1999 Quarter Value Guide: Delaware to Connecticut Series

The 1999 State Quarter: America's Most Collected Modern Coin Series

The 1999 State Quarter series launched one of the most successful numismatic programs in U.S. Mint history. Authorized by Public Law 105-124, the 50 State Quarters Program released five coins in 1999—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut—each honoring a state with a unique reverse design. An estimated 147 million Americans participated in collecting the series.

Most circulated 1999 quarters are worth face value. However, the market for these coins reveals a dramatic dichotomy: while over 3.4 billion business strikes entered circulation, very few were preserved in pristine condition. This creates extreme "conditional rarity" at grades MS-67 and MS-68, where values can reach $9,500. The highest values—often five figures—belong to major mint errors struck on experimental planchets intended for the Sacagawea dollar program.

The inaugural 1999 State Quarter series featured five distinct designs

This guide covers all five 1999 designs across business strikes, clad proofs, and 90% silver proofs, with comprehensive pricing, die variety identification, and major error authentication.

How to Identify Your 1999 State Quarter

All 1999 State Quarters share a common obverse (front) design featuring George Washington's portrait, modified from John Flanagan's 1932 design by William Cousins. The mint mark is located on the obverse, to the right of Washington's ponytail (queue).

Mint mark appears on the obverse to the right of Washington's queue (ponytail)

Mint Mark Identification

P = Philadelphia Mint (business strikes only)
D = Denver Mint (business strikes only)
S = San Francisco Mint (proof strikes only)

The Five 1999 Reverse Designs

Delaware (released January 4, 1999): Features Caesar Rodney's famous horseback ride in 1776. Inscriptions include "DELAWARE," "1787," and "THE FIRST STATE." Designer: William Cousins.

Pennsylvania (released March 8, 1999): Depicts the "Commonwealth" statue atop the state capitol dome, alongside a keystone and state outline. Inscriptions include "PENNSYLVANIA," "1787," and "VIRTUE LIBERTY INDEPENDENCE." Designer: John Mercanti.

New Jersey (released May 17, 1999): Shows "Washington Crossing the Delaware," based on Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting. Inscriptions include "NEW JERSEY," "1787," and "CROSSROADS OF THE REVOLUTION." Designer: Alfred Maletsky.

Georgia (released July 19, 1999): Features a peach within an outline of the state, framed by Live Oak sprigs. Inscriptions include "GEORGIA," "1788," and "WISDOM, JUSTICE, MODERATION." Designer: T. James Ferrell.

Connecticut (released October 12, 1999): Depicts the "Charter Oak," a large white oak tree central to Connecticut's colonial history. Inscriptions include "CONNECTICUT," "1788," and "THE CHARTER OAK." Designer: T. James Ferrell.

Business Strike vs. Proof Identification

Business Strikes (P and D mint marks): Struck on standard coining presses for circulation. These have a satin-like luster and may show bag marks even in uncirculated condition.

Proofs (S mint mark): Specially struck multiple times with polished dies. These feature sharp, frosted designs against mirror-like fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs show the strongest contrast.

1999 State Quarter Values: Complete Price Guide

The 1999 State Quarter market is defined by extreme grade sensitivity. Circulated coins of any design are worth face value (25¢). Uncirculated value begins at MS-64 and increases exponentially, particularly at MS-67 and MS-68 where "conditional rarity" dominates pricing. The following tables reflect PCGS Price Guide values as of November 2025.

Grade differences dramatically affect value—note the conditional rarity at MS-68

1999-P Delaware Business Strike

Mintage: 373,400,000

1999-D Delaware Business Strike

Mintage: 401,424,000

1999-P Pennsylvania Business Strike

Mintage: 349,000,000

1999-D Pennsylvania Business Strike

Mintage: 358,332,000

1999-P New Jersey Business Strike

Mintage: 363,200,000

1999-D New Jersey Business Strike

Mintage: 299,028,000

1999-P Georgia Business Strike

Mintage: 451,188,000

1999-D Georgia Business Strike

Mintage: 488,744,000

1999-P Connecticut Business Strike

Mintage: 688,744,000

1999-D Connecticut Business Strike

Mintage: 657,880,000

1999-S Clad Proofs

All 1999-S clad proofs share the same mintage: 3,713,359 (sold only in sets)

PR70DCAM silver proofs commanded high premiums during the Registry Set era

1999-S Silver Proofs

All 1999-S silver proofs share the same mintage: 804,565 (sold only in sets). These coins contain 0.1808 troy ounce of silver, with a current melt value of approximately $8.77 (at $48.52/oz silver).

Grading 1999 State Quarters: Key Diagnostic Points

The 1999 State Quarter market demonstrates extreme sensitivity to grade differences. Understanding wear patterns and strike quality is essential for accurate valuation.

High points of Washington's hair show wear first on business strikes

Business Strike Grades: MS-64 through MS-68

MS-64: An uncirculated coin with noticeable contact marks or bag marks, but still displaying good eye appeal. Luster may be slightly diminished in prime focal areas. This is the entry-level grade for collectible business strikes.

MS-65: A gem uncirculated coin with only minor contact marks, none of which are in prime focal areas. Full original luster is present. This is the most common certified grade for properly stored mint set coins.

MS-66: A premium quality coin with minimal marks, excellent luster, and strong eye appeal. Strike quality becomes increasingly important at this level. Marks, if present, must be very minor.

MS-67: A superb gem coin with virtually mark-free surfaces. Luster must be exceptional, and strike must be full. This grade represents the top 1-2% of surviving business strikes. The value cliff begins here.

MS-68: A coin of extraordinary quality, virtually perfect to the naked eye. Marks, if present, are microscopic and require magnification to see. Strike must be razor-sharp, and luster must be pristine. This grade represents extreme conditional rarity—fewer than 0.1% of business strikes achieve MS-68.

Key High Points for Wear

When distinguishing between mint state and About Uncirculated (AU-58), examine these areas for the first signs of wear:

Obverse (all designs): The highest points are Washington's hair curls, specifically those above and surrounding his ear. Even slight friction on these curls indicates circulation.

Reverse (design-specific):

• Delaware: Caesar Rodney's shoulder and leg; the horse's head and flank
• Pennsylvania: The Commonwealth statue's extended right arm, head, and left hand
• New Jersey: The highest points of the boat and the figures within, particularly Washington
• Georgia: The top curve and highest point of the peach
• Connecticut: The highest, most prominent upper branches of the Charter Oak

Proof Grades: PR-65 through PR-70

PR-65: A proof coin with noticeable hairlines or contact marks on the fields or devices. Cameo contrast may be weak or absent.

PR-67 DCAM: An exceptional proof with minimal hairlines visible only under magnification. Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast is strong, with heavily frosted devices against mirror fields.

PR-69 DCAM: A near-perfect proof with only one or two minuscule imperfections. Deep Cameo contrast is exceptional. This grade represents the vast majority of carefully preserved modern proofs.

PR-70 DCAM: A perfect proof coin under 5x magnification. No hairlines, marks, or imperfections of any kind. Deep Cameo contrast is maximum. This grade represents the Registry Set competition target and commands substantial premiums.

Strike Quality Considerations

Strike quality varies significantly across the 1999 series. Well-struck coins show:

• Complete detail in Washington's hair, particularly the individual curls
• Full definition in the state-specific design elements (the horse's musculature on Delaware, the statue's details on Pennsylvania, etc.)
• Sharp, well-defined reeding on the edge

Weakly struck coins—even if otherwise mark-free—will not achieve the highest grades. This is particularly important at MS-67 and MS-68, where strike quality is a major component of value.

Authentication and Problem Detection

The 1999 State Quarter market, particularly for high-value errors and varieties, requires careful authentication. This section covers the most common authentication challenges.

Clad vs. Silver Proof Identification

The most frequent identification challenge is distinguishing clad proofs (worth modest premiums) from 90% silver proofs (worth considerably more at high grades). Both bear the "S" mint mark and proof finish.

The edge reveals composition: clad shows a copper core, silver is uniformly gray

Method 1: Edge Inspection (Definitive): Examine the reeded edge closely. A clad coin displays visible "sandwich" layers, with a distinct reddish-brown line representing the pure copper core between the outer nickel-copper layers. A silver proof shows a solid, uniform silver-gray color throughout the edge, with no copper core visible.

Method 2: Weight Test: Using a precise digital scale (accurate to 0.01g), weigh the coin. Clad proofs weigh 5.67 grams; silver proofs weigh 6.25 grams. This 0.58-gram difference is easily measurable.

Method 3: Original Packaging: If the coins remain in original U.S. Mint packaging, silver proofs were sold in sets explicitly labeled "Silver Proof Set." However, many coins have been removed from their original packaging over the past 25+ years.

Detecting Cleaned Coins

Cleaned or polished coins lose their numismatic value and revert to face value (or melt value for silver proofs). Identifying cleaning is critical before purchasing raw (ungraded) coins.

Loss of Mint Luster: This is the primary indicator. Genuine uncirculated coins exhibit "mint luster"—a rotating "cartwheel" effect of light that moves across the coin's surface when tilted. Cleaning strips this original luster, leaving the surface looking either unnaturally bright (if recently cleaned) or dull and lifeless (if cleaned long ago). Once luster is lost, it cannot be restored.

Hairline Scratches: Abrasive cleaning methods (polishing cloths, erasers, chemical dips with rubbing) leave clusters of fine, parallel scratches. These "hairlines" are most visible in the flat "fields" (background areas) of the coin when viewed at an angle under strong light. Even seemingly "gem" coins with hairlines will not grade above MS-62 or MS-63.

Unnatural Color or Toning: Coins that have been dipped in harsh chemicals may show an unnatural "white" or overly bright appearance, particularly in recessed areas where chemicals pooled. This is distinctly different from the warm, original luster of an unprocessed coin.

Gold-Plated Counterfeits

A common scam involves gold-plating standard 1999 quarters and marketing them as "rare" or "limited edition" coins. These have no numismatic value above face value (25¢).

How to Identify: Gold-plated quarters are physically and chemically identical to standard clad quarters underneath the thin gold layer. They weigh exactly 5.67 grams. Genuine experimental planchet errors (discussed in the Mint Errors section) are overweight at 5.9 to 6.3 grams. If a "golden" quarter weighs 5.67 grams, it is plated, not a genuine error.

When to Seek Third-Party Grading

For any 1999 State Quarter with claimed value exceeding $100—whether due to grade (MS-67+, PR-69+), variety status (Spitting Horse, Pennsylvania DDO), or error status (experimental planchet, wrong planchet)—authentication and certification by PCGS or NGC is mandatory. The cost of grading ($20-$50) is negligible compared to the risk of purchasing a cleaned, altered, or counterfeit coin.

Preservation and Storage Best Practices

Proper preservation is essential for maintaining the grade and value of 1999 State Quarters, particularly uncirculated business strikes and proofs.

Storage Environment: Store coins in a cool, dry environment with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid basements (excess moisture), attics (temperature fluctuations), and areas near heating vents. Ideal conditions are 65-70°F with 30-40% relative humidity.

Holders and Protection: Use inert holders made from materials that do not contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases corrosive gases over time. Acceptable options include mylar "flips," PCGS/NGC slabs (for graded coins), and archival-quality plastic capsules. Never use holders made from soft, flexible vinyl or rubber, which often contain PVC.

Handling Technique: When handling raw (ungraded) coins, hold them by the edge only—never touch the obverse or reverse surfaces. Oils and acids from human skin can cause permanent toning or corrosion. For high-grade uncirculated coins (MS-67+) or perfect proofs (PR-70), consider wearing cotton gloves or using a soft cloth.

Avoid Cleaning: Never attempt to clean a coin using polish, erasers, chemical dips, or abrasive materials. Cleaning destroys the original mint luster and surface, reducing even a potential MS-68 coin to "AU Details – Cleaned" status with minimal value. If a coin appears dirty or toned, consult a professional numismatist or submit it to a grading service in its original state.

Proof Set Packaging: If your 1999-S proofs remain in their original U.S. Mint packaging, consider leaving them there. While long-term storage in original packaging can sometimes lead to toning, the packaging provides protection and verification of authenticity. Once removed, original government packaging cannot be replaced.

Key Die Varieties of the 1999 State Quarter Series

While numerous minor doubled dies exist within the 1999 State Quarter series, only two major varieties command significant collector attention and value.

The famous 'Spitting Horse' die break creates a raised line from the horse's mouth

1999-P Delaware "Spitting Horse" (Die Break)

Attribution: This is the most famous and widely collected variety of the entire 1999 series. It is not a doubled die, but rather a prominent die break (a type of die crack). A crack formed in the obverse die near the mouth of Caesar Rodney's horse. This crack resulted in a raised, irregular line of metal on finished coins that appears to be "spit" coming from the horse's mouth.

Diagnostics: The variety is identified by a distinct, raised line extending from the horse's mouth area. This line is raised (in relief) on the coin, not incuse (sunken). The line's appearance varies depending on when in the die's life the coin was struck—early die state examples show a faint line, while late die state examples show a bold, dramatic line.

Value Analysis: Value depends entirely on the coin's overall grade and the prominence of the die break:

• Raw/Circulated examples: $5 – $15 (primarily novelty value)
• Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-64): $20 – $30
• Certified Gem (MS-65+): $100 – $500+, with the highest values for coins combining the variety with exceptional grade

1999-S Pennsylvania Clad Proof Obverse Doubled Die (DDO)

Attribution: This is the single most significant die variety of 1999, listed as Wexler WDDO-001 or Variety Vista VV-001. It is a Class IV (offset hub doubling) doubled die affecting the 1999-S Clad Proof Pennsylvania quarter.

Diagnostics: The variety exhibits exceptionally strong, "shelf-like" doubling on the obverse inscriptions, spread toward the East-Southeast. The doubling is dramatic and unmistakable, particularly on:

• "LIBERTY" (strong doubling on all letters)
• "QUARTER DOLLAR" (very strong doubling)
• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" (moderate to strong doubling)

Under magnification, the doubling creates a distinct "shelf" or "notch" appearance on the letter serifs. This is not a subtle variety—it is immediately obvious even to novice collectors once identified.

Rarity & Value: This variety is extremely rare. As of August 2025, only two examples are confirmed to exist. One example, graded PF-69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, is listed for sale at $8,500. No public auction records are available due to the variety's extreme rarity.

Minor Doubled Die Varieties

The Wexler Doubled Die Files document several minor obverse doubled dies for 1999, most showing subtle doubling on the underside of Washington's earlobe. These include:

• 1999-P Delaware: WDDO-001, WDDO-002 (doubled earlobe)
• 1999-P Delaware: WDDR-001 (doubled saddlebag)
• 1999-P Pennsylvania: WDDO-001, WDDO-002 (doubled earlobe)
• 1999-D Pennsylvania: WDDO-001, WDDO-002 (doubled earlobe)

These minor varieties add little to no premium over standard coins and are generally unknown outside of specialist doubled die collector circles. No major, valuable varieties are widely recognized for the New Jersey, Georgia, or Connecticut business strikes.

Major Mint Errors: The Five-Figure Coins

The highest values in the 1999 State Quarter market belong to major mint errors, particularly experimental planchet errors and wrong planchet strikes. These are unique, one-off events valued for their rarity, dramatic visual appeal, and historical significance.

Experimental planchet errors show distinct golden color and overweight specifications

Experimental Planchet Errors ("Golden" or "Brassy" Quarters)

Attribution: These are the most significant and valuable errors of the 1999 series. These quarters were struck on experimental "golden" alloy planchets that the U.S. Mint was testing in 1999 for the new Sacagawea Dollar program (released in 2000). All five 1999 state designs—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut—have been discovered on these planchets.

Diagnostics (Critical for Authentication):

1. Color: A distinct "golden," "brassy," or "yellow" hue. Some examples have a "greenish" tint. This is fundamentally different from the silver-gray appearance of standard clad quarters.

2. Weight (Definitive Test): These errors are overweight. A standard quarter weighs exactly 5.67 grams. Experimental planchet errors range from 5.9 grams to 6.3 grams. This is the definitive authentication test. Any "golden" quarter weighing 5.67 grams is gold-plated, not a genuine error.

3. Edge Composition: Some experimental planchet errors lack the standard copper core "sandwich" visible on the edge, showing instead a uniform golden color throughout.

Value Range: These are consistently four- and five-figure coins:

• 1999-P Georgia: At least one example sold for over $10,000
• 1999-P Delaware (MS-66 PCGS): Sold at auction for $4,888 in 2008
• General value for high-grade, certified examples: $5,000 – $15,000+

Wrong Planchet Errors (Struck on Nickel Planchet)

Attribution: These errors occurred when a 5-cent planchet (intended for a Jefferson Nickel) was accidentally fed into a quarter-dollar coining press.

Diagnostics:

1. Weight: The coin is underweight at 5.0 grams (the standard weight for a Jefferson Nickel) instead of 5.67 grams.

2. Size: The coin is physically smaller in diameter. Because the nickel planchet is too small for the quarter collar, the design is weak and partially missing around the circumference. The coin often appears "undersized" with incomplete edge reeding.

Value Range:

• 1999-D Delaware (MS-62 PCGS): Valued at $450
• 1999-P New Jersey (MS-60 NGC): Has sold at Heritage Auctions
• High-grade certified examples: up to $7,200

Off-Center Strike Errors

Attribution: The coin was improperly centered when struck, resulting in part of the design missing and a blank crescent visible on one side.

Value by Severity:

• Minor off-center (5-10%): $10 – $20 premium
• Major off-center (20-50% with full date visible): $100 – $200+

Off-center strikes without a visible date have minimal value, as the coin cannot be definitively attributed to 1999.

Broadstrike Errors

Attribution: The coin was struck outside of its retaining collar, causing the metal to "spread" into a larger, flat-edged disc without reeding.

Value: $50 – $150+, depending on diameter and eye appeal.

Multiple Strike Errors

Attribution: The coin was struck more than once by the dies, creating overlapping images. The value increases with the number of strikes and how visually dramatic the error appears.

Documented Examples:

• 1999-P Georgia (Double Struck, Broadstruck, MS-65 NGC): Sold for $660
• 1999-P Connecticut (Triple Strike): Sold for approximately $575

Notable Auction Results and Historical Market Analysis

Understanding historical auction records provides critical context for current values, particularly regarding the dramatic "Registry Set bubble" that peaked in 2007-2009.

Major Error Auction Records

1999-P Delaware Struck on Experimental Planchet (MS-66 PCGS): Sold for $4,888(PCGS, 2008). This auction record is frequently misreported as being for a "standard" 1999-P Delaware in MS-66, but it was specifically for an experimental planchet error.

The Silver Proof "Registry Set Bubble"

Between 2007 and 2009, the market for "perfect" PR70DCAM 90% Silver Proof quarters experienced a massive speculative bubble driven by intense Registry Set collector competition. The following auction records represent peak bubble values:

• 1999-S Silver Delaware (PR70DCAM):$17,250(PCGS, 2007)
• 1999-S Silver Georgia (PR70DCAM):$6,038(PCGS, 2007)
• 1999-S Silver New Jersey (PR70DCAM):$2,530(PCGS, 2007)
• 1999-S Silver Pennsylvania (PR70DCAM):$1,725(PCGS, 2009)
• 1999-S Silver Connecticut (PR70DCAM):$1,610(PCGS, 2007)

The Market Correction: As more proof sets were submitted for grading over the following decade, the population of PR70DCAM coins increased substantially, proving they were not as rare as initially believed. The market has since corrected by 90-98% from peak values. Current 2020-2025 values for these same coins are:

• Delaware: $400 – $500 (down 97%)
• Pennsylvania: $50 – $110 (down 97%)
• New Jersey: $80 – $110 (down 96%)
• Georgia: $45 – $60 (down 99%)
• Connecticut: $35 – $70 (down 98%)

Clad Proof Registry Peak

1999-S Clad Delaware (PR70DCAM):$1,323(PCGS, 2007). Current value: $85 – $135 (down 90%).

Business Strike Registry Peak

1999-P Connecticut (MS-67):$4,362 (eBay, 2006). According to CoinWeek, "that coin would not sell for that today." Current PCGS Price Guide value for MS-67: $375 (down 91%).

Multiple Strike Errors

• 1999-P Georgia (Double Struck, Broadstruck, MS-65 NGC):$660 (Heritage Auctions)
• 1999-P Connecticut (Triple Strike): Approximately $575

Key Takeaway: Historical auction records from 2006-2009 do not represent current market values. The modern State Quarter market has normalized significantly, with only genuine conditional rarities (MS-68 business strikes) and major errors (experimental planchets) maintaining four- and five-figure values.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1999 State Quarters

Methodology and Data Sources

This guide synthesizes price data from the PCGS Price Guide (November 2025) and NGC Coin Explorer, auction records from Heritage Auctions and eBay, mintage figures from the U.S. Mint and authoritative reference sites, and variety attributions from the Wexler Doubled Die Files and Variety Vista. Historical auction records are cited with dates and sources to distinguish past Registry Set bubble values from current market prices.

Spot metal prices (silver at $48.52/oz, copper at $4.94/lb, nickel at $6.74/lb) are from JM Bullion and Trading Economics as of November 8, 2025. Melt value calculations use the documented actual silver weight (ASW) of 0.1808 troy ounce for 90% silver proofs.

All values are subject to market fluctuation. Coins should be examined by a qualified numismatist or submitted to PCGS/NGC for authentication before any significant purchase or sale transaction.