The 50 Statehood Quarters Program began in 1999 and quickly gained popularity, especially among those new to coin collecting. The idea of honoring each U.S. state individually struck a chord with collectors across the country. The program’s first five quarters celebrated the initial five states that ratified the Constitution.
Each quarter was minted for a short period of only ten weeks and was never reproduced afterward. Because 1999 marked the debut year, coins from this batch are still highly sought after. High-grade examples have become harder to find, often making them more valuable on the collector’s market.
1999 Quarters Value Chart
| Coin Type | MS 60 | MS 65 | PR 65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 P Delaware | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 D Delaware | $3 | $6 | / |
| 1999 S Delaware Proof | / | / | $8 |
| 1999 S Delaware Silver Proof | / | / | $13 |
| 1999 P Pennsylvania | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 D Pennsylvania | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 S Pennsylvania Proof | / | / | $8 |
| 1999 S Pennsylvania Silver Proof | / | / | $7 |
| 1999 P New Jersey | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 D New Jersey | $3 | $7 | / |
| 1999 S New Jersey Proof | / | / | $8 |
| 1999 S New Jersey Silver Proof | / | / | $10 |
| 1999 P Georgia | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 D Georgia | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 S Georgia Proof | / | / | $8 |
| 1999 S Georgia Silver Proof | / | / | $7 |
| 1999 P Connecticut | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 D Connecticut | $3 | $5 | / |
| 1999 S Connecticut Proof | / | / | $8 |
| 1999 S Connecticut Silver Proof | / | / | $12 |
The History Behind 1999 Quarters
The U.S. Mint launched the Statehood Quarters initiative in 1999 by releasing five designs representing states based on their order of joining the Union. Delaware was first, released on January 4, 1999. Pennsylvania followed on March 8, New Jersey on May 17, Georgia on July 19, and Connecticut on October 12.
This coin series ran through 2008, concluding with Hawaii. The release of each coin brought awareness to state history and culture, making the series both educational and collectible.
1999 Washington Quarter Types
The U.S. Mint struck various types of 1999 quarters, including standard circulation coins and proof versions. Some of the more valuable ones are silver proof editions. The following are mintages for each variety:
- 1999 P Delaware: 373,400,000
- 1999 D Delaware: 401,424,000
- 1999 S Delaware Proof: 3,713,359 (804,565 silver)
- 1999 P Pennsylvania: 349,000,000
- 1999 D Pennsylvania: 358,332,000
- 1999 S Pennsylvania Proof: 3,713,359 (804,565 silver)
- 1999 P New Jersey: 363,200,000
- 1999 D New Jersey: 299,028,000
- 1999 S New Jersey Proof: 3,713,359 (804,565 silver)
- 1999 P Georgia: 451,188,000
- 1999 D Georgia: 488,744,000
- 1999 S Georgia Proof: 3,713,359 (804,565 silver)
- 1999 P Connecticut: 688,744,000
- 1999 D Connecticut: 657,880,000
- 1999 S Connecticut Proof: 3,713,359 (804,565 silver)
This adds up to over 4.45 billion coins minted in total for the year.
Features of the 1999 Quarters
These quarters highlighted the unique heritage of the first five states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The series combined traditional obverse designs with fresh, state-themed reverse imagery, making each coin distinctive.
Obverse Design
All 1999 quarters carried the same front design featuring George Washington, originally crafted by John Flanagan and later updated by William Cousins. Key inscriptions include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- QUARTER DOLLAR
- Mint marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco)
- Designer initials: JF and WC
Reverse Designs
Each state quarter showcased a customized back design:
- Delaware: Caesar Rodney on horseback, commemorating his ride for the vote of independence.
- Pennsylvania: A keystone symbol, the outline of the state, and the statue “Commonwealth.”
- New Jersey: Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River.
- Georgia: A peach, oak sprigs, and the state’s shape.
- Connecticut: The historic Charter Oak, representing freedom and independence.
Specifications
- Face Value: 25 cents
- Metal Content: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel for regular coins; 90% silver in silver proofs
- Weight: 5.67g for regular, 6.25g for silver
- Diameter: 24.257 mm
- Thickness: 1.7526 mm
- Edge: Reeded with 119 reeds
Grading Guide for 1999 Quarters
Coin grading determines the condition and value of a quarter. The Sheldon Scale ranges from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). Here’s how the grading breaks down:
- 1: Basal State
- 2: Fair
- 3: Very Fair
- 4–6: Good
- 7–10: Very Good
- 12–15: Fine
- 20–30: Very Fine
- 40: Extremely Fine
- 50: About Uncirculated
- 60: Mint State
- 65: Gem Mint
- 70: Perfect Condition
1999 P Quarters Value
Quarters minted in Philadelphia typically hold minimal value in circulated condition, but high-grade pieces can fetch premium prices. Approximate values include:
- MS 64: $3
- MS 65: $5
- MS 68: Between $875 and $5,500, depending on the design
Notable auction records:
- Delaware (MS 66): $4,888
- Pennsylvania (MS 67): $10,200
- New Jersey (MS 68): $2,354
- Georgia (MS 65): $4,200
- Connecticut (MS 68): $4,362
1999 D Quarters Value
Denver-minted quarters follow similar trends. Basic condition values are low, but high-grade versions can be worth significantly more:
- MS 64: $3
- MS 65: $5
- MS 66: Around $20
Top sales include:
- Delaware (MS 64): $1,380
- Pennsylvania (MS 68): $8,750
- New Jersey (MS 68): $8,850
- Georgia (MS 68): $6,250
- Connecticut (MS 68): $2,300
1999 S Proof Quarters Value
Proof quarters were produced with extra care for collectors, and their values vary by condition and material:
- PR 65 to PR 67: Cupronickel $8, Silver $7
- PR 68: $8 to $10
- PR 69: $8 to $24
- PR 70: $26 to $70 based on the state
A standout sale occurred in 2007 when a Delaware silver proof graded PR 70 DCAM sold for $17,250.
1999 Quarters Error List
Despite modern technology, 1999 quarters include several notable errors. These rare mistakes are often worth hundreds or thousands:
- Experimental planchet: $4,800 to $9,800
- Connecticut obverse brockage: over $3,000
- Pennsylvania S proof with doubled die obverse: up to $2,500
- Bonded or mated pair errors: $2,000 to $3,000
- Delaware multiple strikes on feeder finger: about $1,000
- New Jersey on a nickel planchet: $750 to $1,600
- Off-center or clipped planchets: $70 to $1,000+
Where to Sell 1999 Quarters
Once you’ve identified a valuable 1999 quarter, your next step is choosing a place to sell. Trusted platforms include online auction sites, coin dealers, and numismatic shows. Each option has its own advantages, so take time to research and ensure you’re getting the best return for your collectible.
FAQs About 1999 Quarters
Why are some 1999 Quarters considered rare?
Though they’re modern, high-grade pieces and coins with minting errors are much rarer, making them valuable to collectors.
Which 1999 quarters are the most valuable?
Delaware Silver Proof (PR 70 DCAM): $17,250.
Pennsylvania (MS 67): $10,200.
Georgia Silver Proof (PR 70 DCAM): $6,038.
New Jersey (MS 68): $2,354.
Connecticut (MS 68): $4,362.
How much are 1999 quarters worth?
In circulated condition, they’re generally worth face value. High-grade and error coins, however, can range from a few dollars to several thousand.
