2001-S Kentucky State Quarter Dollar Value Guide What It’s Worth and Why Collectors Care
The 2001-S Kentucky State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in average circulated condition to over $10 or more for proof versions in pristine condition. If you’ve pulled one of these out of an old coin jar or inherited a collection, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what you’re looking at.
What Is the 2001-S Kentucky State Quarter?
The 2001-S Kentucky State Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of the United States Mint’s hugely popular 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. The “S” mint mark stands for San Francisco, and coins with this designation were minted exclusively as proof coins — meaning they were never intended for everyday circulation.
These proof coins were sold directly to collectors in special sets, giving them a mirror-like finish and sharp, frosted design details. The reverse of the coin features a proud thoroughbred horse standing in front of a fence, with a flowering dogwood branch — both iconic symbols of the Bluegrass State. The design captures Kentucky’s deep horse racing heritage beautifully.
If you’re not sure whether what you have is actually a proof coin or a regular quarter, using a coin identifier and value app on your smartphone can help you quickly figure out what you’re holding. Good lighting and a magnifier also help — proof coins have a distinctly glassy, almost reflective surface that stands apart from circulation strikes.
Understanding the 2001-S Kentucky Quarter’s Value
The value of a 2001-S Kentucky State Quarter depends heavily on its condition and whether it has been professionally graded. Since all 2001-S quarters are proofs, collectors grade them on the PR (Proof) scale rather than the standard MS (Mint State) scale used for circulation coins.
Most 2001-S Kentucky quarters grade between PR65 and PR70, with PR70 being a perfect coin. Even at the lower PR65 grade, these coins are attractive and desirable. The real jump in value happens when you get into PR69 and PR70 deep cameo (DCAM) territory, where the contrast between the frosted design and mirror fields is most dramatic.
Here’s a quick look at estimated values based on grade:
| Grade | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Proof | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| PR67 | Proof Cameo | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| PR69 | Proof Deep Cameo | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| PR70 | Proof Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $40.00+ |
These figures can shift with market demand, so checking up-to-date 2001 quarter value data from recent auction records is always a smart move before buying or selling.
How the 2001-S Kentucky Quarter Compares to Other 2001 State Quarters
The 2001 series included five state quarters: New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Kentucky. All five were produced in San Francisco as proof versions. If you’re curious how Kentucky stacks up against its 2001 companions, you can explore detailed pricing data for 2001 State Quarters including the New York issue to get a broader picture of this year’s releases.
Generally speaking, the 2001-S Kentucky quarter doesn’t command dramatically higher premiums than its siblings — all five are readily available in proof sets. However, coins with exceptional eye appeal, original packaging, and perfect PR70 grades always attract premium interest from dedicated state quarter collectors.
CoinKnow is a great tool for comparing values across multiple state quarters at once. Rather than hunting through auction archives, CoinKnow lets you pull up current market data and population reports in seconds, which is especially useful if you’re sorting through a full proof set.
Tips for Selling or Keeping Your 2001-S Kentucky Quarter
If you’re thinking about selling, your best options include online marketplaces like eBay, coin shows, or local coin dealers. For a single PR65 coin, you probably won’t recoup grading fees if you send it to PCGS or NGC — professional grading typically costs $20–$40 per coin minimum. It only makes financial sense to grade if you suspect you have a PR69 or PR70 example.
Keep your coin in its original mint packaging if you still have it — this preserves its proof finish and adds confidence for buyers. Fingerprints and scratches destroy value quickly on proof coins, so handle them by the edges only.
If you’re building a complete 50 State Quarters proof set, the CoinKnow app can help you track which coins you’ve collected and which ones you still need, along with real-time value estimates for your entire collection.
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FAQ
Q: How many 2001-S Kentucky State Quarters were minted?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 3.09 million 2001-S Kentucky proof quarters, making them relatively common in the proof coin world. This healthy mintage means most examples are affordable for everyday collectors.
Q: Is the 2001-S Kentucky quarter silver?
A: Standard 2001-S Kentucky proof quarters are clad coins made of copper-nickel. However, the U.S. Mint also produced a silver proof version (90% silver) as part of a special Silver Proof Set. Silver versions are worth significantly more — typically $8–$20 depending on grade and silver spot price.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2001-S Kentucky quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just below the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto and to the right of George Washington’s portrait. It’s small but clearly visible under moderate magnification.
