The 1999-S Delaware Silver States Quarter Dollar is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. Finding one of these in your change is a rare treat, as they were never intended for circulation and contain actual silver bullion.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof)	$8 – $12
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$15 – $25
PR 70 (Flawless Deep Cameo)	$50 – $125

A Historic Start to the 50 State Quarters Program

The 1999 Delaware Quarter holds a special place in American numismatics because it was the very first coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. Delaware, famously known as “The First State,” kicked off a decade-long collecting craze that brought millions of Americans into the hobby of coin collecting. While the quarters you see every day are made of copper-nickel, the “S” mint mark version from San Francisco comes in two varieties: a standard clad version and a highly coveted silver version. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the easiest way to check is to use a top coin identifier app to analyze the luster and weight.

For everyday Americans, identifying the 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter is the first step to realizing its value. These coins commemorate Caesar Rodney’s historic 1776 horse ride to Philadelphia to cast a tie-breaking vote for independence. Because of its “First State” status, this specific design remains one of the most iconic in the series. Unlike the billions of Delaware quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver for general use, the San Francisco Mint produced a limited number of Silver Proof sets specifically for collectors. If you find one in a protective plastic case, you likely have a piece of silver worth many times its face value.

Understanding the Silver Composition and Melt Value

One of the most important things to know about the 1999-S Delaware Quarter is its metal content. While standard quarters are mostly copper, the silver proof version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means the coin has “intrinsic value,” meaning it is worth money simply for the metal it contains, regardless of its condition. As silver prices fluctuate on the global market, the baseline value of this coin changes. However, because it is a collector’s item, it almost always sells for a premium above its “melt” price.

To distinguish silver from clad, look at the edge of the coin. A standard quarter will show a copper-colored stripe around the rim. A silver quarter will be solid silver-white all the way around. If you are struggling to see the difference, using the CoinKnow app can help you identify the specific strike and composition. Collectors are often eager to find these because they represent a return to the traditional silver alloy used in U.S. coinage prior to 1965. Checking the latest 1999 quarter value trends will show that the silver editions consistently outperform their copper-nickel counterparts.

Identifying the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Finish

The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (heads) side of the coin, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. This mark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. It is important to remember that not all “S” quarters are silver; some are “Clad Proofs.” The silver version is the one collectors truly hunt for. These coins feature a “Proof” finish, which means they were struck multiple times with specially polished dies. This results in a mirror-like background and a frosted, white appearance on the raised details like Caesar Rodney and his horse.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC often label these as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo.” The contrast between the shiny field and the matte images is striking. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has a “S” mark, it is likely a proof. To get an idea of how these grades affect the price, you can view the Delaware quarter price data for various grades. Even a small scratch or fingerprint can lower the value from a “70” (perfect) to a “67,” so handle your coins with care by the edges only.

Feature	Silver Proof Details
Mint Mark	“S” (San Francisco)
Weight	6.25 Grams (Heavier than clad)
Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Edge	Solid silver color (no copper line)

Why Condition Matters: Grades PR65 to PR70

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter that has been taken out of its original packaging and handled by bare hands will likely develop “milk spots” or small scratches. These imperfections significantly impact the price. Most silver proofs that are still in their original Mint lenses are graded at PR68 or PR69. However, the “holy grail” for collectors is the PR70 grade, which indicates a coin that is absolutely perfect even under 5x magnification.

When you use the CoinKnow app to catalog your collection, it can help you track these specific grades. A PR70 specimen can sell for over $100 because registry set collectors compete to own the “best known” examples. If you find a silver quarter in a “junk bin” at a coin shop, it’s likely a PR60-PR63, which is still worth its weight in silver but won’t command a high collector premium. Always look for coins that have a deep, black-and-white contrast, as these “Deep Cameo” coins are the most aesthetically pleasing and valuable.

Key Varieties and Potential Errors

While proof coins are struck with extreme care, errors can still happen. For the 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter, errors are incredibly rare because of the rigorous inspection process at the San Francisco Mint. However, collectors keep an eye out for “Impaired Proofs,” which are proof coins that have accidentally entered circulation. While these lose their high collector value, they are still worth their silver melt price.

Some collectors also look for “Die Doubling” on the obverse or reverse, though no major doubled die varieties have been confirmed for the silver proof series of 1888. Most of the famous 1999 Delaware error coins, such as the “Spitting Horse” (a die crack that looks like the horse is spitting), are found on the Philadelphia (P) mint marks, not the Silver Proofs. If you think you’ve found a weird marking on your silver quarter, CoinKnow can help you determine if it’s a true mint error or just post-mint damage.

Clad vs. Silver Comparison	1999-S Clad Proof	1999-S Silver Proof
Weight	5.67g	6.25g
Melt Value	~$0.05	~$5.00+ (Silver price dependent)
Mintage	3,713,359	804,535

How to Safely Store and Sell Your Silver Quarters

If you are lucky enough to own a 1999-S Delaware Silver Quarter, proper storage is vital to maintaining its value. Because silver reacts with sulfur in the air, these coins can “tarnish” or turn black over time. To prevent this, keep your coin in an acid-free plastic flip or, better yet, leave it in the original U.S. Mint plastic case. These “slabs” prevent air and moisture from reaching the surface of the silver.

When it comes time to sell, you have several options. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they will usually offer you a price closer to the silver melt value. For high-grade PR69 or PR70 coins, online auctions or specialized coin forums are better venues to find collectors willing to pay a premium. Before selling, always check current market prices to ensure you are getting a fair deal for your piece of American history.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if my 1999 Delaware quarter is silver?

A: Check the edge of the coin. If it has a solid silver-colored edge with no copper stripe, it is likely silver. Also, check the weight; silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams, while copper ones weigh 5.67 grams.

Q: Are all “S” mint mark quarters made of silver?

A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both “Clad” (copper-nickel) and “Silver” proof quarters in 1999. Only the silver versions contain 90% silver and carry the higher bullion value.

Q: What is the mintage of the 1999-S Silver Delaware Quarter?

A: There were 804,535 silver proof sets produced in 1999 that included the Delaware quarter. This is much lower than the hundreds of millions of Philadelphia and Denver quarters made for circulation.

Q: Can I find a 1999-S silver quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare but possible. These are “impaired proofs” that someone likely spent by accident. If you find one, it will likely be scratched, but its silver content still makes it worth much more than 25 cents.