2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter Value: Price & Errors Guide
The 2013-D Mount Rushmore 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 today are only worth their face value, certain rare errors and pristine mint states can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (pocket change) | $0.25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Mint State (MS65) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS67+) | $50 – $150+ |
| Major Errors | $20 – $500+ |
History of the 2013-D Mount Rushmore America the Beautiful Quarter
The 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter is the 20th release in the visionary America the Beautiful (ATB) Quarters Program. This series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, featured a National Park or landmark from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Mount Rushmore was chosen to represent South Dakota, closing out the 2013 release schedule as the final coin of that year.
When you look at your coin, you will notice the “D” mint mark on the obverse (the side with George Washington). This signifies that the coin was produced at the Denver Mint. In 2013, the Denver Mint was incredibly busy, striking millions of these coins for daily commerce. Because so many were made, they are very common in everyday circulation today. If you aren’t sure how to spot the nuances of mint marks, using a top coin identifier and value app like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common Denver strike and a rarer Philadelphia or San Francisco version.
The reverse of the coin features a unique perspective of Mount Rushmore. Instead of the standard head-on view we see in many photos, it depicts two workers adding finishing touches to the carving of Thomas Jefferson. This artistic choice was meant to honor the laborers who built the monument. For many Americans, these coins are more than just money; they are tiny pieces of history that you might find in your laundry or gas station change.
Grading and 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter Value
The value of any 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter is strictly tied to its grade. In the coin world, we use a 70-point scale to determine quality. Most coins you find in circulation are “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dings, and dullness from being handled. These are almost always worth exactly 25 cents. However, if you happen to find a roll of quarters that has never been opened, you might find a “Mint State” (MS) coin.
For example, a 2013-D quarter in MS63 condition might only be worth a dollar or two. But once you move into the elite tiers of MS67 or MS68, the price skyrockets because very few coins survive the high-speed minting process without tiny imperfections. Professional collectors often look for the current market price for high-grade MS quarters to see if it is worth the cost of professional grading.
To help you understand the price jumps, take a look at the grading tiers below. If your coin looks perfect under a magnifying glass, it could be worth several hundred times its face value. CoinKnow allows you to take a photo of your quarter to get an instant estimate of its condition based on visual data, which is a great starting point for beginners.
| MS Grade | Rarity Factor | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Very Common | $1.00 |
| MS65 | Common | $5.00 |
| MS66 | Scarce | $15.00 |
| MS67 | Rare | $45.00 |
| MS68 | Ultra Rare | $400 – $650 |
Valuable Errors to Look For in 2013-D Quarters
Errors are where the real excitement begins for “pocket change hunters.” During the minting process, machinery can malfunction, creating unique oddities that are highly prized by collectors. Even though the Denver Mint has high quality control, mistakes occasionally slip through the cracks and enter circulation.
One of the most common errors for the America the Beautiful series is the “Die Crack.” This happens when the steel stamp (the die) used to strike the coin begins to break. The metal of the coin flows into that crack, creating a raised line of extra metal. On the Mount Rushmore quarter, look near the men’s tools or the edges of the rock face for these strange lines.
Another valuable mistake is the “Double Die” error. This occurs when the coin is struck twice, causing the letters or images to look doubled. While no major “Doubled Die Obverse” has been officially cataloged as a high-value rarity for the 2013-D specifically, minor doubling on the inscriptions can still add $5 to $20 to the price. Always keep an eye on the auction trends and historical values for 2013 quarters to see if a new error discovery has been made.
Comparing the Denver (D) vs. Philadelphia (P) Mint Issues
If you find a 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter, the first thing you should check is the mint mark. The “D” stands for Denver and the “P” stands for Philadelphia. In terms of mintage numbers, both mints produced similar quantities. The Denver Mint struck approximately 232 million Mount Rushmore quarters, while Philadelphia struck 272 million.
Generally, both are considered equally common in circulated condition. However, some years show that one mint produced higher-quality strikes than the other. For 2013, the Denver strikes are often considered quite sharp, but finding them in MS68 condition remains a challenge. If you are using CoinKnow to manage your collection, you can easily track which mint marks you have collected to complete your set.
Collectors also look for “S” mint marked quarters. These were struck at the San Francisco Mint and were not intended for general circulation. They were sold in rolls or sets directly to collectors. If you find an “S” mint mark in your pocket change, someone likely broke open a collector’s set to spend it, and it is worth much more than its Denver-minted cousin.
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Circulation Status | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | Denver | Business Strike | Common |
| P | Philadelphia | Business Strike | Common |
| S | San Francisco | Collector Only | Scarce |
Tips for Preserving and Selling Your 2013 Quarters
If you believe you have found a high-value 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter, the most important rule is: Do not clean the coin. Many people think that polishing a coin to make it shiny will increase its value, but for collectors, cleaning is considered damage. A cleaned coin can lose 50% to 90% of its numismatic value instantly because it strips away the “luster” that only comes from the original minting process.
To keep your coin in top shape, handle it only by the edges. The oils from your fingertips can cause discoloration or “toning” over time. Store the coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard 2×2 holder. This prevents the metal from reacting with the air and keeps scratches at bay.
When you are ready to sell, your best bet is to start with a local coin shop or an online auction site like eBay. Before you list it, double-check the current prices using the CoinKnow app to make sure you aren’t underpricing a rare error. If the coin is truly in perfect condition, you might even consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, though this is usually only worth the fee if the coin is valued over $100.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-D Mount Rushmore silver?
A: No, the standard 2013-D quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, over a pure copper core). Silver versions exist but were only minted in San Francisco (S mint mark) for special collector sets.
Q: How many 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarters were made?
A: The Denver Mint produced precisely 232,400,000 of these quarters. Because there are over 200 million in existence, most are only worth 25 cents unless they are in flawless, uncirculated condition or have a rare mint error.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2013 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” (obverse) side of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s ponytail, just below the “In God We Trust” motto. You will see a small “D” for Denver or “P” for Philadelphia.
Q: What is the most expensive 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS68 condition have sold at major auctions for prices ranging from $400 to over $600. These coins are exceptionally rare because they have no visible marks even under 10x magnification.
