2021 S Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value and Rarity Guide
The 2021 S Crossing the Delaware Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $25 cents in circulated condition to over $100 for high-grade proof specimens. While most found in change are common, certain versions of this coin are highly sought after by collectors looking to complete their sets.
Finding the Value of Your 2021 S Washington Quarter
If you have discovered a shiny 2021 quarter in your pocket, the first thing to check is the mint mark. Most of these coins were minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for general circulation. However, the “S” mint mark indicates the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike earlier decades where “S” quarters were only for collectors, in 2021, these were released in specific sets and occasionally found their way into the hands of the public. If you are unsure what you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a special specimen.
Common circulated examples of the 2021-S are generally worth their face value or a small premium to a collector. However, when the coin is in “Proof” condition—meaning it has a mirror-like finish and frosted details—the value increases significantly. Many everyday Americans use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan their change and see if they have stumbled upon a proof coin that was accidentally spent. Because the design featuring George Washington crossing the Delaware River was a one-year-only release, it attracts more attention than the standard “America the Beautiful” series.
Understanding Different 2021 S Quarter Finishes
The value of your 2021-S quarter depends heavily on whether it is a “Clad” proof or a “Silver” proof. The San Francisco Mint produced both versions. A clad proof is made of the same copper-nickel tea-sandwich composition as normal quarters, while the silver version is 99.9% fine silver. You can check the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe with no copper showing, you have the more valuable silver version. Collectors often track the current market rates for 2021 quarters to ensure they aren’t selling a silver treasure for face value.
For those who enjoy hunting for high-grade coins, the condition is everything. A 2021-S Clad Proof in a perfect PR70 grade can fetch a decent price at auction. Even if your coin isn’t perfect, it remains a beautiful piece of American history, depicting the iconic 1776 crossing that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. If you find a version with a “W” mint mark from West Point, you have hit an even bigger jackpot, though the “S” remains a favorite for its superior strike quality.
2021 S Crossing the Delaware Quarter Price Chart
Determining the exact price of your coin requires looking at its specific type and condition. Below is a guide to the average market prices for these 2021 San Francisco minted quarters.
| Coin Type / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2021-S Clad Proof (PR65) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 2021-S Clad Proof (PR70) | $25.00 – $40.00 |
| 2021-S Silver Proof (PR67) | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| 2021-S Silver Proof (PR70) | $100.00+ |
What Makes the 2021 S Quarter Special?
The 2021 “Crossing the Delaware” design was a transitional issue. It replaced the America the Beautiful series before the launch of the American Women Quarters in 2022. Because this design was only used for part of one year, the mintage numbers for certain finishes are lower than usual. Many hobbyists look for the high-grade 2021 quarter price data to compare how this specific San Francisco issue stacks up against the Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
While most 2021-S quarters were sold directly to collectors in sets, enough of them have leaked into circulation to make “pocket change hunting” exciting again. Using an app like CoinKnow helps you stay updated on which specific varieties are trending in value. If you find one that looks exceptionally shiny or has no copper on the edge, keep it in a protective sleeve to maintain its condition. Every scratch or fingerprint can lower the grade and, subsequently, the price you might get from a local coin shop or online buyer.
How to Identify and Protect Your 2021 Quarter
Identification is the first step toward profit. Look closely at the right side of George Washington’s bust on the obverse (the heads side). The tiny letter “S” is your key to value. If the coin has a very deep, mirror-like reflection where you can see your face clearly, it is a proof. If it looks more like a standard quarter but still has the “S,” it may have come from a special uncirculated set. Because the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware quarter is relatively modern, its value is highly sensitive to “eye appeal.”
To preserve the value of your find, avoid cleaning it with chemicals or scrubbing it with a cloth. Even a soft cloth can leave micro-scratches that professional graders will spot instantly. Instead, hold the coin only by its edges. By using tools like CoinKnow, you can catalog your collection and track the 2021-S quarter value over time as these coins become harder to find in the wild. As years pass, these transitional designs often become the “keys” to a complete series, making them a great small investment for the average American.
Q: Is the 2021 S quarter made of real silver?
A: Only the specific “Silver Proof” versions are 99.9% silver. You can tell the difference by looking at the edge; if it’s solid silver with no copper stripe, it’s the silver version.
Q: Can I find a 2021 S quarter in my pocket change?
A: While they were not intended for general circulation, collectors often break open sets or spend them by accident, so it is possible to find them “in the wild.”
Q: How much is a 2021 S Crossing the Delaware quarter worth?
A: Most circulated examples are worth roughly $1 to $5 to a collector, while high-grade Silver Proofs can be worth between $20 and $100 depending on the condition and certification.
