The 1999-P Delaware States Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $5,000 for rare “Spitting Horse” errors or high-grade specimens. While most are common pocket change, specific minting mistakes and pristine conditions can fetch surprisingly high prices from collectors eager to complete their sets.

Condition	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.50
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$1.00 – $5.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS65+)	$15.00 – $100.00
Major Errors (Spitting Horse)	$10.00 – $500.00+

History of the 1999-P Delaware State Quarter

The 1999 Delaware Quarter holds a prestigious place in American history as the very first coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. This ambitious decade-long project aimed to honor each state in the order they ratified the Constitution. Delaware, known as “The First State,” kicked off the series with a design featuring Caesar Rodney on his historic 1776 ride to Philadelphia to cast a tie-breaking vote for independence.

If you have found one of these in your change and want to know more, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common find and a rare variety. The Philadelphia Mint (denoted by the “P” mint mark) produced over 370 million of these coins. While that may sound like a lot, the sheer volume of collectors who started their hobby with this specific coin has kept demand steady for decades.

Many people began saving these quarters in the late 90s, meaning many are still tucked away in jars and albums. To find out if yours is one of the lucky ones worth a premium, you should check the 1999 quarter value guides for updated market trends. Most circulated Delaware quarters are simply worth their face value, but the thrill of the hunt lies in the details.

Grading and 1999-P Delaware Quarter Values

When determining how much your quarter is worth, the “grade” is the most significant factor. Grading is a process that evaluates the amount of wear and tear a coin has suffered. For the 1999-P Delaware quarter, a coin that has been spent at the grocery store is likely graded as “Circulated,” whereas a coin that looks brand new is “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS).

Professional collectors look for coins with no scratches and a strong “luster”—the way light dances across the surface of the metal. If you aren’t sure where your coin falls on the scale, the CoinKnow app can provide a quick digital assessment of your coin’s condition. High-end collectors often check the Delaware quarter price charts to see what MS67 or MS68 grades are currently selling for at auction.

The table below breaks down the value based on the standard Sheldon grading scale (1-70). Most coins found in pocket change will fall into the “Good” to “About Uncirculated” categories, while “Mint State” coins are usually found in original rolls or mint sets.

Grade Category	Technical Grade	Price Range
Circulated	F12 – AU58	$0.25 – $0.75
Uncirculated	MS63	$2.00 – $5.00
Choice Uncirculated	MS65	$10.00 – $20.00
Superb Gem	MS67+	$150.00 – $500.00+

The Famous 1999-P “Spitting Horse” Error

The most sought-after variety for the Philadelphia Delaware quarter is the “Spitting Horse” error. This is not a design choice, but rather a result of a “die crack.” As the heavy machinery at the mint strikes thousands of coins, the metal dies can eventually crack under the pressure. In this case, a crack formed near the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting.

This error is highly collectible because it is visible to the naked eye. While a regular 1999-P quarter is worth 25 cents, a clear “Spitting Horse” error can sell for $10 to $20 in circulated condition, and several hundred dollars if the coin is brand new. If you find a quarter with strange lines near the horse or the rider, you can use CoinKnow to identify if it matches known error patterns.

Errors like this often increase in value over time as more collectors try to find unique oddities for their sets. To ensure you aren’t missing out, examine the area between the horse’s mouth and the rim of the coin very carefully under a magnifying glass or a high-resolution camera.

Key Features to Look For

When examining your 1999-P Delaware quarter, there are several identifying features you should note. On the “obverse” (heads) side, you will see George Washington, the words “United States of America,” and the “P” mint mark to the right of Washington’s ponytail. The “P” indicates it was minted in Philadelphia.

On the “reverse” (tails) side, the design depicts Caesar Rodney on horseback. The words “Delaware” and “1787” are at the top, while “The First State” and “1999” are at the bottom. The designer’s initials, “WC” (William Cousins), can also be seen. If any of these elements appear doubled or distorted, you may have found a “Doubled Die” error, which also commands a premium price.

Tracking these features can be difficult for beginners, which is why many seasoned numismatists rely on CoinKnow to organize their collection and keep track of auction records. Even a small imperfection that looks like a scratch might actually be a valuable striking error.

Feature	What to Check
Mint Mark	Look for the “P” for Philadelphia
Die Cracks	Specifically the “Spitting Horse” area
Luster	Shiny, satin-like finish (not fake shiny from cleaning)
Edge Reed	Check for copper peaking through the silver-colored nickel

Modern Auction Records and High-Value Sales

While millions of these quarters exist, the highest-graded examples are incredibly rare. For example, a 1999-P Delaware Quarter graded at MS69 by a professional service like PCGS or NGC is a unicorn in the coin world. In some instances, these “perfect” coins have sold for over $4,000 at major heritage auctions.

These high prices are driven by “registry set” collectors. These are wealthy hobbyists who compete to own the highest-graded version of every single coin in a series. Because the 1999-P Delaware quarter was the very first in the series, it is often the most expensive to acquire in a top-tier grade.

For the everyday person, it’s important to remember that most coins found in change are not MS69. However, finding an MS65 or MS66 in an old piggy bank is entirely possible, and those can still be worth $20 to $50. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surface, which can degrade the value of a high-grade specimen.

Conclusion: Should You Keep Your Delaware Quarter?

The 1999-P Delaware quarter is more than just twenty-five cents; it is a piece of American numismatic history. If you find one that is shiny and looks like it just came from the mint, it is worth putting in a protective sleeve. Likewise, if you spot the “Spitting Horse” crack, you have a genuine collector’s item on your hands.

Most of the quarters you find in your daily transactions will likely be worth face value, but the 1999-P remains a favorite for newcomers. It serves as an accessible entry point into the world of coin collecting. Whether you’re checking for rare errors or just looking to complete your state quarter map, this coin represents the beginning of one of the most successful programs in the history of the United States Mint.

Keep an eye on your change, look for those tiny errors, and use modern tools to stay informed about the ever-changing market for these modern treasures.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1999-P Delaware quarter is a “Spitting Horse” error?

A: Look at the horse’s mouth on the reverse side of the coin. A “Spitting Horse” error will show a raised line (a die crack) extending from the horse’s mouth down toward the rim of the coin. It looks like a small branch or a line of “spit” coming out of the horse.

Q: Is a 1999 Delaware quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1999-P Delaware quarters found in general circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. However, there are special “Silver Proof” versions minted in San Francisco (with an “S” mint mark) that contain 90% silver, but these were sold in sets and not released for general circulation.

Q: What is the most expensive 1999-P Delaware Quarter ever sold?

A: A 1999-P Delaware Quarter graded MS69 by PCGS sold for nearly $5,000 at auction. This price is exceptionally high because very few coins from the 1999 production run survived in such a flawless condition without any contact marks from other coins.

Q: Should I clean my 1999 quarter to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasive cloths creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily spot. Cleaning a rare coin will often reduce its value by 50% or more. Genuine “luster” is much more valuable than a shiny, cleaned surface.