Introduction
The 1999-S Delaware State Quarter is one of the maximum exciting and rare coins from the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. Released as part of the inaugural year of this system, this specific coin holds a completely unique area within the hearts of creditors, specifically due to its scarcity and good sized ancient cost.
When combined with its rarity, positive errors and traits, the 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters has been recognized to fetch incredible prices at auctions. If you’re a coin collector or a person simply beginning to discover the fascinating world of numismatics, this article will offer a complete manual to knowledge the value of the 1999-S Delaware zone, why it’s so unique, and how it is able to be really worth millions.
The History of the 50 State Quarters Program
Before diving into the specifics of the 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters, let’s take a quick look at the 50 State Quarters Program initiated by means of the U.S. Mint. The application, which began in 1999 and concluded in 2008, turned into a celebration of each U.S. Country by liberating a completely unique zone layout for every kingdom.
Each kingdom’s sector turned into minted for a year, and the program’s motive changed into to focus on every country’s history, subculture, and landmarks. For the first time ever, the U.S. Mint allowed the public to peer country-particular designs on coins, which generated a large public hobby in coin gathering.

The Delaware State Quarter, released in 1999, turned into the first coin in this outstanding collection, making it traditionally sizable. The coin commemorates Delaware’s reputation as the first nation to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Design of the 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters
The layout of the 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters functions a number of extensive elements. On the obverse, you’ll locate the familiar portrait of George Washington, as seen on all modern-day quarters. On the reverse, the coin showcases a ancient scene in which a colonial soldier, symbolizing Delaware’s contribution to the American Revolution, is pictured. The design additionally consists of the country define of Delaware and its well-known motto, “Liberty and Independence.”
The 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters is part of a larger batch that consists of quarters minted at each the Philadelphia Mint (P) and the San Francisco Mint (S). However, the 1999-S coin sticks out specially due to its shortage and the error versions that make it one of the most valuable coins inside the collection.
Factors Contributing to Exceptional Value
1. Minting Errors
Certain minting errors have significantly increased the value of specific Delaware quarters:
- Spitting Horse Error: A die crack near the horse’s mouth creates the illusion of the horse “spitting”. Coins exhibiting this error, especially in high grades, can command prices ranging from $100 to $5,000 .
- Double Die Obverse: This error results in doubled inscriptions and design elements on the obverse side. Coins with this error are typically valued between $500 and $10,000, depending on their condition .
2. High-Grade Proof Coins
Proof coins, particularly those graded PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM), are highly sought after. The 1999-S Silver Proof Delaware Quarter, with a mintage of 804,565, has been known to fetch prices up to $17,250 in PR70DCAM condition .
3. Unique Discoveries
In rare instances, unique coins have surfaced, fetching extraordinary sums. For example, a 1999 Delaware State Quarter found in a grandmother’s old purse sold for $36,000 at auction . Such discoveries highlight the potential hidden value in everyday items.
How to Identify a Valuable 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters

To determine if you have a unprecedented 1999-S Delaware region that can be really worth millions, right here are some key things to search for:
- Condition and Grade: A ideal, excessive-grade evidence coin is the maximum treasured. Look for coins which have been preserved in first rate condition with no visible flaws or harm.
- Mint Mark: The “S” mint mark denotes that the coin become struck at the San Francisco Mint. This mint mark is a critical feature that distinguishes it from different quarters of the same year.
- Errors: Check for errors characteristics consisting of die cracks, off-middle strikes, double moves, or clipped planchets. These functions can add big price to the coin.
- Professional Authentication: If you watched your coin is valuable, recollect having it professionally graded and authenticated with the aid of a reputable grading company like NGC or PCGS. An professional opinion will help decide the authenticity and circumstance of your coin, which in turn will guide its valuation.
How to Sell a 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters
If you find yourself in ownership of a rare 1999-S Delaware State Quarter that you believe could be well worth millions, you’ve got numerous alternatives for selling or auctioning it:
- Coin Dealers: Many respectable coin sellers specialize in rare and blunders coins. They can provide you a professional appraisal and doubtlessly purchase the coin.
- Online Auction Platforms: Websites like eBay and Heritage Auctions permit dealers to public sale their coins to a international audience. This can from time to time cause competitive bidding, which drives up the price.
- Coin Shows: Attending a coin show or numismatic occasion is a first-rate manner to connect with shoppers and sellers of rare coins.
Conclusion
The 1999-S Delaware Rare State Quarters isn’t simply any other coin—it’s a rare and treasured piece of U.S. Numismatic history. Its restricted mintage, proof coin repute, and capability for errors make it extraordinarily prized by way of creditors. If you are fortunate sufficient to own a 1999-S Delaware region, it may be really worth millions, specially if it’s in first-rate circumstance or functions an extraordinary minting blunders. As with all rare coins, the important thing to maximizing its fee lies in right care, grading, and market information. Keep an eye fixed out for the ones rare error varieties, and you can just have a small fortune for your pocket.
FAQ’s
Where was this coin sold for $21.2 million?
There are no verified public auction records confirming this exact price. It may be a private sale or speculative media report, but ultra-rare coin values can reach these figures if authenticated.
How many 1999-S Delaware proof quarters were made?
Approximately 3,713,359 proof coins were minted, but only a handful (or just one) may be rare enough to command millions.
Are all 1999-S Delaware quarters valuable?
No