The 2002-S Ohio State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in standard proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver versions. If you have found one of these shiny coins in a collection or tucked away in a drawer, it is important to distinguish between the common copper-nickel version and the more valuable silver edition produced specifically for collectors.

Coin Version	Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
2002-S Clad Proof	PR 65 (Standard)	$1.25 – $2.50
2002-S Clad Proof	PR 70 (Perfect)	$15 – $25
2002-S Silver Proof	PR 65 (Standard)	$8 – $12
2002-S Silver Proof	PR 70 (Perfect)	$40 – $75

Why the 2002 San Francisco Ohio Quarter is Special

If you are looking at a quarter that features the “S” mint mark, you are holding a coin that was never intended for general circulation. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced billions of quarters for us to buy groceries and pay for parking, the San Francisco Mint focused exclusively on producing “Proof” coins.

These coins are struck using special dies and polished blanks, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. Many beginners find these in older relatives’ collections. If you aren’t sure which version you have, utilizing a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes and metal compositions instantly.

The 2002-S Ohio state quarter commemorates the state’s entry into the Union on March 1, 1803. The design features an early airplane, an astronaut, and an outline of the state, celebrating Ohio’s massive contributions to aviation and space exploration. Programs like CoinKnow make it easy to catalog these specific historical designs in your personal digital inventory.

Distinguishing the Clad vs Silver Ohio Quarters

The biggest factor in determining the 2002-S Ohio State Quarter value is the metal it is made of. The Mint produced two distinct types: the standard copper-nickel “Clad” version and the 90% Silver version.

The Silver version is inherently more valuable because of its precious metal content. To tell them apart without a professional scale, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe with no copper showing through, it is likely the silver version. If you see a strip of orange or brown copper, it is the standard clad proof.

Feature	Clad Proof Details	Silver Proof Details
Weight	5.67 Grams	6.25 Grams
Edge Appearance	Visible Copper Layer	Solid Silver Look
Mintage Numbers	Approx. 3.1 Million	Approx. 892,000

For those interested in how these prices compare to other coins from the same era, you can check out the 2002 Tennessee quarter auction record prices to see how different states perform on the secondary market.

Grading and Condition Impacts on Market Price

When collectors talk about value, they focus heavily on “Grade.” Grade is a numerical scale from 1 to 70. Since most 2002-S Ohio quarters have been kept in protective plastic cases, they are usually in the high grades of 65 to 69.

A PR70 (Proof 70) is considered a “Perfect” coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. These are the “holy grails” for modern quarter collectors and often fetch a significant premium. For a deeper look at the technical aspects of these grades, there is excellent 2002 quarter value and grading information available that explains why a single small scratch can drop the price by half.

If you have a coin that looks perfect to the naked eye, it might be worth sending it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. Tools like the CoinKnow app can help you photograph your coin and determine if it has the visual appeal necessary to justify the cost of professional grading.

Mintage Figures and Rarity Analysis

Compared to the 200 million or more Ohio quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver, the “S” mint proof coins are technically “rare.” However, because they were sold in sets directly to collectors, most have survived in excellent condition. This means supply is high enough to keep prices affordable for most hobbyists.

The silver 2002-S Ohio quarter is the rarer of the two. With a mintage of under 900,000 units, it is significantly harder to find than the clad version.

Mint Mark	Type	Total Minted
P (Philadelphia)	Business Strike	217,392,000
D (Denver)	Business Strike	414,832,000
S (San Francisco)	Clad Proof	3,084,245
S (San Francisco)	Silver Proof	892,229

If you ever find a 2002-S Ohio quarter in your loose change at the grocery store, it is likely an “impaired proof.” This means someone took it out of its protective case and spent it. Use CoinKnow to track these finds, even if they are slightly scratched, as they are still worth more than their 25-cent face value.

Common Errors to Look For

While proof coins are usually inspected thoroughly by the Mint, errors can still happen. Major errors on 2002-S Ohio State Quarters are extremely rare but can skyrocket the value into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Look for “doubled die” errors, where the lettering or the outline of the astronaut appears to have a shadow or a double strike. Another rare occurrence is a “clipped planchet,” where the coin is missing a circular piece of its edge.

Always handle your proof coins by the edges. The oils from your fingertips can permanently stain the delicate mirror finish, which will significantly decrease the market value. Keeping them in their original US Mint packaging is the best way to preserve their worth over time.

FAQ

Q: Can I find a 2002-S Ohio Quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare but possible. These are proof coins sold in sets for collectors. If you find one in circulation, it is called an “impaired proof.” It will likely have scratches and lose much of its collector value, but it is still a cool find!

Q: How do I know if my 2002-S Ohio Quarter is silver?

A: Check the weight and the edge. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad one weighs 5.67 grams. Additionally, the edge of a silver quarter will be solid silver-colored, lacking the copper stripe found on regular quarters.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2002-S Ohio Quarter?

A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the current market and the grading company. Silver versions in perfect condition usually sit at the higher end of that range.

Q: Is the Ohio quarter part of a special set?

A: Yes, it was part of the 2002 State Quarters Program, which included Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Indiana. Many people collect the “S” mint marks specifically to complete high-end versions of these sets.