2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter Value and Collector Guide
The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade proof states. This beautiful coin, part of the America the Beautiful series, is a favorite among everyday Americans who discover that “S” mint mark in their change or inherited collections.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Average Wear | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Proof (PR69) | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR70) | $45.00 – $75.00+ |
Understanding the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter Specifications
The 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is a unique entry in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. Unlike the standard quarters you use at the vending machine, this specific “S” mint mark version was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. If you’ve found one, the first thing you should do is use a free coin identifier app to confirm whether your coin is actually the silver version or the copper-nickel clad version, as the Mint produced both at the San Francisco facility that year.
The silver version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It weighs 6.25 grams, which is significantly heavier than the 5.67 grams of a standard quarter. Because of this high precious metal content, these coins have a “melt value” that provides a floor for their price. However, you should never melt them down! Their numismatic value, or the value to collectors, almost always exceeds the price of raw silver.
If you are unsure of what you have, CoinKnow can help you instantly distinguish between the clad and silver versions by analyzing the coin’s luster and strike details through your smartphone camera. Many beginners mistake the “S” mint mark for an automatic fortune, but the silver composition is what truly sets this specific 2013 issue apart from the millions of coins produced in Philadelphia and Denver.
Silver Content and Melt Value of the Great Basin Quarter
Because the 2013-S silver quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, its price is inherently linked to the global silver market. As silver prices fluctuate, so does the 2013 Great Basin silver quarter price. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
Collectors usually ignore the melt value and focus on the “S” mint mark and the proof finish. These coins were never intended for circulation. They were sold in sets, such as the 2013 Silver Proof Set. If you find one in a pocket change jar, it likely means someone broke open a collector set to spend the money. This is rare, but it happens more often than you might think.
When checking your pocket change, look at the edge of the coin. A standard quarter will show a copper-colored stripe. A silver quarter will be solid bright silver through and through. Using CoinKnow to track the daily fluctuations in silver spot prices can help you decide the best time to sell or trade your silver quarters.
| Metal Composition | Silver Weight (Troy Oz) | Total Weight (Grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 0.1808 oz | 6.25g |
Analyzing the Design of the 2013 Great Basin Quarter
The reverse design of the 2013 Great Basin quarter features a majestic Bristlecone Pine tree. These trees are famous for being some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, found within the rugged terrain of Great Basin National Park in Nevada. The design is intricate, showing the twisted trunk and needles of the tree against a backdrop of rocky hills.
On the obverse (front) of the coin, you will find the familiar profile of George Washington. This particular portrait was restored from the original 1932 design by John Flanagan to provide more detail and depth for the America the Beautiful series. When examining your coin, look for the “S” mint mark located to the right of Washington’s ponytail.
The strike quality on these silver proof coins is much higher than that of the coins found in general circulation. Look at the Great Basin quarter coin price records to see how much of a premium collectors pay for “Deep Cameo” finishes, where the frosted design contrasts sharply against a mirror-like background. These high-end visuals are what make the 2013-S Silver Quarter a centerpiece for many modern collections.
How Grading Impacts the 2013-S Silver Quarter Value
Pricing for the 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter is heavily dependent on the “grade” or condition of the coin. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were struck as proofs, most will grade between PR67 and PR70. A PR70 coin is considered “perfect” and can command a much higher price because there are no visible imperfections even under 5x magnification.
If your coin has hairline scratches or fingerprint oils, the grade will drop significantly. Silver is a soft metal and is very susceptible to damage. Even wiping a coin with a soft cloth can leave “hairlines” that drastically reduce its market value. If you suspect you have a high-grade specimen, avoid touching the surface and keep it in a protective plastic flip or capsule.
Using CoinKnow, you can compare your coin against high-resolution images of various grades. This allows you to estimate whether it is worth paying a professional service like PCGS or NGC to officially grade the coin. For most 2013-S silver quarters, professional grading is only worth the cost if the coin has a strong chance of reaching a PR70 grade.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 (Choice Proof) | A few minor marks or hairlines. | $12 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | Virtually flawless to the naked eye. | $22 |
| PR70 (Perfect) | Zero flaws under 5x magnification. | $65+ |
Rarity and Mintage Figures for 2013 Silver Quarters
The rarity of a coin is often determined by its mintage—the number of coins produced by the Mint. In 2013, the San Francisco Mint struck a limited number of silver quarters for the Great Basin design. While hundreds of millions of quarters were minted for general circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, only about 835,283 Great Basin Silver Proof Quarters were produced.
While 800,000+ may sound like a large number, in the world of coin collecting, it is relatively low. For Comparison, the 2013-P Great Basin quarters had a mintage of over 122 million. This rarity is why a silver proof version is much more valuable than the one you would find at a grocery store.
Investors often look at these mintage numbers to predict future value. Because the America the Beautiful series is widely collected, there is a constant demand for these “S” mint mark silver coins. Keeping an eye on the supply and demand through resources like collector forums and price guides will help you understand the long-term potential of your 2013-S Silver Quarter.
Where to Sell Your 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter
If you’ve decided it’s time to part with your coin, you have several options. For a quick sale, local coin shops are a great resource. They will typically offer you a price slightly below the retail market value so they can make a profit upon resale. This is the fastest way to turn your coin into cash.
Online marketplaces like eBay are also popular. You can often get a higher price on eBay, but you will have to deal with shipping, fees, and the risk of returns. When listing your coin, make sure to take clear, high-resolution photos of both the front and back. Mention the “S” mint mark and the silver content clearly in your title to attract the right buyers.
Lastly, for very high-grade coins (PR70), auction houses might be the best route. However, for a standard 2013-S Great Basin Silver Quarter worth around $20, a local dealer or a direct sale to another collector is usually the most efficient method. Always check current “sold” listings rather than “asking” prices to get a realistic idea of what people are actually paying.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S Great Basin quarter is silver or clad?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper-colored stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh the coin: silver quarters weigh 6.25g, while clad quarters weigh 5.67g.
Q: Is a 2013-S Great Basin quarter found in circulation worth anything?
A: Yes! Even if it is circulated, a silver version is worth at least its weight in silver (usually $8-$10). If it is a clad “S” mint mark quarter (not silver), it is still worth a premium over face value to collectors, usually $1 to $3.
Q: What does “Deep Cameo” mean for this coin?
A: Deep Cameo (DCAM) refers to a proof coin where there is a very strong contrast between the frosted design (the tree and Washington) and the mirror-like background fields. This is a highly desirable trait for collectors.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2013 Great Basin quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (the side with George Washington), just to the right of the ribbon in Washington’s hair. You are looking for a small “S” for San Francisco.
