2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter Value: Price Guide & History
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.50 for a standard clad proof to over $500 for a rare silver specimen in perfect condition. Finding one of these in your change is a great surprise, as they represent a unique moment in the “America the Beautiful” series honoring a legendary American president.
| Coin Version | Estimated Value (Ungraded) | Top Grade Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-S Clad Proof | $1.00 – $5.00 | $15+ |
| 2016-S Silver Proof | $10.00 – $18.00 | $50+ |
| 2016-S Business Strike (NIFC) | $0.50 – $3.00 | $400+ (MS68) |
History of the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter
The 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter is the 34th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This commemorative series started in 2010 to celebrate national parks and sites across the United States. If you aren’t sure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to quickly recognize the mint mark and finish.
The San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Historically, San Francisco only produced “Proof” coins intended for collectors, but starting in 2012, they began producing a small number of “Business Strike” quarters that were not released into general circulation. These are known as NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) coins.
When you use CoinKnow to track your collection, you’ll notice that these “S” minted coins are far rarer than the common Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) quarters. Because they weren’t released in banks, finding one in your pocket change usually means someone broke open a collector set to spend it.
The design features Theodore Roosevelt on horseback in front of the Little Missouri River in North Dakota. This site is significant because Roosevelt’s time in the badlands transformed him into the “Conservationist President.” The level of detail on the horse and the rocky terrain makes this one of the most visually stunning coins in the series.
Calculating the 2016-S Quarter Value for Clad and Silver
There are two major metal compositions for the 2016-S quarter. The most common is the Copper-Nickel Clad version. However, for serious collectors, the Mint also produced silver versions which contain 90% silver. Distinguishing between the two is vital for determining the Theodore Roosevelt quarter’s true market value before you try to sell it.
Checking the edge of the coin is the easiest way to tell the difference. A clad coin will show a copper stripe along the edge, while a silver coin will appear solid silver-white. Silver quarters are always worth their melt value at a minimum, but as a proof coin, they carry a significant numismatic premium.
Many users of CoinKnow find that grading plays a massive role in the price. A clad proof might only be worth a few dollars, but a Silver Proof in a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade can command high prices at auction.
| Metal Composition | Mintage Volume | Silver Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | ~1,100,000 (Calculated) | 0.00 oz |
| 90% Silver Proof | ~435,000 | 0.1808 oz |
The Rarity of the 2016-S Business Strike Mint Mark
As mentioned earlier, the San Francisco Mint produced “Business Strike” (non-proof) quarters that were sold in rolls and bags directly to collectors. Because these were never sent to the Federal Reserve to be circulated, they are much harder to find than P or D quarters.
While the “S” quarters for Roosevelt National Park are rare in circulation, the current 2016 coin pricing data shows that even “common” Mint State coins from 2016 can be worth money if they are in pristine condition.
Most “S” business strikes are found in MS65 or MS66 condition. If you manage to find one in MS68 or higher, you are looking at a coin worth several hundred dollars. Collectors often search through the original Mint rolls to find that one perfect specimen without any scratches or “bag marks.”
For a quick check on the rarity of your find, open CoinKnow and compare your coin’s luster to the high-definition photos in the app. If your coin has a frosty, mirror-like finish, it is likely a proof. If it looks like a standard quarter but has the “S” mark, it is the more elusive business strike.
Key Design Features and Theodore Roosevelt’s Legacy
The reverse design of this coin was created by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It portrays a young Theodore Roosevelt on his horse, which is a nod to his vigorous lifestyle and his founding of the Rough Riders. The inscription “Theodore Roosevelt” and “North Dakota” wrap around the top edge.
Teddy Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation of the United States Forest Service and signed the Antiquities Act of 1906. This makes the 2016 quarter more than just money; it is a piece of environmental history. Collectors of the “America the Beautiful” series often focus on the Roosevelt quarter because of the personal connection many Americans have with the 26th President.
When evaluating the coin, look closely at Roosevelt’s face and the texture of the horse’s coat. In high-grade specimens, these details are sharp. If the coin is worn down, the details will look blurry, which significantly reduces its value to collectors.
| Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Condition Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G4) – Very Fine (VF20) | Noticeable wear, scratches from use. | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | Trace wear on high points (horse’s shoulder). | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Mint State (MS65) | High luster, very few marks. | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| MS67 and Above | Near perfect under magnification. | $100.00+ |
Errors to Look for on the 2016-S Quarter
While no “major” legendary errors have been widely reported for the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt Quarter, minor errors can still be found. Error hunters look for “Die Chips,” particularly in the rocky areas of the North Dakota landscape or around the horse’s legs.
Another error to keep an eye out for is a “Doubled Die.” This occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice, creating a slight “shadow” or doubling on the letters of “United States of America” or “In God We Trust.” Even a minor doubled die on an “S” mint quarter can double or triple its value.
“Off-center” strikes are another rare find. If the coin was not perfectly centered when the dies came down, part of the design might be missing. Because the San Francisco Mint has much tighter quality control than the larger Philadelphia mint, errors on “S” quarters are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by specialists.
If you suspect you have an error coin, be careful not to clean it. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth can destroy its value. Instead, use a magnifying glass to inspect the details and compare it to standard versions shown in your coin guides.
How to Store and Protect Your 2016-S Quarter
If you find a 2016-S quarter in high grade, you need to protect it from the air and moisture. Silver proof coins are especially susceptible to “toning” or tarnishing, which can turn the bright silver surface black or brown over time.
Most collectors use cardboard “2×2” holders or plastic capsules. If you have a coin that you believe is in perfect condition (MS68 or higher), you might consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A professionally graded “S” business strike can be a centerpiece of a modern quarter collection.
Regardless of whether you collect for profit or for fun, the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt quarter is a fantastic bridge between American history and modern numismatics. It reminds us of a president who fought for the wilderness we still enjoy today.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2016 quarter have an “S” mint mark if it’s not a proof?
A: Starting in 2012, the San Francisco Mint began producing small quantities of business-strike quarters for collectors. These are rarer than standard P or D quarters and were sold in special bags and rolls, though some eventually make it into circulation.
Q: Is the 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt quarter made of real silver?
A: It depends on the version. Standard 2016-S quarters are made of copper and nickel. However, the Mint also produced a 90% silver version specifically for proof sets. Check the edge of the coin: if you see a copper line, it is clad; if it is solid silver-colored, it is likely silver.
Q: How many 2016-S Theodore Roosevelt quarters were made?
A: The mintage for the 2016-S business strike was roughly 1,061,000. For the proofs, the clad version had a mintage of about 1.1 million, and the silver proof version had a mintage of approximately 435,000. These are much lower numbers than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia and Denver.
Q: Can I find a 2016-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is possible but rare. Since these coins were not released to banks for circulation, they usually enter the “wild” when a collector spends them by accident or when a proof set is broken apart. Always check your change!
