 2021 quarter?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s ponytail, just below the “In God We Trust” motto. If you see an “S,” you have a coin from the San Francisco Mint.