1999-S New Jersey State Quarter Value — Price Guide

The 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.50 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade silver specimens. Whether you found one in a closet or inherited a collection, understanding the difference between the copper-nickel and silver versions is key to determining its true market value.

What Makes the 1999-S New Jersey Quarter Special?

The 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter was the third coin released in the historic 50 State Quarters Program. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) minted quarters you find in your pocket change every day, the “S” mint mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. These coins feature the iconic “Crossroads of the Revolution” design, showing George Washington crossing the Delaware River.

If you are unsure whether the coin you have is the collectible S-mint version or a standard circulation strike, you can use a free coin identifier app to instantly scan the mint mark and design. The “S” mark is located on the right side of Washington’s portrait on the obverse (front) of the coin.

Most 1999-S quarters are Proof coins, meaning they were struck twice using polished dies and specially treated planchets. This gives them a “cameo” effect—the raised design looks frosted while the background is mirror-like. Collectors love these because of their visual brilliance and historical significance as the first year of the series. For those analyzing their collection, the CoinKnow app provides an easy way to catalog these specific proof varieties and keep track of their rarity.

Clad vs. Silver: Identifying Your 1999-S Quarter

In 1999, the San Francisco Mint struck two distinct types of “S” New Jersey quarters: a copper-nickel “Clad” version and a 90% Silver version. Distinguishing between them is the most important step in valuing your coin. The silver version is inherently more valuable due to its precious metal content and lower mintage numbers.

There are three easy ways to tell them apart. First, look at the edge (the “third side” of the coin). If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the silver version. If you see a copper stripe, it is a clad coin. Second, the weight is different; the silver coin weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad coin weighs 5.67 grams. Third, you can perform a “ping test” by gently tapping it (though this is risky for high-grade coins). Use CoinKnow to record the weight and metal type so you don’t lose track of which is which in your collection.

Determining the Grade and Condition

Proof coins are graded differently than regular business-strike coins. They are measured on the “Proof” scale (PR) from 1 to 70. A PR70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because these were sold in protective plastic lenses by the Mint, many 1999-S New Jersey quarters remain in high grades like PR68 or PR69.

To realize the maximum 1999-S New Jersey silver quarter market price, the coin must be in “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) condition. This means there is a high contrast between the frosted devices and the polished fields. Even a tiny scratch from handling can drop the grade from a PR70 down to a PR67, which significantly affects the price.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC charge fees to certify these coins. For everyday Americans, it’s usually only worth grading the coin if you believe it is a flawless PR70 or a rare silver variety with unique attributes. You can use the CoinKnow app to compare your quarter against high-definition photos of graded examples to see how yours stacks up before spending money on professional services.

Current Market Value and Pricing Trends

The market for State Quarters has stabilized since the initial frenzy of the early 2000s. While millions were made, the demand remains high among collectors who are trying to complete “Registry Sets”—essentially high-end collections where every coin is graded PR70. For a standard clad 1999-S New Jersey quarter, you might expect to pay $3 to $5 at a local coin shop.

The 1999 state quarter value range varies significantly when you look at the silver proofs. Silver New Jersey quarters have a “melt value” (the value of the silver metal alone), but the collector value always exceeds the gold/silver spot price. Currently, silver spot prices make the 90% silver quarter worth at least $5 just for the metal, but as a collectible 1999-S, the price floor is usually closer to $12-$15 for a nice raw specimen.

Are There Any Rare Errors for the 1999-S Quarter?

While the San Francisco Mint has very strict quality control for proof coins, errors can still occur. These errors are highly sought after by specialists. Common errors for state quarters include “mule” errors (where the wrong die is used), off-center strikes, or double dies. However, in the case of the 1999-S New Jersey quarter, errors are extremely rare because each coin is individually inspected.

One “variety” to watch for is the “S over S” or repunched mint mark, though these are more common in older coins. For the 1999 series, look for “struck-through” errors, where debris got between the die and the coin during striking. Even a small piece of thread or grease can leave an indentation that makes a coin unique and valuable. If you think you’ve found an error, photograph it carefully and use a community tool like CoinKnow to get feedback from other hobbyists.

Because many people broke open their proof sets to spend the coins during the Great Recession, you might occasionally find an “S” mint quarter in your pocket change. This is known as an “Impaired Proof.” These coins have lost their mirror finish and are scratched from circulating. While cool to find, an impaired 1999-S New Jersey quarter is usually only worth its face value (25 cents) or a small premium to a casual collector.

Where to Sell Your 1999-S New Jersey Quarter

If you decide to sell your coin, you have several options depending on its value. For common clad proofs worth a few dollars, selling on eBay or a local Facebook marketplace group is the easiest route. Be sure to take clear photos of both sides and the edge to prove if it is silver or clad.

For high-grade silver quarters (PR69 or PR70), you may want to approach a reputable coin dealer or submit the coin to a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. These platforms attract serious collectors willing to pay top dollar for registry-quality coins. Always check current “sold” listings on eBay to see what people are actually paying, rather than looking at “asking” prices, which can be misleading.

Finally, remember that the 1999-S New Jersey State Quarter is more than just a piece of metal—it’s a tribute to a turning point in American history. Whether you keep it for its value or its beauty, it remains a cornerstone of the most popular coin-collecting program in U.S. history.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1999-S New Jersey Quarter not shiny?

A: If it was removed from its protective case and used as money, it becomes an “impaired proof.” It will lose its shine due to scratches and oils from hands. In this condition, it is typically only worth face value or slightly more ($0.25 to $0.50).

Q: How much silver is in the 1999-S Silver New Jersey Quarter?

A: It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This gives the coin a “melt value” that fluctuates with the market price of silver.

Q: Is there a 1999-P or 1999-D Silver New Jersey Quarter?

A: No. The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints only produced copper-nickel clad quarters for general circulation. Only the San Francisco (S) mint produced silver versions for the special collectors’ Silver Proof Sets.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1999-S New Jersey Quarter?

A: A 1999-S New Jersey Silver Quarter graded PR70 Deep Cameo by PCGS has sold for over $1,200 in past auctions, though prices for PR70s currently range between $50 and $150 depending on the current demand and the specific grading service.