2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?
The 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in circulated condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens or those featuring rare mint errors. For most everyday Americans, finding one in pocket change is common, but knowing the specific details can help you spot a true gem.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.35 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS65 Gem) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $50 – $250+ |
History of the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter
The 2016 Fort Moultrie quarter is the 35th release in the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This series, which debuted in 2010, honors national parks and historic sites across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. This specific coin represents Fort Moultrie (Sullivan’s Island) National Monument in South Carolina.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a special edition, using a top coin identifier app can quickly clear up any confusion. The “P” mint mark on the obverse (the side with George Washington) indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
The design of the coin’s reverse depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the ramparts while under fire from British ships in 1776. This powerful image commemorates a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. While millions were minted, certain factors like striking quality and surface preservation dictate the final market price for collectors today. Using CoinKnow is a great way to stay updated on these historical details.
Factors Influencing the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter Value
When determining the value of your 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter, the primary factor is its condition, often referred to as its “grade.” Most coins you find at the grocery store or in a vending machine are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dings, and dullness from being handled. These are generally only worth their face value of twenty-five cents.
However, if you find a coin that looks brand new with its original mint luster, it might be “Uncirculated.” Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade coins. For this specific issue, many collectors look at the current price data for 2016 quarters to see how MS66 or MS67 grades are performing in recent auctions.
Minting errors also play a massive role in value. Because modern minting processes use high-speed machinery, small mistakes can happen. A doubled die or a clipped planchet on a 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter can turn a common coin into a hundred-dollar prize. Always check your change twice before spending it!
| Key Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark (P) | Standard Issue (High Mintage) |
| Luster | Increases price for Uncirculated coins |
| Errors | Can increase value by 10x to 100x |
Identifying 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter Errors
One of the most exciting parts of coin collecting is “cherrypicking” errors. For the Fort Moultrie quarter, enthusiasts look for specific anomalies. While no major “hallmark” errors like the 1955 Doubled Die Penny exist for this year, several minor errors have been reported by the community.
Common errors include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the steel die breaks off, causing extra bumps of metal on the coin. On the Fort Moultrie design, look closely at the walls of the fort or the flag held by Sergeant Jasper. Another error to watch for is a “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) or “Double Die Reverse” (DDR), though these are quite rare for the 2016-P series.
If you suspect you have an error, the CoinKnow app can help you compare high-resolution images of your coin against known error varieties. Finding an error is like winning a small lottery, so it’s worth investigating anything that looks unusual on the coin’s surface.
Where the 2016-P Fits in the America the Beautiful Series
The America the Beautiful Quarters program was highly successful because it encouraged people to look at their change again. The 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter was released alongside four other designs that year: Shawnee National Forest, Cumberland Gap, Harpers Ferry, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
While the total mintage for the Philadelphia 2016-P Fort Moultrie was over 150 million, this is actually lower than some other years in the series. Because millions are still in circulation, finding a “perfect” one is becoming harder as the years go by. When looking for comprehensive 2016 quarter value information, you will see that the Fort Moultrie strike is often prized for its historical significance and intricate reverse design.
Collectors often try to build “MS70” sets of the ATB quarters. If you find a 2016-P that survived inside a Mint Set or a bank-wrapped roll, it could be worth significantly more than its neighbor that has been bouncing around in a pocket for years.
| 2016 Quarter Design | Philadelphia Mintage (P) |
|---|---|
| Shawnee (IL) | 155,600,000 |
| Cumberland Gap (KY) | 223,200,000 |
| Harpers Ferry (WV) | 424,000,000 |
| Theodore Roosevelt (ND) | 223,000,000 |
| Fort Moultrie (SC) | 154,400,000 |
Tips for Selling and Protecting Your Quarters
If you believe you have found a 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter worth money, the first thing you should do is stop touching it with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can damage the metal over time. Instead, handle it by the edges or wear cotton gloves. Place the coin in a “2×2” cardboard flip or a plastic coin capsule to keep it safe from scratches.
When it comes to selling, don’t just take it to a generic pawn shop. They often pay only face value or a small premium. Instead, consider listing high-grade coins on specialized sites or bringing them to a reputable local coin dealer. For those who want a quick estimate of what they have, CoinKnow offers a streamlined way to catalog your collection and track market trends.
Lastly, remember that “raw” coins (coins not graded by a service like PCGS or NGC) sell for less than certified ones. However, grading costs money—usually $20 to $50 per coin. Only send your 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter for professional grading if you are confident it is in Mint State 67 condition or higher, as that is where the real value lies.
FAQ
Q: Does the 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter contain silver?
A: No, standard 2016-P quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Only the specific “Silver Proof” versions (which would have an “S” mint mark, not a “P”) contain 90% silver.
Q: How can I tell if my 2016-P quarter is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated coin will have “mint luster,” a frosty or satin-like sheen that reflects light in a wagon-wheel pattern. If the high points of the design, like Washington’s hair or the fort’s walls, look flat or dull, the coin is likely circulated.
Q: What is the most expensive 2016-P Fort Moultrie Quarter ever sold?
A: While prices fluctuate, high-grade specimens in MS68 have been known to sell for over $500 at major auctions. However, these are extremely rare and usually come from original mint bags.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2016 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse side (heads), to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. A “P” signifies Philadelphia, a “D” signifies Denver, and an “S” signifies San Francisco.
