Launched in 1999, the 50 Statehood Quarters Program quickly became one of the most celebrated series in American coin collecting history. Newcomers especially loved the concept of commemorating each state individually. The initial five quarters paid tribute to the first five states that ratified the U.S. Constitution.
Each of these coins was minted for a limited window of ten weeks and was never produced again after that. Since 1999 marked the program’s kickoff, coins from this year continue to attract attention, especially high-quality examples that have grown scarcer, often increasing their market value.
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
In 1999, the U.S. Mint kicked off the 50 Statehood Quarters Program by releasing the first five designs, each representing a state and the date it joined the Union:
- Delaware: First to enter the Union, January 4, 1999.
- Pennsylvania: Released March 8, 1999.
- New Jersey: Released May 17, 1999.
- Georgia: Released July 19, 1999.
- Connecticut: Released October 12, 1999.
The program continued until 2008, ending with Hawaii.
1999 Washington Quarter Types
| Coin Type | Mintage (Cupronickel) | Silver Proofs |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 P Delaware | 373,400,000 | |
| 1999 D Delaware | 401,424,000 | |
| 1999 S Delaware Proof | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| 1999 P Pennsylvania | 349,000,000 | |
| 1999 D Pennsylvania | 358,332,000 | |
| 1999 S Pennsylvania Proof | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| 1999 P New Jersey | 363,200,000 | |
| 1999 D New Jersey | 299,028,000 | |
| 1999 S New Jersey Proof | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| 1999 P Georgia | 451,188,000 | |
| 1999 D Georgia | 488,744,000 | |
| 1999 S Georgia Proof | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
| 1999 P Connecticut | 688,744,000 | |
| 1999 D Connecticut | 657,880,000 | |
| 1999 S Connecticut Proof | 3,713,359 | 804,565 |
Total: 4,453,529,620 coins combined.
Features of the 1999 Quarters
The inaugural five coins featured designs celebrating the first five states to ratify the Constitution. Each quarter displayed George Washington on the front and a state-specific design on the back.
Obverse Design
Each 1999 quarter features John Flanagan’s updated portrait of George Washington. The inscriptions include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- QUARTER DOLLAR
- The mint mark (P, D, or S)
- Designer and engraver initials: JF (John Flanagan) and WC (William Cousins)
Reverse Designs
Each state quarter had a unique reverse image:
- Delaware: Caesar Rodney’s historic horseback ride for the decisive vote in 1776.
- Pennsylvania: The state’s Keystone symbol with the Commonwealth statue.
- New Jersey: Washington crossing the Delaware River.
- Georgia: The peach, live oak sprigs, and the state’s outline.
- Connecticut: The famous Charter Oak, protector of the state’s founding document.
Specifications
- Face Value: $0.25
- Composition: 91.67% copper + nickel for circulating coins; 90% silver for silver proofs.
- Weight: 5.67g (cupronickel), 6.25g (silver).
- Diameter: 24.257 mm
- Thickness: 1.7526 mm
- Edge: Reeded (119 reeds).
Grading Guide for 1999 Quarters
A coin’s value depends largely on its condition, which grading companies determine using the Sheldon Scale (1 to 70).
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 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 State |
| 70 | Perfect Mint State |
1999 P Quarters Value
Most Philadelphia-minted quarters are worth face value unless they’re in superior condition. Here are general values:
- MS 64: $3
- MS 65: $5
- MS 68: $875 to $5,500 depending on the state.
Some standout auction prices:
- 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 a similar value pattern:
- MS 64: $3
- MS 65: $5
- MS 66: Around $20.
Auction highlights:
- 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
For proof sets:
- PR 65 to PR 67: $8 (cupronickel) and $7 (silver).
- PR 68: $8 – $10.
- PR 69: $8 – $24.
- PR 70: $26 – $70 depending on the design.
Top sale: A Delaware PR 70 DCAM silver proof fetched $17,250 in 2007.
1999 Quarters Error List
Even with advanced minting tech, several error coins exist, and many fetch impressive prices:
- Experimental planchet: $4,800 – $9,800.
- Connecticut obverse brockage: $3,000+.
- Pennsylvania S proof DDO error: up to $2,500.
- Mated or bonded pair errors: $2,000 – $3,000.
- Delaware multiple strikes on feeder finger: $1,000.
- New Jersey struck on a 5c planchet: $750 – $1,600.
- Off-center and clipped planchet errors: $70 – $1,000+.
Where to Sell 1999 Quarters
Once you’ve identified your quarter’s value, the next step is finding the right marketplace. Trusted online platforms, local dealers, and coin shows are popular choices. Each offers pros and cons, so research thoroughly before selling.
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.
I just started as a numismatic and learning so much. I’m still enjoying the thrill of the hunt, but found out I have better luck getting coins from my bank, instead of eBay, which in my case have been picked over by the sellers, even when they say they wouldn’t do that.