The 1999-P Delaware States Quarter Dollar is worth anywhere from its 25-cent face value in worn condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. Finding one in your pocket change is common, but learning to spot the rare versions can turn a simple find into a nice payday for your collection.
The History and Significance of the First State Quarter
The 1999-P Delaware Quarter holds a special place in American numismatic history because it kickstarted the legendary 50 State Quarters Program. Before this, the quarter design had remained largely unchanged for decades. When the U.S. Mint released “The First State” coin, it sparked a national interest in coin collecting that hadn’t been seen in generations.
The reverse of the coin features Caesar Rodney on horseback, galloping to Philadelphia in 1776 to cast the deciding vote for Delaware in favor of independence. Because millions of these coins were minted in Philadelphia (indicated by the “P” mint mark), most people assume they are only worth twenty-five cents.
However, professional collectors often look for specific strike qualities that set certain coins apart. If you have recently discovered a handful of these coins, using the top coin identifier app can help you quickly determine if your specific strike has the luster and detail required to be worth more than its face value. CoinHix is also a fantastic tool for tracking your finds as you sort through your spare change.
Grading and 1999 P Delaware Quarter Values
When determining the value of your 1999-P Delaware quarter, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins you find in circulation are graded “Fine” or “Extremely Fine,” meaning they have visible wear and are generally worth only 25 cents.
The real value lies in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins. These are coins that never made it into public hands and were kept in rolls or bags. A 1999-P Delaware quarter in MS65 grade might fetch around $5 to $10, but the price jumps significantly once you reach MS67 or MS68.
Because the Philadelphia mint was producing these at such a massive scale, high-grade examples are surprisingly rare. You can check the current market trends for 1999-P Delaware Quarter MS prices to see how much premium collectors are currently paying for these pristine specimens.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS65) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
Identifying Rare Errors and Varieties
One of the most exciting aspects of the 1999-P Delaware States Quarter is the potential for mint errors. Since this was the first year of a brand-new production process, several mistakes left the mint and entered circulation. The most famous rare variety for the 1999 quarters is the “Spitting Horse” error, though this is more commonly associated with the Delaware “P” and “D” mint marks.
The “Spitting Horse” error is caused by a die crack that runs from the horse’s mouth, making it look like the animal is spitting. There are also reports of “Die Cap” errors and double dies on the lettering. These errors can turn a normal quarter into a piece worth hundreds of dollars.
If you suspect you have an error coin, it is best to use an app like CoinHix to compare your coin to known error samples. Furthermore, reviewing the 1999 Delaware State Quarter value guides can provide visual assistance in identifying these subtle but profitable flaws.
Why the Philadelphia Mint Mark Matters
The “P” on your quarter stands for Philadelphia, one of the primary minting facilities in the United States. In 1999, the Philadelphia mint produced over 370 million Delaware quarters. Because of this massive mintage, the coin is not “rare” in the traditional sense.
However, Philadelphia strikes from the late 90s often suffered from “mushy” details due to the high volume of production. If you find a 1999-P Delaware quarter that has exceptionally sharp details—where you can clearly see the individual strands of Caesar Rodney’s hair or the veins in the horse’s legs—you might have a coin that is much more valuable than the average strike.
Collectors value these “well-struck” coins because they were the exception rather than the rule during the 1999 production run. Using high-resolution photos in the CoinHix app can help you zoom in on these details to see if your coin is a “Gem” quality strike or just a standard business strike.
Tips for Selling Your 1999-P Delaware Quarter
If you believe you have found a valuable version of this 1999 quarter, the next step is knowing how to sell it. Most local coin shops will only buy high-grade graded coins (those already in plastic slabs from companies like PCGS or NGC).
For coins that are not professionally graded, online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of both the front (obverse) and the back (reverse). Mention the “P” mint mark and the year in your title.
Remember that most 1999-P Delaware quarters found in your pocket are only worth 25 cents. Don’t be discouraged, though! Many collectors enjoy the hunt, and finding that one MS67 specimen hidden in a jar of change is what makes the hobby so rewarding for everyday Americans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-P Delaware quarter is worth more than 25 cents?
A: Look for signs of “Mint State” condition, such as a strong original shine (luster) and a lack of scratches. If the coin looks brand new and has no wear on the high points of Caesar Rodney’s image, it may be worth a premium.
Q: What is the “Spitting Horse” error on the 1999 Delaware quarter?
A: It is a die crack error that appears as a thin line extending from the horse’s mouth on the reverse side of the coin. Depending on the severity of the crack and the condition of the coin, it can be worth $10 to $50 or more.
Q: Is the 1999-P Delaware quarter made of silver?
A: No, the standard 1999-P Delaware quarters found in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Silver versions were only minted at the San Francisco mint (labeled with an “S”) and were sold in special proof sets.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 1999 Delaware quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the right side of the coin’s front (obverse), just behind George Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco.
