The 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $150 for specimens with perfect “Deep Cameo” finishes. While it may look like a standard quarter, its precious metal content and limited mintage make it a prize for casual hunters and serious collectors alike.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Typical Proof)	$8.00 – $12.00
PR 68 (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 69 (Superb Gem)	$30.00 – $45.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$120.00 – $185.00

Identifying Your 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter

Finding a shiny quarter in your change is always exciting, but identifying if it’s the valuable silver version requires more than a quick glance. The 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, featured two different types of quarters minted in San Francisco: the standard copper-nickel clad proof and the high-value 90% silver proof.

If you suspect you’ve found something special, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common circulation strike and a collector’s silver proof. The Mississippi design features the state flower—the Magnolia—blooming elegantly across the reverse. To confirm it is the “S” mint version, look for the small letter next to George Washington’s ponytail.

The most definitive way to tell if your coin is silver is to look at the edge. A standard quarter will show a copper stripe, while the 2002-S silver quarter will show a solid, bright silver edge. In 2002, the U.S. Mint produced just over 892,000 of these silver Mississippi quarters, a fraction of the hundreds of millions produced for general use in Philadelphia and Denver.

The “S” Mint Mark and the Proof Finish

One of the most defining characteristics of the 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter is that it was never intended to be spent in a grocery store. These coins were struck specifically for collectors and sold in sets. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which is famous for its meticulous “Proof” striking process.

Proof coins are struck twice on specially polished blanks using high-pressure dies. This results in a mirror-like background and “frosted” details on the Magnolia blossoms. Because these were issued in protective plastic lenses, finding one in the “wild” (general circulation) is rare. When it does happen, it’s usually because someone accidentally spent a collection or a thief broke open a set.

If you have a coin that looks exceptionally shiny, you can check the Mississippi silver quarter price breakdown to see how its condition impacts its final sale price. Even a lightly scratched silver proof is worth several times its face value just for the silver content alone. For a fast valuation on the go, the CoinKnow app allows you to scan the coin and get an instant estimate based on recent auction sales.

Silver Content vs. Numismatic Value

When we talk about the 2002-S Mississippi Silver State Quarter, its value comes from two places: the metal it’s made of and its rarity as a collectible item. Before 1965, all U.S. quarters were silver. Following the 50 State Quarters program, the Mint brought silver back for special limited-edition proof sets.

This specific coin contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means even if the coin is badly damaged, it will always be worth at least its “melt value.” However, for collectors, the numismatic value—the price people pay because they want it for a set—is almost always higher than the scrap silver price.

Component	Specification
Silver Purity	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Silver Weight	5.625 grams (0.18084 oz)
Total Weight	6.25 grams
Mintage	892,229

Comparing this to a standard 2002 quarter, which is made mostly of copper and nickel, the difference is night and day. You can verify this by checking any reputable 2002 state quarter price guide. Most circulated quarters from 2002 are worth exactly 25 cents, making the 2002-S Silver Mississippi a true treasure in comparison.

Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction

If you look at professional coin listings, you will often see the letters “DCAM” or “Deep Cameo” next to the grade. This refers to the contrast between the shiny field of the coin and the frosty Magnolia design. For the 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter, a Deep Cameo finish is standard, but how “deep” those contrasts are can affect the price.

Coin grading is done on a scale of 1 to 70. A PR70 (Proof 70) is considered a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Because these silver quarters were handled carefully at the mint, many survive in PR69 condition. However, the jump from PR69 to PR70 can see the price double or triple.

Using CoinKnow is a great way to start learning about grading. By comparing your coin to the high-resolution images in the app, you can see if your Magnolia blossoms have any tiny scratches (“hairlines”) that might lower the grade. Even a tiny fingerprint can lower the value, as the oils from human skin can eventually eat into the silver surface over decades.

Auction Records and Market Trends

The market for State Quarters has remained remarkably stable since the program ended. While the initial “hype” has settled, the silver versions of these coins have become staples for silver stackers and State Quarter fanatics. The 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter is particularly popular because of its beautiful, clean design.

In high-end auctions, coins that have been graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC often fetch the highest prices. For example, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Mississippi quarter can sell for upwards of $150 at a major auction house. In contrast, the same coin in a raw, uncertified state might only bring $10 to $15 on eBay.

Sales Venue	Typical Price Range
Local Coin Shop	$7.00 – $12.00
eBay (Raw)	$9.00 – $18.00
Certified (PR69)	$35.00 – $55.00
Heritage Auctions (PR70)	$125.00+

Whether you are looking to sell or just curious about your find, keeping track of these trends via the CoinKnow app ensures you don’t accidentally spend a coin that’s worth 40 or 50 times its face value.

Why the Mississippi Design Is Iconic

The Magnolia design on the 2002 Mississippi quarter was selected as part of a statewide contest. It beat out designs featuring the Mississippi River and the blues music heritage of the state. The “Magnolia State” felt that the flower and the evergreen leaves represented the resilience and beauty of the South.

For collectors, the simplicity of the design on the silver planchet is what makes it stand out. The 90% silver alloy has a much whiter, brighter luster than the grayish tint of a standard clad quarter. This “whiteness” makes the Magnolia petals look almost three-dimensional when the coin is held under a direct light.

If you enjoy the history behind these coins, you can find massive amounts of trivia and design details within a top coin identifier app. Understanding the artistry helps you appreciate why someone would pay $100 for a quarter that they could technically use to buy a gumball.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between a 2002-S Silver quarter and a 2002-S Clad quarter?

A: The most reliable way is the “tissue test” or the “edge test.” Look at the rim of the coin. If you see a orange/copper stripe, it is a clad coin worth about $1-$3. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is the 90% silver version. Additionally, the silver version weighs slightly more (6.25g) than the clad version (5.67g).

Q: Is a 2002-P or 2002-D Mississippi quarter ever silver?

A: No. The U.S. Mint only struck the 90% silver quarters at the San Francisco Mint, so they will always have the “S” mint mark. If you find a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) quarter that looks silver, it is likely just a very clean standard coin or has been “plated” by a third party, which usually destroys its collector value.

Q: Should I clean my 2002-S Mississippi Silver Quarter?

A: Never clean your coins! Even using a soft cloth can leave micro-scratches that professional graders can see. Cleaning a proof coin can reduce its value by 50% or more. If the coin is dirty, it is best to leave it as is or consult a professional.

Q: Why is my Mississippi quarter so much shinier than others?

A: You likely have a “Proof” coin. These were made for collectors using polished dies. While most quarters are made to be used in commerce, proof quarters are made to be beautiful. If it also has an “S” mint mark and a silver edge, you have found the more valuable silver proof.