2011-S Vicksburg Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
The 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter value ranges from approximately $1.50 in mid-grade condition to over $100 for high-end Silver Proof specimens. This coin commemorates the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi and is a popular entry point for many Americans who have started “pocket change” collections or inherited sets from family members.
| Coin Type (2011-S) | Average Value | Top Grade Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S Mint) | $3.00 – $6.00 | $15.00+ |
| Silver Proof (S Mint) | $12.00 – $18.00 | $45.00 – $120.00 |
Identifying Your 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter
The 2011 Vicksburg Quarter is the ninth release in the famous America the Beautiful Quarters Program. If you have found a version featuring the “S” mint mark, you have something more specialized than the everyday quarters found in a cash register. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) strikes meant for daily circulation, the San Francisco (S) mint primarily produced “Proof” coins in 2011 for collectors.
To verify your coin, CoinKnow is a fantastic tool that helps you instantly recognize the specific variety based on its luster and strike quality. Simply use a top coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t looking at a standard business strike from another mint. The Vicksburg design showcases the USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat, as it steamed on the Yazoo River during the Civil War.
The distinction between a “Clad Proof” and a “Silver Proof” is the most critical factor in determining worth. While both carry the “S” mint mark, the silver version contains 90% pure silver, making it inherently more valuable regardless of its condition. You can tell them apart by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe with no copper showing, you likely have the silver variety.
Understanding the Value of 2011-S Clad Proofs
The 2011-S Clad Vicksburg Quarter was minted for the annual Proof Sets sold by the US Mint. Because these were never intended to be spent, most of them remain in excellent, shiny condition. The “clad” version is made of a copper-nickel sandwich, just like a standard quarter. Even though they are more common than silver versions, they still command a premium over their 25-cent face value because of their mirrored finish and sharp details.
Current market data shows that 2011 Vicksburg Quarter prices for clad proofs usually sit between $3 and $6. However, if the coin has a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect—where the design looks frosted and the background looks like a black mirror—the price can climb. Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” because it represents the highest quality of the minting process.
| Condition/Grade | Clad Proof Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $2.50 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $8.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $25.00 |
What Makes the 2011-S Silver Proof Special?
For many casual hunters, the “Silver S” is the Holy Grail of the 2011 series. These were sold in specialized Silver Proof Sets. Because 2011 had a relatively lower mintage compared to the early years of the statehood quarters program, these silver coins have become quite desirable. Each coin contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it a high “melt value” even if the coin is damaged.
When evaluating the worth of your 2011 Vicksburg quarter, always check the weight or the “tissue test.” If you put a silver quarter next to a clad one on a piece of tissue paper, the silver one will appear bright white, while the clad one appears dark. Many collectors use CoinKnow to track the fluctuating silver spot prices which directly impact what these coins sell for at local coin shops.
In high grades like PR 70, the 2011-S Silver Vicksburg Quarter can sell for $50 to $100. The market for “Perfect 70” coins is very competitive because registry set collectors want the absolute best examples in existence. If yours is still in the original mint plastic lens, don’t take it out! Keeping it in the original packaging helps preserve its grade and overall value.
Mintage Figures and Rarity Factors
Rarity is the engine that drives coin prices. In 2011, the San Francisco Mint struck just over 2 million Clat Proofs and roughly 570,000 Silver Proofs for the Vicksburg design. While these numbers might seem high, they are tiny compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters struck in Philadelphia or Denver. This scarcity is why an “S” mint mark is almost always worth more than a “P” or “D” mark.
Interestingly, 2011 was a year of lower overall production for the US Mint due to the economic climate of the time. This “low mintage” era means that finding these coins in high grades is harder than finding quarters from 1999 or 2000. If you stumble upon a Vicksburg quarter in your change that looks unusually shiny, it’s possible a collector accidentally spent a proof coin—these are known as “impaired proofs.”
| Mint Location | Mintage (Approx) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 30,800,000 | Circulation |
| Denver (D) | 33,400,000 | Circulation |
| San Francisco (S) Clad | 2,000,000 | Collector Sets |
| San Francisco (S) Silver | 571,000 | Silver Sets |
Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter is most famous for its proof finishes, error collectors also keep a close eye on this series. Because proof coins are struck twice with high pressure, errors are extremely rare, making them very valuable. Look for “Double Dies,” which appear as slight doubling on the lettering or the details of the USS Cairo ship.
Another thing to look for is a “cull” or damaged proof. Sometimes these coins get scratched or “fingermarked” (oil from skin ruins the finish). While CoinKnow can help you identify the design, a physical inspection with a magnifying glass is needed to check for these imperfections. Even a silver proof loses significant value if it has been cleaned or harshly handled.
Common errors found on other 2011 quarters, like die cracks or “leaking” metal on the ship’s smoke stacks, haven’t been widely reported for the “S” mint, but they are not impossible. If you find a 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter that looks “off” or has weird metal blobs, you might have a rare mint error worth hundreds of dollars to the right specialist.
How to Store and Sell Your Vicksburg Quarters
If you discover that you own a 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter, whether clad or silver, proper storage is key to maintaining its value. You should avoid keeping these coins in “PVC” plastic flips, as the chemicals can turn the coin green over time. Instead, use PVC-free cardboard 2×2 holders or hard plastic capsules. This prevents the delicate mirrored surface of the “S” mint coin from getting scratched.
When it comes time to sell, you have a few options. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they typically pay “wholesale” prices (around 50-70% of the retail value). For the highest return, specialized online marketplaces or eBay are better, though they require more work. Use CoinKnow to stay updated on what similar coins have recently sold for so you don’t get underpaid.
Remember that grading services like PCGS or NGC are only worth it if your coin is in “Perfect” condition (PR 70). The cost of grading a coin can be $30-$50, so if the coin is only worth $10, you would lose money by having it professionally certified. For most people, keeping the coin in a simple protective holder is the smartest way to enjoy their piece of Mississippi history.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver proof will have a solid, shiny silver edge. A clad proof will show a copper stripe (a brownish-orange line) in the middle of the edge. Additionally, the silver version is slightly heavier, weighing 6.25 grams compared to the clad version’s 5.67 grams.
Q: Is a 2011-P or 2011-D Vicksburg Quarter worth anything?
A: Generally, “P” and “D” quarters found in your pocket change are only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, if they are in “Uncirculated” condition (MS 65 or higher) and look brand new, they could be worth $1 to $5 to a collector trying to complete a set.
Q: Why does my Vicksburg quarter have an ‘S’ but doesn’t look like a mirror?
A: It might be an “impaired proof.” This happens when a proof coin meant for a collector set is removed and spent as regular money. As it moves through pockets and vending machines, it loses its mirror-like shine. These are usually worth between $1 and $2 for the clad version.
Q: What is the most expensive 2011-S Vicksburg Quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade Silver Proofs in PR 70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at auction for over $150. Most of the value in 2011 quarters comes from the silver content and the pristine “Deep Cameo” finish that collectors highly prize for their sets.
