The 2008-S Alaska State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver specimens. While most quarters you find in pocket change are only worth face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special proof coin intended for collectors, often carrying a premium.

Version/Grade	Estimated Value
2008-S Copper-Nickel Proof (PR65)	$1.50 – $3.00
2008-S Copper-Nickel Proof (PR70)	$15.00 – $25.00
2008-S Silver Proof (PR65)	$8.00 – $12.00
2008-S Silver Proof (PR70)	$40.00 – $65.00

Introduction to the 2008-S Alaska State Quarter

The Alaska State Quarter, released in 2008, was the 49th coin in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program. The design features a magnificent grizzly bear clutching a salmon in its jaws, with the majestic North Star shining above. This particular coin captures the rugged essence of “The Last Frontier.” If you are curious about the coins in your jar, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common pocket change quarter and a rare collector’s item.

While the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints produced hundreds of millions of coins for general circulation, the San Francisco (S) mint took a different approach. The San Francisco facility exclusively minted “Proof” versions. These are strike-quality masterpieces featuring mirrored backgrounds and frosted details.

Finding a 2008-S quarter in your change is rare, as these were sold in sets directly to collectors. If you do find one, it likely escaped from a broken collection. To verify its authenticity, the CoinKnow app is a fantastic tool that allows you to scan the coin and get instant feedback on its potential rarity and market demand.

Understanding the San Francisco Mint Mark

Every 2008-S Alaska quarter carries the “S” mint mark located on the obverse (heads side), just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. This “S” is more than just a letter; it indicates that the coin was struck with polished dies and specially treated blanks. These coins are not meant to buy a candy bar or pay for parking; they are meant to be preserved in plastic cases.

There are actually two distinct types of “S” mint quarters from 2008. The first is the standard copper-nickel clad version, which has the same metal composition as a regular quarter. The second is the 90% silver proof version. Knowing which one you have is the difference between a few dollars and a potential payday.

If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the silver version. If you see a sandwich of copper (an orange/brown line), it is the clad version. You can check the current 2008 quarter value to see how daily silver prices might affect your coin’s worth.

Attribute	Clad Proof (S)	Silver Proof (S)
Composition	Copper-Nickel Clad	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight	5.67 grams	6.25 grams
Edge Appearance	Visible Copper Band	Solid Silver/White

Determining the Condition and Grade

In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. A coin found in a drawer that has been scratched by keys will be worth significantly less than one that has been kept in its original US Mint lens. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale, where a 70 is considered “perfect.”

For proof coins like the 2008-S Alaska quarter, you are looking for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” effects. This refers to the high contrast between the shiny field and the frosted image of the bear. A PR70 Deep Cameo coin is a holy grail for state quarter collectors and can command a high price at auction.

To get a better sense of how your coin stacks up against the best examples, you can look up specific current quarter market data. Even though that link focuses on Oklahoma, it gives a great perspective on the price volatility of the 2008 series across different mint marks and grades. Using CoinKnow can also help you compare high-resolution images of your coin against graded specimens.

The 2008-S Silver Proof Alaska Quarter Value

The 2008-S Silver Alaska quarter is the most desirable version of this specific design. Because it contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, it will always be worth at least its “melt value.” As of 2024, the silver value alone is usually around $4 to $5, but the numismatic (collector) value is often higher.

Most silver proof sets were kept in pristine condition. Therefore, a silver Alaska quarter that has been “circulated” and is now scratched or dirty is actually quite a tragedy for a collector, as it loses most value beyond its weight in silver. However, if the coin is flawless, it is a centerpiece for any State Quarter collection.

Historically, the silver versions of the state quarters have held their value much better than the clad versions. While the clad coins were printed in the millions, the silver sets had much lower production numbers, making them inherently more scarce. Keeping track of these figures is easy with the CoinKnow app’s built-in collection tracker.

Year/Mint	Mintage (Silver Proof)	Estimated Value (PR69)
2008-S Alaska	Approx. 1,020,000	$12 – $15
2008-S Arizona	Approx. 1,020,000	$10 – $14
2008-S Hawaii	Approx. 1,020,000	$15 – $20

What to Look for: Alaska Quarter Errors

While proof coins are typically struck under high supervision to avoid errors, mistakes do happen. “Errors” are coins that were manufactured incorrectly at the mint. For the 2008 Alaska quarter, collectors often look for “die cracks” or “doubled dies.”

A doubled die error occurs when the hub leaves two slightly offset impressions on the die. On the Alaska quarter, you might see doubling in the lettering of “ALASKA” or in the claws of the grizzly bear. These errors can turn a $2 coin into a $100+ treasure.

If you suspect you have an error coin, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth can destroy its value. Instead, take a clear photo and use a specialized app to see if other collectors have reported similar findings. The hunt for errors is what makes everyday coin hunting so exciting for Americans across the country.

Summary: Is Your Alaska Quarter Worth Keeping?

If you find a 2008-S Alaska State Quarter in your change, the answer is a resounding yes! Even the clad proof version is worth more than its 25-cent face value. While it might not fund a retirement, it is a beautiful piece of American history and a gateway into the world of numismatics.

For those who have a whole collection of state quarters, it is worth the time to go through and look for that “S” mint mark. Most of what you find will be the “P” or “D” varieties, which are generally only worth face value unless they are in absolutely perfect condition.

By using tools like price guides and identification apps, you can stay informed about the value of your pocket change. The 2008-S Alaska quarter remains a favorite for its stunning wildlife design and its status as one of the final coins in the original 50-state series.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 2008-S Alaska quarter is silver or clad?

A: Check the edge of the coin. A clad coin will have a visible copper-colored stripe around the side. A silver proof coin will have a solid, bright silver edge. Additionally, a silver quarter weighs slightly more (6.25g) than a clad quarter (5.67g).

Q: Why is the “S” mint mark so special?

A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver mints, San Francisco only produces “Proof” coins for collectors. These coins are struck twice with specially polished dies, giving them a mirror-like finish that you won’t see on regular quarters.

Q: Can I find a 2008-S Alaska quarter in circulation?

A: It is possible, but very unlikely. Proof coins were sold in protective sets. If you find one in pocket change, it means someone broke it out of its set and spent it as regular money. Because they are not intended for circulation, they are quite rare to find “in the wild.”

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2008-S Alaska quarter?

A: High-grade Silver Proofs in PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at auction for over $100 in the past, though current market values for PR70 examples typically range between $40 and $70 depending on the grading service.