1999-S Georgia State Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
The 1999-S Georgia State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated Proofs to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change carry little premium, specific “S” mint marks indicate specially struck coins that appeal deeply to collectors and numismatists looking for perfection.
| Coin Version | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Proof (S) | PR 65 – PR 69 | $1.00 – $7.00 |
| 90% Silver Proof (S) | PR 67 – PR 69 | $12.00 – $25.00 |
| Perfect Silver Proof (S) | PR 70 Deep Cameo | $40.00 – $150.00+ |
Identifying Your 1999-S Georgia State Quarter
Finding a 1999-S Georgia quarter in your spare change is an exciting moment for any casual collector. Identifying these coins often requires a quick look using a free coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t overlooking a rare silver variety. The “S” mint mark, located on the obverse (heads side) near George Washington’s ponytail, signifies that the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Unlike the common “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) quarters meant for daily spending, “S” quarters were technically issued for collectors in Proof sets. These coins feature a mirror-like background and frosted details, creating a high-contrast look known as a “Cameo” effect.
If you suspect you have something special, the CoinKnow app can help you differentiate between the standard copper-nickel clad and the much more valuable 90% silver edition. Knowing which one you have is the first step in determining if you should spend it or save it in a protective flip.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver 1999-S Quarters
The biggest factor influencing the 1999-S Georgia quarter’s market price is its composition. In 1999, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of quarters for the Georgia design. The first is the Copper-Nickel Clad version, which has the same internal metal as a modern quarter.
The second, and more desirable, version is the 90% Silver Proof. These coins were sold in special silver proof sets and contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. Checking the edge of your coin is the easiest way to tell: a orange/copper stripe means it’s clad, while a solid silver-colored stripe indicates a silver coin.
Collectors often look for detailed 1999 state quarter price guides to see how the Georgia issue stacks up against other states from the same year. While the Delaware and Pennsylvania quarters are also popular, the Georgia “Peach State” design remains a favorite for its classic imagery.
| Feature | Clad Proof | Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 5.67 Grams | 6.25 Grams |
| Edge Appearance | Copper Stripe Visible | Solid Silver/White |
Why Condition and Grading Matter
When it comes to the 1999-S Georgia Quarter, the numerical grade assigned by a service like PCGS or NGC is everything. Since these coins were never intended for circulation, they are expected to be in near-perfect condition. A tiny scratch or “hairline” on the surface can drop the value by 50% or more.
A grade of Proof-70 (PR70) is the pinnacle of the hobby. This means the coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For those exploring comprehensive 1999 quarter value data, it is clear that PR70 specimens command massive premiums compared to PR69 or PR68 coins.
If you find an “S” mint mark coin in your pocket, it is likely “impaired.” This means it was taken out of its protective set and spent like a normal coin. Impaired proofs typically sell for $0.25 to $1.00 because they lose the pristine finish that collectors pay for. You can use CoinKnow to browse high-resolution photos of various grades to see where your coin fits.
Market Value for 1999-S Georgia Silver Quarters
The Silver Proof 1999-S Georgia Quarter is particularly sensitive to the “spot price” of silver. Because it contains 90% silver, its value will never fall below its “melt value.” However, because this was the first year of the State Quarters program, there is substantial collector demand that keeps the price well above the metal value.
In today’s market, a raw (unbalanced) 1999-S Silver Georgia Quarter usually sells for about $10 to $15. If the coin is in a certified slab with a PR69 Deep Cameo grade, the price stabilizes around $20 to $30. The real jump happens at the PR70 level, where prices can exceed $100 depending on the current auction trends.
It is helpful to keep a digital inventory of your collection using an app like CoinKnow. This allows you to track market fluctuations and see how the value of your silver quarters grows over time as the 1999 series becomes more “vintage” to younger collectors.
| Condition Lineup | Typical Sale Price (Clad) | Typical Sale Price (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded (In Plastic) | $1.50 – $3.00 | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Certified PR69 DCAM | $8.00 – $12.00 | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| Certified PR70 DCAM | $35.00 – $60.00 | $120.00 – $450.00+ |
Are There Any Rare Georgia Quarter Errors?
While most 1999-S quarters are standard proof strikes, errors can occur during the production process. For the Georgia state quarter specifically, error hunters look for “Double Dies” or strike-through errors. However, because Proof coins are struck twice and inspected carefully at the Mint, errors on 1999-S coins are extremely rare.
The most common “anomaly” found on a 1999-S Georgia quarter isn’t an error at all, but rather “toning.” This happens when the metals react with the air or the chemicals in the packaging, turning the coin shades of blue, purple, or gold. Some collectors pay high premiums for “rainbow toned” silver proofs.
If you think you’ve found an error, compare it with known examples in the CoinKnow database. Most “errors” found in pocket change are actually just post-mint damage (scratches from vending machines or road wear), but it is always worth double-checking before spending a coin that looks unusual.
Tips for Selling Your 1999-S Georgia Quarter
When you’re ready to sell your 1999-S Georgia Quarter, your strategy should depend on the coin’s value. For low-value clad proofs, selling them individually on eBay might not be worth the shipping costs. These are often better sold in “lots” or used to fill holes in a beginning collector’s album.
For high-grade silver proofs, professional grading becomes a vital consideration. If you have a coin that looks absolutely perfect, spending $20 to get it graded might increase its value by $100. However, if the coin has even a tiny scratch, the grading fee might be more than the coin is worth.
Always check recent “Sold” listings on auction sites rather than “Asking” prices. Anyone can ask for $1,000 for a quarter, but the “Sold” filter shows what people are actually paying. This provides a realistic expectation of what you can get for your 1999-S Georgia State Quarter in the current market.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 1999-S Georgia quarter shiny but not silver?
A: You likely have the copper-nickel clad proof version. The “S” mint mark simply means it was struck in San Francisco with a proof finish, but it can still be made of the same base metals as common quarters. Check the edge for a copper stripe to confirm.
Q: Can I find a 1999-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is possible but rare. Someone likely broke open a Proof Set to spend the coins. Once these coins enter circulation, they are considered “impaired proofs” and lose most of their collector value beyond a dollar or two.
Q: Is the Georgia quarter the most valuable state quarter?
A: No, the 1999-S Delaware and Pennsylvania quarters often command slightly higher prices because they were the first released in the series. However, a Georgia quarter in PT70 condition is still a very valuable and sought-after coin.
Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S Silver Georgia Quarter?
A: It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. To find the “melt value,” you can multiply the current price of silver by 0.1808. In most cases, the collector value will be higher than this number.
