1999-P Delaware State Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?
The 1999-P Delaware States Quarter Dollar is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $3,000 for rare high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain mint errors and pristine conditions can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| High Grade (MS67) | $30.00 – $120.00 |
| Rare Errors (Spitting Horse) | $10.00 – $50.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 1999 Delaware Quarter
The 1999-P Delaware Quarter holds a special place in American numismatic history as the very first release in the 50 State Quarters Program. Launched by the United States Mint, this program aimed to honor each state in the order they joined the Union. Delaware, being the “First State,” led the charge. The “P” mint mark indicates that these coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
If you are sifting through a jar of old change, you might find it difficult to tell if your coin is a common circulation piece or a hidden gem. Using a free coin identifier app can help you quickly distinguish between different mint marks and varieties. The CoinKnow app is particularly useful for beginners who want to scan their coins and get instant feedback on historical significance.
During 1999, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 774 million Delaware quarters. Because the mintage was so high, most coins you find today have been heavily circulated. In the world of coin collecting, “circulated” means the coin has scratches, dings, and smoothed-out details from being used in daily transactions. These common coins are generally only worth $0.25, but the story changes dramatically when we look at coins that never touched the public’s hands.
Evaluating the 1999-P Delaware Quarter Dollar Value by Grade
When determining the specific 1999-P Delaware quarter market value, professional grading is everything. Collectors use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. A coin graded MS60 or higher is considered “Mint State.” For the 1999-P Delaware issue, values stay relatively low until you reach the “Gem” levels of MS65 and MS66.
The reason high-grade 1999-P quarters are rare is largely due to the way they were handled at the mint. In 1999, the mint was rushing to produce billions of coins for the new program. This led to many coins having “bag marks” or surface scuffs from bumping into other coins. Finding a 1999-P Delaware quarter in MS68 or MS69 condition is incredibly difficult, which is why those specific coins can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
| MS Grade | Estimated Market Price |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $2.00 |
| MS65 | $10.00 |
| MS66 | $25.00 |
| MS67 | $115.00 |
| MS68 | $400.00+ |
The Famous “Spitting Horse” Die Crack Error
One of the most exciting things about the 1999-P Delaware Quarter is the presence of a well-known die error nicknamed the “Spitting Horse.” This occurs when a crack forms on the printing die, resulting in a raised line of metal that extends from the horse’s mouth. To the naked eye, it looks like the horse Caesar Rodney is riding is spitting.
This variety is highly sought after by “error hunters.” While it isn’t worth thousands, a “Spitting Horse” Delaware quarter in decent condition can easily sell for $10 to $20 on sites like eBay. If the coin is in Mint State condition, that price can jump to $50 or more. If you think you found one, use the CoinKnow app to compare your coin against verified photos of the error to ensure it isn’t just a random scratch.
Finding errors like this is why many people still enjoy “roll hunting”—buying rolls of quarters from the bank just to look for anomalies. Since this was the first state quarter ever made, the minting process was still being perfected, leaving plenty of room for these interesting die cracks and minor errors to slip through into circulation.
The Caesar Rodney Design and Its Significance
The reverse of the 1999 Delaware Quarter features Caesar Rodney, a historic figure who took a celebrated “midnight ride” to Philadelphia in 1776. His goal was to cast a tie-breaking vote for Delaware in favor of American independence. The design shows Rodney on his horse, galloping toward his destination. This imagery is why the coin is often referred to as the “Horse Quarter” by casual observers.
When checking the retail prices for 1999 state quarters, it’s important to note the difference between the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints. While their values are generally similar, some years or specific conditions may favor one over the other based on survival rates in high grades. The 1999-P is generally considered slightly tougher to find in “perfect” condition than its Denver counterpart.
For those looking to start a collection, the Delaware quarter is the perfect “anchor” coin. It represents the beginning of a hobby that millions of Americans joined in the late 90s. Even if yours is only worth twenty-five cents, its historical value as the pioneer of the state quarter series makes it a keeper for many families.
How to Spot Rare 1999-P Delaware Quarters in Your Change
If you want to know if your Delaware quarter is worth more than face value, the first thing to check is the luster. A coin with its original mint “shine” is much more likely to be valuable. If the coin looks dull or grey, it has likely been through too many hands to carry a premium. However, don’t throw it away just yet; double-check the area near the horse’s mouth for that “Spitting Horse” error.
Another thing to look for is “doubled die” errors. These occur when the coin is struck by a die that has a misaligned image, resulting in a doubling effect on the lettering or the dates. While no major doubled dies are famous for the 1999-P Delaware, minor ones do exist. CoinKnow can help you zoom in on high-resolution images to see if the “1999” or the word “Delaware” looks thicker than usual.
| Feature to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark “P” | Confirms it was made in Philadelphia. |
| Horse’s Mouth | Look for a line (Spitting Horse error). |
| Overall Luster | Shiny coins are worth significantly more. |
| Strike Sharpness | Look for detail in Caesar Rodney’s clothing. |
Conclusion: Is the 1999-P Delaware Quarter a Good Investment?
For most people, the 1999-P Delaware quarter is a fun piece of history rather than a retirement plan. Because so many were made, they aren’t “rare” in the traditional sense. However, for a serious collector, finding a 1999-P Delaware in MS68 or higher is an investment-grade achievement. These coins represent the pinnacle of modern minting and are highly protected in plastic slabs by services like PCGS or NGC.
If you are a casual hunter, keep an eye out for errors and high-quality specimens. The 1999-P Delaware Quarter is a gateway into the world of numismatics. Whether it’s worth $0.25 or $500, every coin tells the story of early America and the legendary ride of Caesar Rodney.
FAQ
Q: How many 1999-P Delaware Quarters were made?
A: The Philadelphia Mint produced 774,824,000 Delaware state quarters in 1999. Because of this massive production number, most are only worth face value.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1999-P Delaware Quarter?
A: A 1999-P Delaware Quarter graded MS69 by PCGS sold for over $4,000 at auction. However, such high grades are nearly impossible to find in pocket change.
Q: Is the Delaware quarter made of silver?
A: Standard 1999-P Delaware quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The Mint did produce silver versions for special “Proof” sets, but those have an “S” mint mark, not a “P”.
Q: What should I do if I find a “Spitting Horse” error?
A: You should protect the coin in a plastic flip or holder to prevent further scratches. You can then use the CoinKnow app to check recent sales data to see what collectors are currently paying for that specific error.
