The 1993-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $1,000 for high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for everyday collectors looking to add a mirror-like finish to their collection.

Condition / Grade	1993-S Clad Value	1993-S Silver Value
PR 65 (Average Proof)	$4 – $6	$12 – $15
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15 – $25	$30 – $45
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$150 – $400	$600 – $1,100+

Understanding the 1993-S Washington Quarter Mint Mark

If you have a 1993 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), which were made for spending at the grocery store, the San Francisco (S) mint produced these specifically for collectors. You can find out more about these different mintages by using a top coin identifier app to see if your coin matches the profile of a San Francisco strike.

Proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies. This results in a coin that has a high-gloss, mirror-like background (the field) and a frosted, matte-like finish on the raised parts of the design (the device). If you find one of these in a “junk bin” or inherited a collection, you can use CoinKnow to quickly verify the mint mark and visual characteristics.

Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets by the U.S. Mint, they are usually found in excellent condition. However, if a proof coin is taken out of its case and spent, it becomes what collectors call an “impaired proof.” These are still worth a small premium over face value, but they lose the “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” status that drives the highest prices.

Clad vs. Silver: Identifying Your 1993-S Quarter

In 1993, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of Washington Quarters. The first is the standard “Clad” version, made of copper and nickel. The second is the “Silver” version, which is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Distinguishing between the two is vital because the 1993-S silver quarter value is significantly higher due to its precious metal content.

An easy way to tell them apart is to look at the edge of the coin. A clad quarter will show a visible strip of brown or orange copper. A silver quarter will have a solid, brilliant white silver edge. Alternatively, you can weigh them: a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams. If you’re unsure, the CoinKnow app can help you guide your identification process based on these physical traits.

Feature	1993-S Clad Proof	1993-S Silver Proof
Composition	Copper-Nickel Clad	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight	5.67 Grams	6.25 Grams
Edge Appearance	Copper stripe visible	Solid silver/white
Mintage	~2.6 Million	~761,000

Grading and the Impact on 1993-S Quarter Value

When it comes to modern proof coins like the 1993-S, “condition is king.” Because millions of these were produced and kept in plastic cases, a grade of PR 67 or PR 68 is actually considered very common. For a 1993-S quarter to be worth a substantial amount of money, it usually needs to achieve a “Perfect 70” grade from a service like PCGS or NGC.

A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is also essential. This means the contrast between the shiny background and the frosted portrait of George Washington is intense and flawless. If you want to check the most recent 1993 Washington Quarter pricing data for different grades, you will see that the jump from PR 69 to PR 70 can mean hundreds of dollars in value.

Most casual collectors will find that their 1993-S Clad Proofs are worth about $5. However, if you have an original 1993 Silver Proof Set still in the purple U.S. Mint packaging, the set as a whole is worth much more, often ranging from $35 to $50 depending on the market price of silver. Use CoinKnow to scan your coin and see where it fits on the grading scale.

Are There Any Rare 1993-S Quarter Errors?

While the San Francisco Mint has very strict quality control for proof coins, errors can still occur. These are extremely rare and highly sought after by specialists. Common errors to look for include “Double Dies,” where the letters or numbers appear doubled, or “Off-Center” strikes where the design is pushed to one side because the coin wasn’t placed correctly in the press.

Another interesting thing to look for is “haze” or “toning.” Sometimes, chemicals in the packaging or the air can cause the silver proof quarters to turn shades of blue, gold, or purple. While some see this as damage, many collectors pay a premium for “Monster Toned” silver coins. If yours has beautiful colors, its value could be double the standard silver price.

Before you sell an error coin, make sure it isn’t just “post-mint damage.” A coin that has been scratched or flattened in a parking lot isn’t a mint error—it’s just damaged. Genuine errors occur during the manufacturing process. Using a high-resolution camera and a tool like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on small details that might indicate a valuable minting mistake.

How to Sell Your 1993-S Washington Quarter

If you’ve identified that you have a high-value 1993-S Silver Proof or a perfect PR 70 Clad Proof, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins worth under $20, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are usually the best bet. You can list them individually or as part of a larger set of Washington Quarters.

For coins that you believe are “Perfect 70” specimens, it may be worth paying for professional grading. Grading usually costs $20-$50 per coin, so only do this if you are confident the coin will return a top-tier grade. A certified 1993-S Silver Quarter in PR 70 DCAM can sell for over $1,000 at a major auction house like Heritage Auctions.

Always check current silver spot prices if you are selling a silver proof. Since the coin contains 90% silver, its “melt value” provides a floor for its price. Even if the coin is scratched, it will always be worth its weight in silver. Keeping an eye on these fluctuations ensures you get a fair price for your 1993-S Washington Quarter.

Sales Channel	Best For…	Expected Return
Local Coin Shop	Quick cash / Silver melt	Wholesale (60-80% of value)
eBay	Individual clad/silver proofs	Retail Market Value
Major Auction Houses	Certified PR 70 coins	Premium Collector Prices

FAQ

Q: Why is the 1993-S quarter not in my pocket change?

A: The “S” mint mark quarters were only sold in special Proof Sets by the U.S. Mint for collectors. They were never intended for circulation. If you find one in change, it means someone broke it out of its protective case and spent it.

Q: How much silver is in a 1993-S silver quarter?

A: A 1993-S Silver Proof Quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, which was a return to the classic silver composition used before 1965.

Q: Is a 1993-P or 1993-D quarter worth anything?

A: Most 1993-P (Philadelphia) and 1993-D (Denver) quarters found in circulation are only worth their face value of 25 cents. Only those in exceptional uncirculated condition (MS 67 or higher) carry a significant collector premium.

Q: Does the 1993-S quarter have a gold version?

A: No, the U.S. Mint did not produce a gold quarter in 1993. If you see one that looks gold, it was likely plated by a private company after it left the mint. This plating actually usually decreases the coin’s value to collectors.