The 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in average condition to over $15 or more for proof versions in pristine condition — and certain rare error coins can climb even higher. If you’ve come across one of these coins in your collection or tucked away in a drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Is the 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter?
The 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint and released as part of the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. The “S” mintmark stands for San Francisco, and coins bearing this mark were produced specifically as proof coins — meaning they were made with extra care using polished dies and specially treated planchets to create a mirror-like finish.
These quarters were not intended for everyday circulation. Instead, they were sold in proof sets directly to collectors and coin enthusiasts. That’s why you’ll rarely find one in your pocket change.
If you’ve used a free coin identifier app to scan your coin and it came back as a 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter, that’s a great sign — you may have something worth keeping.
The obverse (front) features the classic portrait of George Washington, and the reverse shows the Pennsylvania state outline, the Commonwealth’s keystone symbol, and the motto “Virtue, Liberty, Independence.”
How Much Is the 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter Worth Today?
The value of a 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter depends mainly on its condition and whether it’s a standard proof or a rare Deep Cameo (DCAM) version. Most people who have these coins own the standard proof version, which is still a nice collectible.
Here’s a quick breakdown of estimated values:
| Grade / Condition | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Standard Proof | $3 – $6 |
| PR-67 | Standard Proof | $6 – $10 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Deep Cameo Proof | $12 – $18 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Deep Cameo Proof (Perfect) | $25 – $50+ |
| Error Coin | Varies | $50 – $200+ |
For up-to-date pricing, you can check detailed 1999 State Quarter price data across different mint states and grades to see how values are trending in today’s market.
What Makes a 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter More Valuable?
Not all 1999-S Pennsylvania quarters are created equal. Several factors can push the value significantly higher than the baseline numbers listed above.
Grade and eye appeal — Coins graded PR-69 or PR-70 by major grading services like PCGS or NGC command a premium. Even a small difference in grade can mean a big jump in price.
Deep Cameo designation — A “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” designation means the coin shows a strong contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like fields. These are the most visually stunning proof coins and the most desirable to collectors.
Errors and varieties — Some 1999-S Pennsylvania quarters were struck with die cracks, doubling on lettering, or other mint errors. These anomalies make a coin unique and can multiply its value several times over. Always examine your coin closely — or better yet, use CoinHix to scan it and get an instant analysis.
Original packaging — If your coin is still sealed in its original U.S. Mint proof set box, that adds to both its appeal and its value.
How to Check the Value of Your 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter
If you want a fast, reliable answer about what your specific coin is worth, technology makes it easier than ever. CoinHix is one of the best tools available for everyday coin finders — just snap a photo of both sides of your coin and the app will identify it, check its grade range, and give you a current market value estimate.
You can also browse comprehensive 1999 quarter value information including mint marks, errors, and what to look for to do your own research before deciding whether to sell, hold, or get your coin professionally graded.
For coins that appear to grade PR-69 or higher, it’s worth submitting them to PCGS or NGC for official certification. A slabbed and graded coin is easier to sell and typically fetches a higher price from serious collectors.
Is the 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter Worth Selling?
For most people, a standard 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter in a proof set is a modest but genuine collectible. It won’t pay your rent, but it’s worth more than face value and makes a great addition to a State Quarters collection.
If your coin grades high or has an error, the picture changes. A PR-70 DCAM or a verified error coin could easily fetch $50 or more — and some errors have sold for hundreds of dollars at auction.
The best approach: use CoinHix to get a quick identification and preliminary value, then consider professional grading if the numbers look promising. Don’t spend or lose a coin that might be worth real money.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter is a proof coin?
A: Proof coins have a distinctly shiny, mirror-like surface on the fields (flat background areas) and a frosted, matte finish on the raised design elements. They also tend to have very sharp, well-defined edges. If your coin looks unusually clean and reflective compared to a normal quarter, it’s likely a proof.
Q: How many 1999-S Pennsylvania quarters were made?
A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 3.7 million 1999-S proof Pennsylvania quarters as part of the annual proof set. While that sounds like a lot, most were bought by collectors and kept intact, making well-preserved examples more desirable over time.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1999-S Pennsylvania quarter?
A: eBay is the most accessible option for selling directly to collectors. For higher-value coins, Heritage Auctions or Great Collections can get competitive bidding from serious buyers. If you want a quick sale, local coin dealers are an option, though they typically offer wholesale prices. Use CoinHix first to get a baseline value so you know what to expect before you sell.
