1999 S Pennsylvania State Quarter Value Guide for Rare Silver and Clad Proofs
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The 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in standard proof condition to over $100 for high-grade silver versions. Whether you found one in a collection or a “mint set” from a relative, understanding the difference between the clad and silver versions is the key to determining its true market price.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| 1999-S Clad Proof (PR69) | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| 1999-S Clad Proof (PR70) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof (PR69) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof (PR70) | $80.00 – $130.00 |
Identifying Your 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter
The Pennsylvania State Quarter was the second coin released in the historic 50 State Quarters Program. While billions of these coins were minted for general circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, those marked with an “S” mint mark were produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were never intended to be spent at the grocery store; they were sold in special sets to collectors. Using a top coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm if your coin has the mirror-like finish typical of these sets.
If you have a 1999-S quarter, it is a “Proof” coin. These are struck twice with specially polished dies, giving the background a mirror-like shine and the design a frosted, white appearance. If you are unsure of the authenticity or specific grade, the CoinKnow app can provide instant recognition and pricing data. Knowing the exact variety is crucial because the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types: the standard Copper-Nickel Clad version and the precious metal 90% Silver version.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The design itself features “Commonwealth,” the state outline, a keystone, and the famous “Virtue, Liberty, Independence” motto. Because 1999 was the inaugural year of the program, many people hoarded these coins, but only the “S” mint marks in pristine condition command a significant premium over their face value. Always handle these coins by the edges, as the oils from your fingers can permanently damage the sensitive proof finish.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Clad vs Silver 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter Values
Determining if your 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter is silver or clad is the most important step in valuation. The Clad version is made of the same copper-nickel sandwich used in everyday pocket change. However, the Silver version is struck on 90% silver planchets. If you look at the edge of the coin, a clad coin will show a distinct copper stripe, while a silver coin will appear solid white.
The Pennsylvania 1999-S quarter value varies significantly based on this metal composition. Silver quarters are worth more simply for their “melt value,” though they usually sell for more than their weight in silver due to collector demand. Standard clad proofs are very common and often sell for just a few dollars, whereas a flawless silver specimen can be a centerpiece of a collection.
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| Composition | Mint Mark | Weight | Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | S | 5.67 grams | $2 – $5 |
| 90% Silver | S | 6.25 grams | $10 – $15 |
Grading and the Quest for the PR70 Deep Cameo
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. For proof coins like the 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter, most specimens will grade at PR68 or PR69 because they were handled carefully by the mint. However, a perfect PR70 (Proof 70) is extremely rare and can multiply the coin’s value by ten times or more. Identifying these micro-imperfections is best done with a high-resolution tool like the CoinKnow mobile app.
Most collectors specifically look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designation. This refers to the high contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted design. If your coin has even the slightest scratch or “hairline” from being wiped with a cloth, its value will drop to its silver content or face value. Keeping the coin in its original plastic lens from the US Mint is the best way to preserve its worth.
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| Grade Designation | Market Price (Silver) | Market Price (Clad) |
|---|---|---|
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $9.00 | $2.50 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 | $6.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $115.00 | $35.00 |
Comparison with Philadelphia and Denver Mint Issues
It is helpful to compare your “S” mint mark coin with the ones you see in your spare change. The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced the circulation versions of the Pennsylvania quarter. While hundreds of millions were made, high-grade examples from these mints can actually be more valuable than the proof versions because they are harder to find in perfect condition after being banged around in pockets.
For example, a 1999-P Pennsylvania quarter in a Mint State grade (MS68) can sell for hundreds of dollars, far exceeding the price of a standard proof. You can check the current Pennsylvania quarter premium price data for circulation strikes to see how they stack up against your San Francisco proof coin. Most 1999 Pennsylvania quarters found in the wild, however, are only worth their 25-cent face value.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Rarity in PR70/MS68 |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Circulation Strike | Very High |
| D (Denver) | Circulation Strike | Very High |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Strike | Moderate |
Market Outlook for State Quarter Collectors
The market for State Quarters has stabilized over the last twenty years. While the initial craze of 1999 has faded, there is a steady demand for the early years of the program, especially for “First Year” issues like Pennsylvania. Investors often look for full sets of silver quarters, which makes the 1999-S silver Pennsylvania quarter a liquid asset that is easy to sell at coin shops or online.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you are planning to sell, it is wise to use CoinKnow to track auction results from sites like eBay and Heritage Auctions. Prices fluctuate based on the current price of silver bullion and the number of high-grade coins being discovered. While you likely won’t retire on a single 1999-S quarter, finding a silver one or a flawless PR70 clad version is a wonderful “treasure” to find in an old collection.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a orange/copper stripe, it is a clad proof. If the edge is solid silver-colored with no copper visible, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh it; silver quarters weigh 6.25g, while clad quarters weigh 5.67g.