2016-D Fort Moultrie Quarter Value: Price Guide and Rarities
The 2016-D Fort Moultrie Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in worn condition to over $35 for high-grade Mint State specimens. While most of these quarters you find in your pocket change are only worth a quarter, certain errors and high-quality strikes can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $0.25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $35.00+ |
Understanding the 2016-D Fort Moultrie Quarter
The 2016-D Fort Moultrie quarter is part of the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) Quarters Program, which began in 2010 to commemorate national parks and historic sites. This specific coin honors the Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument) in South Carolina. If you are unsure exactly which coin you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mint marks.
The Denver Mint produced 142,200,000 of these quarters in 2016. Because the mintage was quite high—over 142 million—the vast majority of these coins are still in circulation today. Everyday Americans find these in their grocery change or laundromat returns frequently. To see how this mintage compares to others in the series, you can check the 2016 quarter value overview.
For the average person, the challenge is determining if their coin is “special.” Most circulated coins show scratches, dings, and dullness from years of changing hands. However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came from a fresh roll, you might want to look closer. Using tools like CoinKnow can make this process faster, as the app allows you to scan the coin’s surface to detect imperfections that the naked eye might miss.
Key Design Features and Symbols
The reverse (tails) of the 2016 Fort Moultrie quarter is rich in historical symbolism. It depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the ramparts of the fort while a British ship attacks in the background. The inscription “SULLIVAN’S ISLAND” refers to the specific location of the fort during the Revolutionary War battle in 1776. This historical significance often drives interest among history buffs, even if the financial value isn’t always sky-high.
On the obverse (heads), you will see the familiar portrait of George Washington, used on the quarter since 1932. To identify a “D” mint mark coin, look to the right of Washington’s ponytail. You should see a small “D” indicating it was struck at the Denver Mint. If the coin is in pristine condition, it may be worth researching the current price trends for ATB quarters to see if MS-grade coins are rising in popularity.
When examining these design features, look for sharp details in the soldier’s uniform and the flag’s folds. On a circulated coin, these high points are the first to wear down. Collectors pay the most for coins where the “palmetto log” texture of the fort is still clearly visible. If you are struggling to see these details, the CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution references to compare against your find.
Current Market Value and Grading
As with all modern coinage, “condition is king.” A 2016-D quarter that has spent years in pockets will rarely be worth more than $0.25. However, collectors use the Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 to 70, to determine a coin’s precise numerical grade. A grade of MS60 (Mint State) indicates a coin that has never been in circulation but might have “bag marks” from when it was stored at the mint.
For those curious about the financial breakdown, the following table illustrates how the price shifts as the grade increases. For the 2016-D specifically, the value jumps significantly once you reach the MS67 level, as very few coins survive without a single scratch.
| Sheldon Grade | Market Label | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| MS60-MS63 | Uncirculated | $0.75 – $2.50 |
| MS64-MS65 | Choice Mint State | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| MS66 | Gem Mint State | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| MS67 | Superb Gem | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| MS68 | Registry Quality | $150.00+ |
Rare Errors to Look For
Modern minting processes are very efficient, but mistakes still happen. Error coins are the “holy grail” for change hunters because a single mistake can turn a 25-cent coin into a $100 prize. Some common errors found on ATB quarters include “Doubled Dies,” where the design appears to have a shadow or a second layering due to the die being struck twice incorrectly.
Another common error is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the side. There are also “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side, leaving a blank crescent on the other. If you suspect you have found an error, using CoinKnow to zoom in and compare your coin to known error databases is a smart first step.
The Fort Moultrie release has had some reported minor “Die Chips,” where extra bits of metal appear in areas like the flag or the soldier’s hat. While these aren’t always worth a fortune, they can add $5 to $10 to the value of an otherwise ordinary quarter. Finding a significant error on a 2016-D Fort Moultrie quarter is rare, but that is exactly why they are so valuable to enthusiasts.
How to Handle and Store Your Quarters
If you find a 2016-D quarter that looks exceptionally shiny and scratch-free, the first rule is: do not clean it! Many newcomers think that polishing a coin until it sparkles will increase its value. In reality, cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth creates microscopic scratches that destroy the “numismatic” value. Professional collectors prefer “original” surfaces, even if they have a bit of natural toning or aging.
To preserve the value of a high-grade quarter, handle it only by the edges. The oils from your fingertips can leave permanent marks over time. Store the coin in a PVC-free flip, a cardboard “2×2,” or a plastic capsule. This protects the coin from humidity and physical damage, ensuring that its grade remains stable.
Remember that most 2016-D quarters are “face value” coins. You don’t need to baby every quarter you find, but if you have one that looks like it belongs in a museum, proper storage is essential. Keeping your best finds organized also makes it easier to track your collection’s total value as prices fluctuate in the market.
| Mint Mark | Production Volume | Rarity Score |
|---|---|---|
| D (Denver) | 142.2 Million | Common |
| P (Philadelphia) | 154.4 Million | Common |
| S (San Francisco – Proof) | ~1.1 Million | Scarce |
Conclusion
The 2016-D Fort Moultrie Quarter is a beautiful piece of American history that you can likely find in your change today. While most are worth just 25 cents, keeping an eye out for Mint State specimens and manufacturing errors can be a rewarding hobby. Whether you are a casual hunter or a dedicated collector, these coins represent the bravery of the Revolutionary War and the skill of the Denver Mint. Always check your change—you never know when a rare treasure might land in your hand!
FAQ
Q: Why is the “D” mint mark important?
A: The “D” stands for the Denver Mint. While the Denver and Philadelphia (“P”) mintages for the Fort Moultrie quarter are similar in size, collectors often try to find examples from both to complete sets. Occasionally, one mint will have a better strike quality than the other for a specific year.
Q: Can I find a Silver 2016-D Fort Moultrie Quarter?
A: No. Silver versions of the 2016 Fort Moultrie quarter were only struck at the San Francisco Mint and bear an “S” mint mark. These were sold in special sets and were not intended for general circulation. Denver-minted quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2016-D quarter professionally graded?
A: Generally, it is only worth paying for professional grading (like PCGS or NGC) if the coin is in near-perfect condition (MS67 or higher). Since grading fees usually start around $20-$30, the coin’s value needs to exceed that cost to make it a smart investment.
Q: What should I do if I find an error coin?
A: If you find an error, avoid touching the surfaces and place it in a protective holder immediately. You can use the CoinKnow app to research similar errors and see what they have sold for at auctions recently to get a baseline for its value.
