Launched in 1999, the 50 Statehood Quarters Program became the most celebrated coin series in American numismatic history. Designed to honor each U.S. state in the order it joined the Union, the program began with five quarters featuring the first states to ratify the Constitution. Each coin was released for only ten weeks, adding to their rarity and collector appeal.
Initial Five 1999 Quarters and Their Circulation Dates
- Delaware – Released on January 4, 1999
- Pennsylvania – Released on March 8, 1999
- New Jersey – Released on May 17, 1999
- Georgia – Released on July 19, 1999
- Connecticut – Released on October 12, 1999
Mintage Numbers for 1999 Quarters
In total, over 4.45 billion quarters were produced in 1999. Here’s a breakdown:
- Philadelphia Mint (P): Produced hundreds of millions for each state
- Denver Mint (D): Similar production numbers as Philadelphia
- San Francisco Mint (S): Made proof and silver proof versions (only for collectors)
Design Details of the 1999 Quarters
All 1999 quarters feature George Washington on the front, designed by John Flanagan and updated by William Cousins. The reverse of each coin presents symbols unique to each state:
- Delaware: Caesar Rodney on horseback
- Pennsylvania: Commonwealth statue and state outline
- New Jersey: Washington crossing the Delaware River
- Georgia: Peach with oak leaves
- Connecticut: The historic Charter Oak tree
Specifications of the 1999 Quarters
- Diameter: 24.257 mm
- Weight: 5.67 g (clad), 6.25 g (silver proof)
- Composition: 91.67% copper with nickel, or 90% silver for proofs
- Edge: Reeded with 119 reeds
Value Chart for 1999 Quarters
| Coin Type | MS60 | MS65 | PR65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (P) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Delaware (D) | $3 | $6 | – |
| Delaware Proof (S) | – | – | $8 |
| Delaware Silver Proof (S) | – | – | $13 |
| Pennsylvania (P) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Pennsylvania (D) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Pennsylvania Proof (S) | – | – | $8 |
| Pennsylvania Silver Proof (S) | – | – | $7 |
| New Jersey (P) | $3 | $5 | – |
| New Jersey (D) | $3 | $7 | – |
| New Jersey Proof (S) | – | – | $8 |
| New Jersey Silver Proof (S) | – | – | $10 |
| Georgia (P) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Georgia (D) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Georgia Proof (S) | – | – | $8 |
| Georgia Silver Proof (S) | – | – | $7 |
| Connecticut (P) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Connecticut (D) | $3 | $5 | – |
| Connecticut Proof (S) | – | – | $8 |
| Connecticut Silver Proof (S) | – | – | $12 |
Grading System for 1999 Quarters
Coin grading follows the Sheldon scale, from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). Mint State (MS) and Proof (PR) ratings determine how much collectors are willing to pay.
Estimated Market Value by Mint
Philadelphia Mint (P)
- Most are worth $0.25 in circulated condition
- MS64 coins can fetch $3
- MS65 examples go for $5–$8
- Top values include:
- Delaware MS66: Up to $4,888
- Georgia MS65: Up to $4,200
- Connecticut MS68: Up to $4,362
Denver Mint (D)
- Common grades worth face value
- MS64 and MS65 pieces range from $3 to $5
- MS66 or higher can be valuable:
- Pennsylvania MS68: $8,750
- New Jersey MS68: $8,850
- Georgia MS68: $6,250
San Francisco Mint (S) Proofs
- Clad proof coins (PR65–PR69) typically valued at $8–$20
- Silver proofs start around $7–$10
- Delaware PR70 silver can reach $675, with one sold for $17,250
Notable 1999 Quarter Errors and Their Value
Various minting errors increase value significantly:
- Experimental planchet (P): $4,800–$9,800
- Obverse brockage (Connecticut): Over $3,000
- Double die (Pennsylvania): Up to $2,500
- Struck on feeder finger: Around $1,000
- Multiple strike and cap die errors: Up to $1,600
- Off-center strikes and clips: $100–$1,000
High-Value 1999 Quarters Sold at Auction
Some of the most expensive 1999 quarters include:
- 1999 S PR70 DCAM Delaware Silver: $17,250
- 1999 P MS67 Pennsylvania: $10,200
- 1999 S PR70 Georgia Silver: $6,038
- 1999 P MS66 Delaware: $4,888
- 1999 P MS67 Connecticut: $4,362
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a 1999 quarter rare?
Rare varieties include MS68-graded coins and those with minting errors like brockage or off-center strikes.
Which 1999 quarter is worth the most?
The 1999 S PR70 Delaware silver proof quarter is the most valuable, selling for $17,250 at auction.
Are 1999 quarters worth keeping?
Yes, high-grade or error 1999 quarters are collectible and can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
Where can I sell 1999 quarters?
You can sell them online on auction sites, coin dealer platforms, or through professional coin appraisal services.