The 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. As part of the “America the Beautiful” series, this coin honors one of the nation’s most iconic parks, making it a favorite for many everyday Americans checking their pocket change.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (F-AU)	$0.25 – $0.50
Uncirculated (MS63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS65)	$10.00 – $25.00
High Grade (MS67+)	$150.00+

History and Overview of the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter

The 2010-D Yellowstone National Park Quarter represents the second release in the ambitious America the Beautiful (ATB) Quarters Program. This series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, sought to honor a national site from each U.S. state, district, and territory. Featuring the famous Old Faithful geyser with a bison in the foreground, the Denver-minted version carries the “D” mint mark on the obverse.

Finding one of these in your laundry or car console is quite common, as millions were produced for general circulation. However, if you are unsure if your coin has hidden value, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s gem. Most casual hunters use CoinKnow to get an instant Read on their finds.

Because 2010 was a year of lower mintage compared to the decades prior, even “ordinary” 2010 quarters are slightly scarcer than those from the late 90s. This scarcity drives a small premium for coins that are still in crisp, shiny condition. If yours looks like it just stepped out of the mint, it is worth a closer inspection.

Evaluating the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter Value by Grade

When determining the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter value, the “grade” or physical condition is the most significant factor. Most coins found in change are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dullness, or wear on the high points of the design, such as the bison’s humped back or Washington’s hair. These are generally worth their face value of 25 cents.

Collectors are primarily interested in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) examples. These coins never entered public trade and were typically pulled directly from bank rolls. For those tracking market trends, the current Yellowstone National Park quarter price data shows that high-grade MS67 specimens are quite rare for the Denver mint.

If you happen to find a coin that is exceptionally bright and free of marks, you should check it against a professional database. CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s luster with high-resolution images of graded specimens. This comparison is vital because a single extra scratch can drop the value from $50 down to $1.

Grade Designation	Description	2010-D Value
MS63	Typical mint state with minor marks	$2.00
MS65	Strong luster, very few blemishes	$12.00
MS66	Very attractive, eye-appealing	$28.00
MS67	Almost perfect to the naked eye	$165.00

Mintage Figures and Rarity for Denver Quarters

Mintage numbers tell us how many coins were produced. In 2010, the Denver Mint produced 34,800,000 Yellowstone quarters. While nearly 35 million sounds like a lot, it is actually quite low compared to the 2020s, where some quarters see mintage figures in the hundreds of millions. This relative rarity makes the 2010 series a “low-mintage” year for modern quarters.

The lower the mintage, the harder it is to find high-quality specimens today. Many of these coins were bagged and handled roughly, leading to what collectors call “bag marks.” Finding a 2010-D without these marks is a challenge. For those curious about the broader market, detailed 2010 quarter value information indicates that the Denver strikes often have more surface “chatter” than the Philadelphia issues.

If you are sorting through a “quarter hunt” or a jar of coins, keep an eye out for any 2010 quarters with a Denver “D” mint mark. While they aren’t “retire-early” rich, they are a solid addition to any starter collection. Using CoinKnow can help you log your finds and keep track of which ones in your collection might actually be worth sending off for professional grading.

Key Design Features of the Yellowstone Quarter

The reverse design of the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter was created by Gary Whitley and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It features the famous Old Faithful geyser erupting, a trademark of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Beside the geyser is a large American bison, emphasizing the park’s role as a wildlife sanctuary.

The text on the reverse includes “YELLOWSTONE,” “WYOMING,” “2010,” and the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” On the obverse, you’ll find the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan in 1932. The “D” mint mark is located to the right of Washington’s ponytail.

When inspecting these design features, look for “strike quality.” A strong strike means the details of the bison’s fur and the droplets of water in the geyser are sharp and clear. Weak strikes, where the details look “mushy” even on an uncirculated coin, are less desirable to serious collectors.

Potential 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter Errors and Varieties

While there are no major “famous” errors for the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter like the “Extra Leaf” High-D Iowa quarter, several minor errors can increase a coin’s value. Everyday Americans should look for “Double Dies,” which appear as slight doubling on the lettering or the details of the geyser.

Die chips and “cuds” are also possible. A die chip occurs when a small piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in a raised lump of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Yellowstone design, these often appear around the bison’s legs or the geyser’s mist. While these usually only add a few dollars to the value, they are fun to find.

Another thing to look for is a “clipped planchet,” where the coin is missing a circular slice from its edge. These are rare and can be worth $20 to $50 depending on the size of the clip. If you think you’ve found an error, the CoinKnow app can be a great resource to compare your coin with known error types to ensure you don’t spend a valuable mistake.

Error Type	What to Look For	Potential Value
Die Chip	Small raised bumps of metal	$2.00 – $10.00
Double Die Reverse	Doubling on “Yellowstone” or geyser	$15.00 – $40.00
Off-Center Strike	Design is shifted toward the edge	$20.00 – $100.00

Tips for Collectors and How to Store Your Quarters

If you find a 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter in great condition, you want to preserve its value. Never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that a professional grader will see instantly, effectively ruining the coin’s numismatic value.

Store your uncirculated quarters in cardboard “2×2” flips, plastic tubes, or coin folders. This prevents them from clinking against other coins and developing new scratches. If you find a coin you believe is a high-grade MS67 or an error, consider getting it certified by a service like PCGS or NGC.

Finally, keep hunting! The 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter is a beautiful piece of American history. Whether you are building a full set of America the Beautiful quarters or just looking for a little extra cash in your pocket, understanding the nuances of coin grading and mintage will make your hobby much more rewarding.

FAQ

Q: Why is the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter harder to find than others?

A: In 2010, the U.S. Mint produced significantly fewer quarters than in previous years due to the economic climate and lower demand for new coinage. With only about 34.8 million minted in Denver, they appear less frequently in change than late-90s or 2020s quarters.

Q: Does the 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter contain silver?

A: No, the standard quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Only special “Silver Proof” versions contain 90% silver, but those were minted in San Francisco (S mint mark) and were not intended for general circulation.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2010-D Yellowstone Quarter?

A: Exceptional specimens graded MS68 by professional grading services have sold for over $500 at auction. However, these are incredibly rare and usually require a professional eye to identify.

Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my Yellowstone Quarter?

A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin. Look at the right side of George Washington’s neck, just below the phrase “In God We Trust.” A “D” stands for Denver, and a “P” stands for Philadelphia.