How Much is a 2002 S Mississippi State Quarter Worth Today
The 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in standard Clad Proof condition to over $35 for Silver Proof versions in perfect grades. Finding one of these “S” mint marked coins in your pocket change is an exciting discovery that often signals a value well above its twenty-five-cent face value.
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Mark and Proof Quality
If you look closely at the right side of George Washington’s portrait, you might see a small “S” instead of the common “P” or “D” marks. This indicates the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the quarters we use to buy groceries, the 2002-S Mississippi quarters were never intended for circulation. They were produced as “Proof” coins specifically for collectors, featuring a mirror-like background and frosted details.
Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets, finding one in the “wild” usually means someone broke open a set and spent it. Even if the coin has a few scratches from being in a wallet, it remains a piece of numismatic history. To get an instant Appraisal on any coin you find, the CoinKnow app is a fantastic resource for identifying specific minting processes.
Silver vs Clad Variations of the Mississippi Quarter
One of the most important factors in determining value is what the coin is made of. In 2002, the U.S. Mint produced two types of “S” quarters: the standard copper-nickel clad and a 90% silver version. If your quarter has a solid silver edge when you look at it from the side, you likely have the silver variety, which is inherently more valuable due to its precious metal content.
Experienced collectors often check the Mississippi state quarter price guide to see how market demand fluctuates for these two types. Generally, the silver version will always command a premium over the clad version, regardless of the coin’s condition, because it can be melted down for its silver value if the collector market ever dips.
Evaluating the Condition and Market Price
When determining how much money you can get for your find, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since “S” quarters are Proofs, they usually start at a high grade. However, if the “mirror” finish is dull or scratched, the value drops significantly. Many people use CoinKnow to photograph their coins and get a better idea of where their specific specimen falls on the grading spectrum.
For those looking for long-term data, checking a comprehensive 2002 state quarter value chart is the best way to see what specialized auctions are paying for “PR70” (perfect) samples. Most 2002-S Mississippi quarters found by everyday Americans will fall into the $3 to $10 range, which is still a massive 4,000% increase over face value!
| Coin Type / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2002-S Mississippi Clad Proof (PR65) | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| 2002-S Mississippi Clad Proof (PR70) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| 2002-S Mississippi 90% Silver Proof (PR65) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| 2002-S Mississippi 90% Silver Proof (PR70) | $45.00+ |
Design Features of the Mississippi “Magnolia State” Quarter
The 2002 Mississippi quarter was the 20th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. The reverse design features two beautiful magnolia blossoms, the state flower, along with the inscription “The Magnolia State.” It was designed by Donna Weaver and captures the elegance of the Southern landscape.
While the design is common, the “S” version’s deep cameo effect—where the magnolias look white and frosted against a black mirror background—is what really draws the eye of collectors. If your coin looks “shiny” but doesn’t have that deep contrast, it might just be a very clean Philadelphia or Denver mint coin. You can always double-check the authenticity using the CoinKnow mobile tool to ensure you aren’t missing a rare error or a silver strike.
FAQ About the 2002-S Mississippi Quarter
Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a copper-colored stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver/white all the way through, it is likely the 90% silver proof version.
Q: Is a 2002-S Mississippi quarter rare?
A: They are less common than P or D quarters because they were only sold in sets. While millions were made, finding one in circulation is considered a lucky “find.”
Q: Where is the best place to sell my 2002-S quarter?
A: Local coin shops are good for quick cash, but online marketplaces like eBay are often better for reaching collectors willing to pay the full guide price for high-quality Proof coins.
