The 2016 S Shawnee Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $100 in high-grade silver proof condition. Whether you found one in your pocket change or discovered a shiny version in a collection, understanding the difference between the copper-nickel and silver versions is key to knowing its true value.
Today, many Americans are rediscovering the joy of coin collecting through the America the Beautiful series. If you are unsure about the specific type of quarter you have, using the CoinHix app can help you instantly identify the mint mark and finish. The Shawnee National Forest quarter represents Illinois in this famous series, and the “S” mint mark signifies it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” quarters you see every day, the “S” versions were generally not intended for circulation, which makes them a bit more special to find in your spare change.
Different Types of 2016 S Shawnee Quarters
The San Francisco Mint produced three distinct types of Shawnee quarters in 2016. First, there is the “S” Mint Uncirculated version. These are made of the standard copper-nickel clad composition but were sold directly to collectors in bags and rolls. While they look like normal quarters, their low mintage makes them worth more than twenty-five cents.
Second, there is the Clad Proof version. These coins feature a mirror-like background and frosted details. They were sold in annual proof sets and are highly reflective. Finally, the most valuable version is the 90% Silver Proof. These look identical to the clad proofs but are made of precious metal. If you want to compare prices for these different strikes, checking the 2016 Shawnee Quarter value charts will show that silver versions always command a premium.
Determining which one you have can be tricky for a beginner. A simple “ring test” (carefully tapping the coin) or checking the edge of the coin for a copper stripe can tell you if it is silver or clad. To get an even more accurate assessment without risking damage to the coin, many people use the CoinHix app to analyze the luster and strike quality.
Current Market Value and Pricing Table
The value of your 2016 Shawnee quarter depends almost entirely on its “Grade” and its “Composition.” Grade refers to how much wear and tear the coin has seen. A coin that has been handled by hundreds of people is considered “Circulated,” while one that looks like it just came from the mint is “Uncirculated” or “Mint State.”
Because “S” quarters were mostly sold in sets, finding one in your change usually means someone broke open a collector set to spend the money. This is rare, and even a worn “S” quarter is worth keeping. For those looking for the most current data, viewing a comprehensive 2016 quarter price reference can help you see how the Shawnee stands up against other designs like Cumberland Gap or Fort Moultrie.
| Condition / Type | Clad Uncirculated (S) | Clad Proof (S) | 90% Silver Proof (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated / Worn | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.25 – $2.00 | $8.00 – $10.00 (Melt Value) |
| Choice Mint State (MS65/PR65) | $2.50 – $5.00 | $4.00 – $7.00 | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67/PR70) | $15.00+ | $20.00+ | $45.00 – $120.00 |
Identifying 2016 Shawnee Quarter Errors
While the standard 2016 S Shawnee Quarter is a great find, collectors get truly excited about “Errors.” These are coins that were struck incorrectly at the mint. For the Shawnee design, some common errors to look for include “Doubled Dies,” where the lettering or the image of the bird and trees appears to have a shadow or a second outline.
Another common error type is the “Die Chip.” In this design, small chips of metal can break off the die, creating extra bumps of metal on the coin’s surface. On the Shawnee quarter, look closely at the branches of the trees or the hawk’s feathers. Even minor errors can double or triple the value of your quarter. If you think you see something odd, use CoinHix to zoom in and compare your coin with known error varieties.
The Shawnee National Forest Design
The 2016 Shawnee Quarter is the 31st release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The reverse design features a close-up of a red-tailed hawk soaring over the landscape of Camel Rock. This iconic rock formation is located in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness within the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois.
Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, the detail on this coin is exceptional. When looking at an “S” mint version, the detail in the hawk’s feathers and the texture of the rocks are much sharper than on the standard “P” or “D” versions used for commerce. This artistic quality is part of why these coins remain popular on the secondary market.
FAQ
Q: Where do I find the mint mark on my 2016 Shawnee Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” (obverse) side of the coin, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “S” if it was minted in San Francisco.
Q: Is a 2016 S Shawnee Quarter rare?
A: They are significantly rarer than the ones from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D). While those were minted in the hundreds of millions, the “S” uncirculated and proof versions usually have mintages under 1 million or 2 million.
Q: Why is my 2016 S quarter worth more than 25 cents?
A: Because the San Francisco Mint did not release these coins for general circulation. Collectors have to buy them in special sets from the US Mint, so any “S” quarter found in the wild carries a collector premium.
Q: How can I tell if my 2016 S Shawnee Quarter is silver?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge with no copper stripe, it is likely the 90% silver proof version. You can also weigh it; a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad one weighs 5.67 grams.
