2000-S South Carolina States Quarter Dollar Value Guide
The 2000-S South Carolina State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade silver proof condition. Whether you found one in a coin jar or an old collection, its value depends heavily on the metal composition and the strike quality.
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-S Clad Proof | PR65+ Deep Cameo | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| 2000-S Silver Proof | PR65+ Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| 2000-S Silver Proof | PR70 Perfect Grade | $45.00 – $80.00 |
Understanding the 2000-S South Carolina State Quarter
The South Carolina quarter was the eighth coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program and the third issued in the year 2000. While the “P” (Philadelphia) and “D” (Denver) mint marks represent coins intended for general circulation, the “S” mint mark indicates the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were specifically produced for collectors and were never meant to be spent in grocery stores. If you have found one in your pocket change, it is likely an “impaired proof” that was removed from its original packaging.
To get a better sense of what you have, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to scan your coin and verify its mint mark. Collectors prize these “S” minted coins because they feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details. The design showcases the state’s symbols: the Palmetto Tree, the Carolina Wren, and the Yellow Jessamine. Behind these symbols is an outline of the state with a star marking the capital, Columbia.
Many people use the CoinKnow app to quickly determine if their coin is the clad version or the more valuable silver version. Since the San Francisco Mint produced both types in 2000, being able to tell them apart is the first step in determining the true market price.
Clad vs. Silver: Decoding the 2000-S South Carolina Quarter
The most critical factor in the 2000-S South Carolina quarter value is the metal it is made of. The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of proof quarters that year: the copper-nickel clad version and the 90% silver version. The clad version has the same metallic makeup as a standard quarter, while the silver version contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
You can easily tell the difference by looking at the “edge” of the coin. If you see a sandwich-like copper stripe on the rim, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white, you likely have the silver proof. For those looking for precise data, checking the latest South Carolina quarter price benchmarks can give you a better idea of what dealers are currently paying for these specimens.
| Composition Type | Weight | Edge Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67 grams | Visible Copper Stripe |
| 90% Silver Proof | 6.25 grams | Solid Silver/White |
Determining the Mint State and Grade
In the world of coin collecting, the condition (or grade) of your coin is everything. Proof coins like the 2000-S are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most proof coins out of the mint are at least a PR68 or PR69. A PR70 is a “perfect” coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Because so many proof sets were produced, only the highest-graded coins command a significant premium.
If your coin has scratches, fingerprints, or has lost its mirror finish because it was in circulation, it is considered “impaired.” An impaired 2000-S clad proof might only be worth $0.50 to $1.00. However, if you have a perfectly preserved silver proof, you should reference the detailed 2000 state quarter value lists to see if your coin is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you identify common surface marks that might lower the grade. Most casual collectors find that keeping their proof quarters in the original US Mint plastic lenses is the best way to maintain their value over the long term.
Market Value and Rarity Factors
The mintage figures for the 2000-S South Carolina quarter are relatively high compared to older rare coins, but low compared to the billions of quarters struck in Philadelphia and Denver. The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 4 million clad proof sets and about 965,000 silver proof sets in 2000. This makes the silver version significantly rarer and more sought after by collectors assembling “Silver State Quarter” sets.
| Grade (Silver Version) | Market Price |
|---|---|
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $15.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $25.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $75.00+ |
While the base value is tied to the price of silver bullion, the numismatic (collector) value often exceeds the melt value of the silver. Even if silver prices drop, a high-grade 2000-S silver proof will maintain a baseline value because of its place in the 50 State Quarters series.
Common Errors for the 2000 South Carolina Quarter
While errors on proof coins are extremely rare due to the rigorous inspection process at the San Francisco Mint, they do exist. Errors can drastically increase the 2000-S South Carolina quarter value. Some collectors look for “double dies,” where the image appears doubled, or “off-center strikes,” where the design is not aligned correctly with the coin blank.
If you suspect you have an error coin, the CoinKnow app can be a great resource for comparing your coin against known error photos. Most “errors” found by beginners on these quarters are actually just post-mint damage (scratches or chemical staining), so it is important to verify any anomalies with a professional or a high-quality coin identification tool.
Where to Buy and Sell Your Quarters
If you are looking to sell your 2000-S South Carolina quarter, you have several options. For higher-value silver proofs or perfect PR70 specimens, online auction sites or reputable coin dealers are your best bet. If you have a standard clad proof that has been circulated, it might be difficult to find a buyer willing to pay more than a dollar, as shipping costs often outweigh the coin’s value.
For those building a collection, buying full “year sets” is often more economical than buying individual quarters. Whenever you trade or buy, ensure you are checking the latest market trends. The 2000-S South Carolina States Quarter dollar value remains stable, making it a favorite for those who enjoy the history and beauty of the Palmetto State.
FAQ
Q: Is every 2000 quarter with an “S” mint mark silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both copper-nickel clad proofs and 90% silver proofs. You must check the weight or the edge of the coin to determine which one you have.
Q: Can I find a 2000-S South Carolina quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is rare but possible. These are “impaired proofs” that someone likely broke out of a collection set and spent. They are usually worth around $0.25 to $1.00 in that condition.
Q: What is the silver melt value of the 2000-S quarter?
A: The silver version contains about 0.18 ounces of silver. To find the current melt value, multiply the current spot price of silver by 0.1808. Usually, the collector value is higher than the silver price.
Q: What makes a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) proof?
A: A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy contrast between the frosty, white design elements and the highly polished, mirror-like background fields. Almost all 2000-S quarters were struck as Deep Cameos.
