The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $35 for high-grade silver specimens. While most quarters you find in your pocket are only worth face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special production from the San Francisco Mint that often carries a premium for collectors.

Coin Version	Circulated Value	Proof/Mint Condition
2013-S Clad Business Strike	$0.50 – $1.50	$3 – $8
2013-S Clad Proof	$1.00	$5 – $12
2013-S Silver Proof	$10.00 (Melt)	$15 – $35

History and Significance of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter

The 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter is the 20th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. This ambitious project, which ran from 2010 to 2021, honored a national site in each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. The reverse design features the iconic image of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln being sculpted by workmen.

For the everyday American, finding an “S” mint mark on a 2013 quarter is a bit like finding a hidden treasure. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) quarters found in change, San Francisco (S) quarters were mostly intended for collectors. If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different compositions and mintages instantly.

The 2013-S quarters are particularly interesting because they were released in three distinct formats: clad business strikes (NIFC – Not Intended For Circulation), clad proofs, and 90% silver proofs. The “Business Strike” S-mint quarters were sold in rolls and bags by the Mint, meaning you might occasionally find one in your pocket change if a collector spent it by mistake. To stay updated on what these pieces are worth, many hobbyists rely on the CoinKnow app for real-time market trends.

Differentiating Between Clad and Silver 2013-S Quarters

The most critical factor in determining the 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter value is the metal content. Most quarters made for circulation are “clad,” meaning they have a copper core sandwiched between layers of nickel. However, the San Francisco Mint also produced limited quantities of 90% silver proof quarters specifically for investors and enthusiasts.

To tell the difference, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge, it is likely the precious metal version. If you see a distinct copper stripe, it is a clad coin. Because the market for silver fluctuates, current Mount Rushmore quarter auction data shows that silver versions consistently sell for at least their weight in bullion, plus a collector premium.

Weight is another giveaway. A standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a 90% silver Mount Rushmore quarter weighs 6.25 grams. Small differences like these can mean a $30 difference in price. For those who don’t own a jeweler’s scale, the CoinKnow mobile application can guide you through the visual markers used by professionals to identify these valuable variations.

Grading the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter

The condition of your coin, or its “grade,” is the biggest driver of value once the mint mark is identified. Most 2013-S quarters found in the wild are in “About Uncirculated” or “Low Mint State” condition. These coins may have slight scratches or a dulling of the original mint luster.

For the serious collector, “Proof” (PF) or “Mint State” (MS) grades are what really command the high prices. A 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter that is graded PF 70—the highest possible grade—represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because these were handled with care by the mint, many remain in high grades, but finding one in a random drawer is rare.

Condition Grade	Clad S-Mint Value	Silver S-Mint Value
Good to Fine (Circulated)	Face Value to $0.50	$8.00+ (Silver Melt)
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$5.00	$18.00
Deep Cameo Proof (PF69)	$10.00	$25.00
Perfect Proof (PF70)	$35.00	$65.00+

Understanding the “S” Business Strike and Mintages

In 2012, the U.S. Mint began a new tradition of producing “S” mint mark quarters for sale directly to the public in bags and rolls, even though they weren’t intended for general circulation. The 2013-S Mount Rushmore “Business Strike” has a relatively low mintage compared to the millions of P and D coins made that year.

Specifically, only about 1.1 million of the clad business strike 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarters were produced. To put that in perspective, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 230 million of the same design. This scarcity makes the S-mint versions much more desirable. If you happen to find one of these highly collectible 2013 Mount Rushmore quarters, you should place it in a protective flip immediately to prevent further wear.

Even though these were “standard” coins, their limited distribution means they carry a premium right out of the gate. For someone looking to start a coin collection, hunting for these NIFC (Not Intended For Circulation) quarters is a great way to build a high-value set without spending a fortune. Keeping an eye on the CoinKnow database can help you see which other America the Beautiful quarters have similar low-mintage “S” versions.

Modern Errors and Varieties to Watch For

While the 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter is known for its high production quality, error hunters are always on the lookout for anomalies. Modern quarters are struck multiple times at high speeds using advanced machinery, but mistakes still happen. Double dies, off-center strikes, and die cracks are the most common errors seen in the America the Beautiful series.

For the Mount Rushmore design specifically, look closely at the workers’ figures on the reverse. Doubling in the small details of their tools or the faces of the presidents can substantially increase the value. An error coin on a 2013-S San Francisco Strike could easily be worth over $100 because the “S” mint mark is already scarce.

Remember that “damage” is not the same as an “error.” A quarter that was flattened by a train or scratched by a vending machine is simply a damaged coin worth 25 cents. A true mint error happens during the manufacturing process. If you find something that looks odd, check the CoinKnow app’s error guide to see if it matches known varieties before you try to sell it.

Summary of Collector Demand

The 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter remains a favorite for several reasons. First, the design represents one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, appealing to both coin collectors and history buffs. Second, the San Francisco Mint mark carries a historical prestige that P and D quarters simply lack.

Because the America the Beautiful program has ended, these coins are no longer being produced, which naturally limits the supply. As more everyday Americans pull these from circulation and stash them away, the price for high-quality examples is expected to rise slowly over time.

Checklist for Value	What to Look For
Mint Mark	Look for a small ‘S’ to the right of Washington’s ponytail.
Composition	Check the edge; silver edges denote 90% silver content.
Surface Luster	Shiny, mirror-like surfaces indicate a proof coin.
Errors	Magnify the reverse to check for doubled lines or strikes.

FAQ about the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter

Q: Why is there an ‘S’ on my 2013 quarter?

A: The ‘S’ mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint. While most quarters are made in Philadelphia or Denver, San Francisco usually makes “Proofs” or special limited-edition business strikes for collectors. These are much rarer than the billions of common quarters in circulation.

Q: Is my 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter made of silver?

A: Some are, but most are not. San Francisco produced both “Clad” (copper/nickel) and “Silver” (90% silver) versions in 2013. You can tell by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a copper line, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver, you have the more valuable silver version.

Q: I found a Mount Rushmore quarter without an ‘S’—is it still valuable?

A: Generally, no. Quarters with a ‘P’ (Philadelphia) or ‘D’ (Denver) mint mark were made in massive quantities for daily use. Unless they have a major mint error or are in perfect, uncirculated condition, they are only worth their face value of 25 cents.

Q: How much should I pay for a 2013-S Mount Rushmore quarter for my collection?

A: For a standard clad proof or uncirculated S-mint coin, you should expect to pay between $3 and $10 depending on the seller. If you want a 90% silver proof version, prices usually start around $15 and can go up significantly for coins in professional grading slabs (like those from PCGS or NGC).

Q: What is the rarest 2013 quarter?

A: While all the “S” mint quarters are relatively rare, the silver proof version with a perfect grade of PF 70 is considered the most desirable for the Mount Rushmore design. Collectors also highly prize the 2013-P and 2013-D “Early Releases” or “First Strikes” in perfect MS 68 or higher condition.