2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
The 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $35 for high-grade uncirculated specimens. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain rare errors and high-quality strikes can fetch a premium from collectors looking to complete their sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $35.00+ |
History and Design of the 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter
The 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter was released as the 20th coin in the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This ambitious series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, sought to honor a national park or historic site from each U.S. state and territory. As an everyday American, you might find this coin in your laundry money or jar of change, but it carries a significant legacy of American craftsmanship.
The reverse design of this coin is particularly iconic, featuring a scene of workers carving the famous faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This specific “D” mint mark indicates it was produced at the Denver Mint. Understanding the historical context is the first step in realizing why some people pay more than twenty-five cents for a simple piece of metal. If you are unsure if your coin is a special strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between common pocket change and collector items.
When examining your 2013-D quarter, pay attention to the crispness of the carving tools and the workers’ silhouettes. Collectors often look for “Mint State” coins that have never been used in commerce. The CoinKnow app is a fantastic resource for beginners to catalog their finds and track the fluctuating market values of these modern quarters.
Grading and 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. A coin’s grade refers to its level of preservation. For the 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter, most coins you find in circulation will be graded as “Circulated.” These coins have scratches, dings, and dullness from being passed from person to person. Because billions of quarters are minted, a circulated 2013-D quarter is generally worth exactly $0.25.
However, if you happen to find a roll of quarters from 2013 that has remained unopened, you might have “Uncirculated” specimens. These are graded on a scale from MS60 to MS70 (Mint State). An MS67 grade indicates a near-perfect coin with its original mint luster and very few microscopic blemishes. These high-grade examples are what professional collectors hunt for.
To get a better idea of the market, you can check the current average prices for 2013 quarters across different grades. While the “D” mint mark is common, finding one in a condition that looks “fresh from the mint” is the key to seeing a higher price tag.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Typical Buyer Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Slight marks, good luster | $1.50 |
| MS65 | Strong strike, few marks | $8.00 |
| MS67 | Exceptional luster, very clean | $30.00 |
The Denver Mint Mark vs. Other Mints
The “D” on your quarter stands for Denver. In 2013, the Denver Mint produced 272,000,000 Mount Rushmore quarters. This is a massive number, which explains why they are so easy to find today. For comparison, the Philadelphia Mint (marked with a “P”) produced a similar amount—231,800,000.
Because both mints produced hundreds of millions of coins, neither the P nor the D version is considered “rare” in a general sense. However, the Denver Mint often has slightly different strike qualities than Philadelphia. Collectors often try to get one of each to complete their “America the Beautiful” albums. The CoinKnow app can help you keep track of which mint marks you have already collected and which ones you still need to find.
Interestingly, there are also “S” mint mark quarters from San Francisco produced in 2013. These were not intended for circulation and were sold in special sets or rolls directly to collectors. If you find a 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter with an “S” mint mark in your change, you’ve found something much scarcer than the standard “D” version.
Potential 2013-D Mount Rushmore Error Coins
While standard 2013-D quarters are common, error coins are the “holy grail” for many casual hunters. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the minting process at the Denver facility. Common errors to look for include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in an extra bump of metal on the coin’s surface.
Another error to watch for is a “Double Die.” This happens when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a doubled appearance on the letters or designs. While a major double die hasn’t been widely publicized for the 2013-D Mount Rushmore specifically, minor doubling in the workers’ tools or the inscriptions is always a possibility.
If you think you’ve found an error, compare your coin to the comprehensive 2013 quarter value and error listings to see if it matches known varieties. Error coins can turn a 25-cent coin into a $20, $50, or even $100 treasure, depending on the severity of the mistake. Use the CoinKnow tool to take high-resolution photos of your find; it can often help identify oddities that are hard to see with the naked eye.
| Error Type | What to Look For | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Die Chip | Small bumps on the rock or faces | $2 – $5 |
| Off-Center Strike | Design is missing on one side | $20 – $100+ |
| Grease Strike | Faint or missing letters | $1 – $10 |
Why Condition Matters Most for Modern Quarters
Because the 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter is a modern coin made of copper and nickel (not silver), it doesn’t have “melt value.” Older quarters from before 1964 are made of 90% silver and are worth at least $4 or $5 just for the metal. Modern quarters, unfortunately, rely entirely on their condition and rarity for their value.
For a modern “clad” quarter to be worth a significant amount, it usually needs to be in a professional holder from a grading service like PCGS or NGC. These services certify that the coin is in a specific high grade. For example, a 2013-D quarter in MS68 condition might sell for over $100 at an auction because so few exist in that perfect state.
If your coin looks shiny but has tiny scratches from being in a pocket with keys, it is likely just worth 25 cents. But don’t let that discourage you! Many people enjoy collecting these coins simply for the art and the history they represent. They are a “low-stakes” way to get into the hobby of numismatics.
How to Start Your Own Quarter Collection
If you’ve found a 2013-D Mount Rushmore quarter and it has sparked an interest in coins, you’re not alone. The America the Beautiful program is one of the most popular ways for families to start collecting. You can find maps or folders at hobby shops where you can plug in each quarter as you find it.
Keep an eye out for the other four designs released in 2013: White Mountain (New Hampshire), Perry’s Victory (Ohio), Great Basin (Nevada), and Fort McHenry (Maryland). Finding all five from both the Denver and Philadelphia mints is a fun challenge that doesn’t cost more than face value if you find them in your change.
Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surfaces, as this can cause tarnishing over time. Even though a 2013-D quarter isn’t a “get-rich-quick” coin, it’s a piece of American history you can hold in the palm of your hand.
| 2013 Quarter Releases | State | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| White Mountain | New Hampshire | Forest/Nature |
| Perry’s Victory | Ohio | Monument/History |
| Great Basin | Nevada | Ancient Bristlecone Pine |
| Fort McHenry | Maryland | Star-Spangled Banner |
| Mount Rushmore | South Dakota | Iconic Sculpture |
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-D Mount Rushmore Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the 2013-D quarters produced for circulation are made of a “clad” composition, which is a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel). Only special “Silver Proof” sets sold by the mint contain 90% silver.
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-D quarter is valuable?
A: Most 2013-D quarters are worth 25 cents. To be worth more, it must be in “uncirculated” condition (as if it just came from the mint) or have a noticeable mint error like a double die or a significant off-center strike.
Q: What does the “D” stand for on the coin?
A: The “D” is the mint mark for the Denver Mint. Coins without a mint mark or with a “P” come from Philadelphia, and those with an “S” come from San Francisco.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 2013 quarter?
A: On the 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter, the mint mark is located on the “obverse” (the front side) of the coin, specifically to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
Q: Should I clean my 2013-D quarter to make it worth more?
A: Never clean a coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates microscopic scratches that permanently damage the surface. Collectors prefer a dirty, original coin over a shiny, cleaned one, as cleaning significantly reduces a coin’s numismatic value.
