The 1999-D Delaware State Quarter is worth anywhere from 25 cents in heavily circulated condition to $15 or more in uncirculated mint state — and certain high-grade examples have sold for over $100 at auction. If you pulled one of these out of an old coin jar or found it tucked in a drawer, you’re in the right place to find out what it’s actually worth.
What Is the 1999-D Delaware State Quarter?
The 1999-D Delaware State Quarter was minted at the Denver Mint — that’s what the “D” mintmark stands for. It was part of the historic 50 State Quarters Program launched by the U.S. Mint in 1999, and Delaware was the very first state featured in the series. That makes this coin especially popular with collectors who love being first.
The reverse design shows Caesar Rodney on horseback, honoring his famous 1776 midnight ride to cast the deciding vote for American independence. The obverse features the classic George Washington portrait used since 1932. With over 401 million of these struck in Denver alone, they’re not rare in circulation — but condition and grade make a big difference in value.
If you want a quick way to identify and value your coin without digging through books, a free coin identifier app can give you a solid starting point right from your phone.
1999-D Delaware Quarter Value by Condition
Just like any coin, the 1999-D Delaware Quarter’s value depends heavily on its condition. Coin collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70, where higher numbers mean better condition. A coin that’s been rattling around in your pocket for years will grade much lower than one that’s never been touched.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
| Condition | Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Heavily Worn | G-4 to VG-8 | Face value (~$0.25) |
| Lightly Worn | F-12 to EF-45 | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| About Uncirculated | AU-50 to AU-58 | $1 – $3 |
| Mint State (Uncirculated) | MS-60 to MS-64 | $3 – $10 |
| Gem Uncirculated | MS-65 and above | $12 – $100+ |
For a more detailed look at certified graded 1999 Delaware quarter price data across different MS grades, checking a dedicated coin pricing database can help you understand exactly where your coin falls.
Are Any 1999-D Delaware Quarters Worth More Than Usual?
Most 1999-D Delaware Quarters you find in change are only worth face value. But there are exceptions that can push the price up significantly.
High-grade certified coins are the biggest value driver. A coin graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC can fetch $50 to $100 or more, because finding a 25-year-old quarter in near-perfect condition is genuinely difficult. Gem examples are saved by collectors early and rarely come up for sale.
Error coins are another category worth watching. Some 1999 Delaware quarters were struck with die errors, off-center strikes, or doubling on certain design elements. These errors can multiply a coin’s value several times over. If something looks “off” about your coin — a shifted design, missing letters, or a blurry doubling effect — it’s worth having it examined. CoinKnow is a great tool for snapping a photo of your coin and getting an instant identification to see if you might have something unusual.
How to Check If Your 1999-D Delaware Quarter Is Valuable
First, look for the mintmark. Flip your coin over and check the obverse — you’ll find a small “D” near Washington’s neck if it was made in Denver. No mintmark or a “P” means it came from Philadelphia (which also had a massive mintage that year).
Next, examine the coin’s surfaces under good lighting. Look for original luster — that soft, flowing shine on an uncirculated coin. Any scratches, cleaning, or heavy wear will drop the value. Never clean your coins with anything; even a gentle rub can destroy collector value permanently.
If you want to track down up-to-date 1999 quarter value information including all mintmarks and grades, reliable online resources can walk you through the full picture in plain language.
For the fastest results, CoinKnow lets you photograph your coin and identify it in seconds, giving you a ballpark value without needing to be a coin expert yourself.
Is the 1999-D Delaware Quarter Worth Keeping?
For most people, a circulated 1999-D Delaware Quarter is a fun piece of American history but not a financial windfall. Its value in worn grades is essentially face value.
That said, it has real collector appeal as the first coin in the beloved State Quarters series. Many people still assemble complete sets of all 50 state quarters, and the Delaware coin is a must-have for any such collection. If yours is in crisp, uncirculated condition — sharp details, no wear, original luster — it could be worth holding onto or having professionally graded.
Using CoinKnow to document and track your coins is a smart habit whether you’re a casual finder or a serious collector. The app helps you build a digital inventory and stay on top of market values as they change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is a 1999-D Delaware State Quarter worth today?
A: In circulated condition, it’s generally worth face value (25 cents). In uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-64), expect $3 to $10. Gem uncirculated examples graded MS-65 or higher can sell for $12 to over $100 depending on the exact grade.
Q: What makes a 1999-D Delaware Quarter more valuable?
A: The biggest factors are condition (higher grade = higher value), certified grading by PCGS or NGC, and any mint errors such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, or missing design elements. Original, unclean surfaces also matter greatly to collectors.
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-D Delaware Quarter is uncirculated?
A: Look for an even, flowing shine across the coin’s surface (called “mint luster”) with no flat, dull spots on the high points of the design. If Caesar Rodney’s face and the horse’s back still show full detail and a bright sheen, your coin is likely uncirculated. A jeweler’s loupe or a good magnifying glass helps confirm this.
