2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter Value: Price Chart and Features
The 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in typical uncirculated condition to over $50 in perfect proof grades. Whether you found this coin in a family collection or inherited a mint set, its value is significantly higher than a standard pocket change quarter due to its 90% silver content and limited mintage.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof Deep Cameo) | $12 – $15 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $18 – $25 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $35 – $65 |
| Raw Silver Melt Value | $5.50 – $6.50 (Varies with Silver Price) |
History of the 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter
The 2011-S Vicksburg National Military Park quarter is the ninth release in the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program. This series, which began in 2010, honors national parks and sites across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The Vicksburg design represents the state of Mississippi and commemorates one of the most pivotal campaigns of the American Civil War.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a silver proof or a standard copper-nickel version, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between strikes instantly. Collectors specifically seek out the “S” mint mark quarters from San Francisco, as these were not released for circulation.
Unlike the common quarters you spend at the grocery store, the silver version was sold directly to collectors in special sets. Identifying these coins requires a keen eye for the edge. If the edge of the coin is solid silver with no brown copper stripe, you likely have the 90% silver proof version. You can track the current 2011 quarter value to see how the market for these modern commemoratives fluctuates over time.
For a fast and accurate identification of your collection, CoinKnow allows users to snap a photo and receive instant data on mintage and history. This makes it much easier for everyday Americans to sort through their change and find the hidden gems that are actually worth more than twenty-five cents.
Evaluating the Silver Content and Melt Value
One of the primary reasons the 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter maintains a high floor value is its precious metal content. From 2010 to 2018, the US Mint used a 90% silver and 10% copper alloy for its silver proof sets. This means the coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its “melt value.” As the price of silver rises, so does the baseline price of this quarter. Collectors often buy these coins as a way to invest in silver while also collecting beautiful pieces of American history.
| Composition Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Silver Purity | 90% Silver (.900 Fine) |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| Silver Weight (ASW) | 0.1808 troy oz |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
While the melt value provides a “safety net,” the numismatic value—what collectors are willing to pay for the coin’s beauty and rarity—is usually much higher. By checking the Vicksburg silver quarter market price, you can ensure you aren’t selling a rare proof for just its weight in silver.
Key Design Features of the Vicksburg Quarter
The reverse design of the 2011 Vicksburg Silver Quarter is incredibly detailed. It depicts the USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat, as it sails on the Yazoo River. The USS Cairo was a Union ship that was sunk during the Vicksburg campaign and later recovered and put on display at the National Military Park.
The obverse of the coin features the familiar portrait of George Washington, but it is a restored version of the original 1932 design by John Flanagan. Because this is a “Proof” coin, the fields (the flat areas) are mirror-like, and the raised parts of the design (the boat and text) have a frosted, matte appearance. This “Deep Cameo” effect is what makes the 2011-S Silver Quarter so visually striking.
The San Francisco “S” mint mark is located to the right of Washington’s ponytail. If you see a “P” or “D” mint mark, you have a regular circulation quarter made of copper and nickel, not silver. Using an app like CoinKnow helps verify these small details that might be hard to see with the naked eye.
The level of detail on the ironclad gunboat is a favorite among military history buffs. Many people who aren’t traditional coin collectors still seek out this specific quarter because of its connection to Civil War naval history.
What Determines the Grade of a Silver Proof?
When professional authenticators at companies like PCGS or NGC look at a 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter, they are looking for “perfection.” Since these coins were never intended to be spent, they are expected to be in pristine condition.
A “PR 70” is the highest possible grade. It means the coin has no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Even a tiny fingerprint can lower the grade to a “PR 69” or “PR 68.” If you find a proof quarter that has been “cabinet worn” or pulled from circulation, its value will drop closer to its silver melt value.
| Grade Scale | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | Flawless surfaces, extreme contrast between frost and mirror. |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | Nearly perfect, may have 1 or 2 microscopic marks. |
| PR 60 – PR 65 | Visible hairline scratches or dulling of the mirror finish. |
| Impaired Proof | Circulated or cleaned; looks scratched or dark. |
Storing these coins in their original US Mint plastic lenses is the best way to preserve their value. If the coin is “raw” (out of its holder), be very careful to only hold it by the edges. The oils from your skin can permanently damage the silver surface.
Mintage Numbers and Rarity Comparison
In 2011, the San Francisco Mint produced 574,175 Vicksburg Silver Proof Quarters. While half a million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the nearly 40 million Vicksburg quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver for circulation.
This low mintage is what keeps the 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter in high demand among collectors trying to complete their America the Beautiful sets. When compared to other years in the series, 2011 had relatively low production numbers across the board for silver proofs, which has led to a steady increase in value over the last decade.
If you are building a collection, CoinKnow can help you track which coins you have and which ones are currently selling for a premium on auction sites. Seeing the mintage figures in context helps you understand why some quarters are worth 25 cents and others are worth $25.
Compared to the 2010 silver proofs, the 2011 releases are slightly more common, but they still carry a significant premium over the 2019-2021 releases, which changed to .999 fine silver but were produced in varying quantities. The 90% silver era (2010-2018) remains a sweet spot for many hobbyists.
Where to Sell Your 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter
If you discover that you have a high-grade Vicksburg Silver Quarter, you have several options for selling it. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they generally pay wholesale prices (around 60-70% of the retail value).
For the highest return, online marketplaces like eBay or GreatCollections are popular. However, selling online requires good photography and a solid reputation. If your coin is a “Perfect 70” grade, you might even consider sending it to a professional grading service first to maximize its auction potential.
| Selling Venue | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|
| Coin Shop | Fast cash, low risk; lower payout. |
| eBay | Maximum exposure; fees and shipping hassle. |
| Numismatic Auctions | Best for PR 70 coins; slow process. |
Always do your research before selling. Look for “Sold” listings rather than “Active” listings to see what people are actually paying. Many sellers list coins for thousands of dollars, but they rarely sell for those prices unless they have a rare error.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a silver Vicksburg quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. Most silver quarters were sold in sets, but sometimes they are broken out and spent by accident. If you find one, it will likely be “impaired” and worth mostly its silver weight.
Q: How can I tell if my 2011 quarter is silver without an app?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. A silver quarter will be solid silver-colored. A regular quarter will have a visible copper stripe. Also, silver quarters have a higher-pitched “ring” when gently tapped.
Q: Is the 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter a good investment?
A: While they shouldn’t be your only investment, silver proofs have historically held their value well because they combine precious metal content with collector demand.
Q: What is the most expensive 2011-S Vicksburg Silver Quarter ever sold?
A: Perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the grading company and the timing of the auction. Error versions, if found, could be worth significantly more.