2013-S White Mountain Silver Quarter: Current Market Value
The 2013-S White Mountain Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in circulated condition to over $150 in perfect Proof-70 condition. Whether you found one in a collection or inherited a set, this stunning coin represents the first release of the 2013 America the Beautiful series and carries significant bullion and collector value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $8 – $12 |
| Proof-65 (Gem Proof) | $15 – $25 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $35 – $50 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect Grade) | $85 – $165+ |
Identifying Your 2013-S White Mountain Silver Quarter
If you have stumbled upon a quarter featuring a majestic birch tree in front of New Hampshire’s Mount Chocorua, you have found the White Mountain National Forest quarter. However, not all 2013 quarters are created equal. Most you see in your spare change are made of copper-nickel. To know if you have the “Silver S” version, you need to check the mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
The “S” mint mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. While San Francisco also produced copper-nickel business strikes for collectors in 2013, the silver version is the one that really catches the eye of investors. You can quickly identify the metal composition with a top coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t mistaking a standard clad coin for the more valuable 90% silver variety.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between the mirror-like surfaces of a silver proof and the satin finish of a circulation-strike “S” quarter. If the edge of the coin shows no copper stripe and is solid silver-white, you’re holding a piece of precious metal.
Understanding the Silver Composition and Bullion Value
Unlike the standard quarters you use at the grocery store, the 2013-S Silver Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This is part of the “America the Beautiful” Silver Proof sets issued by the U.S. Mint. Because of this silver content, the coin has an “intrinsic value” or “melt value.” Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
The silver content in these quarters is approximately 0.1808 troy ounces. When silver prices rise, the value of this coin follows suit. However, because it is a modern numismatic item, collectors usually pay a premium over the raw silver price. Collectors who track current White Mountain silver quarter prices often look for coins that have been kept in their original Mint packaging to ensure the silver hasn’t tarnished.
While the “melt value” provides a floor for the price, the “collector value” is where the real money is. Using CoinKnow allows you to stay updated on the spot price of silver and how it affects your specific coin’s market worth in real-time.
| Metal Type | Silver Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver / 10% Copper | 0.1808 oz | 6.25 grams |
Grading and the Impact of “Deep Cameo” Finish
In the world of coin collecting, the condition is everything. For the 2013-S Silver Quarter, almost all specimens were released in “Proof” condition. A proof coin is struck using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted foreground. High-end collectors specifically look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC.
A Deep Cameo coin has a very stark contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted image of the mountain. If your coin has even the slightest scratch or fingerprint, the grade will drop from a perfect 70 to a 69 or 68. This small difference can mean a change in value of $50 to $100.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard proof or a high-grade cameo, the CoinKnow app’s image recognition can help you compare your coin to known examples of high-grade strikes. Many people find that checking 2013 quarter price trends helps them decide whether to spend the money to have their coin professionally graded.
Market Scarcity of the 2013-S White Mountain Quarter
The mintage for the 2013-S Silver Proof Quarter is relatively low compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters struck in Philadelphia or Denver. Only about 800,000 of these silver quarters were produced. While that might sound like a lot, many of them remain locked in full “Silver Proof Sets” containing all five 2013 designs.
When an individual 2013-S White Mountain Silver Quarter is sold on its own, it usually comes from a “broken” set. This happens when a dealer or collector opens the set to sell the coins individually. Because these coins were never intended for circulation, finding one in your change is like winning a mini-lottery. If you do find one in the “wild,” it will likely be “impaired,” meaning it has scratches from other coins.
| 2013-S Variety | Mintage (Approximate) | Common Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Proof | 815,000 | $10 – $150 |
| Clad Proof (Non-Silver) | 1,300,000 | $3 – $15 |
| Uncirculated “S” Clad | 1,400,000 | $2 – $10 |
Tips for Selling Your Silver Quarter for Top Dollar
If you have realized that your White Mountain quarter is indeed the silver “S” version, your next step is to maximize its value. First, never clean the coin. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth creates microscopic scratches that instantly destroy its numismatic value. A silver quarter that could have sold for $50 might drop to $10 (just its silver weight) if it has been cleaned.
Second, keep it in an airtight holder. Silver reacts with sulfur in the air and will turn black or “toned” over time. While some collectors love “rainbow toning,” most modern proof collectors prefer their silver quarters to be bright and white. You can use the CoinKnow app to research local coin shops or online auction houses that specialize in modern American quarters. Selling directly to another collector on platforms like eBay often nets a higher price than selling to a pawn shop.
2013-S White Mountain Quarter FAQ
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S Quarter is silver without a scale?
A: The easiest way is the “edge test.” Look at the rim of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color with no trace of copper (orange/brown), it is likely the 90% silver version. Additionally, silver quarters have a higher-pitched “ring” when gently tapped compared to the duller thud of a clad coin.
Q: Why is the White Mountain design special?
A: It was the 16th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. It commemorates the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The design is unique because it features a birch tree, which provides a very intricate texture that collectors appreciate, especially in the silver proof finish.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2013-S White Mountain Silver Quarter?
A: While average silver proofs sell for $10-$30, perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens graded by PCGS have sold at major auctions for over $200 during peak market demand. Prices fluctuate based on the current price of silver and the number of perfect coins available in the market.
Q: Can I find a 2013-S Silver Quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare, but possible. Usually, this happens if someone accidentally spends a coin from a proof set or if a collection is stolen and “dumped” at a bank. If you find one, it will likely be “circulated” and worth less than a pristine proof, but still worth significantly more than 25 cents due to its silver content.
