The 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to over $15 or more in pristine proof grades — and certain rare errors can push that value even higher. If you’ve stumbled across one of these silver-toned quarters in an old coin collection or a forgotten drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 2002-S Louisiana Quarter Different
The “S” mint mark on this quarter tells you something important right away — it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, not for everyday circulation, but specifically for collector proof sets. That alone sets it apart from the billions of regular quarters that passed through cash registers across America.
The 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter was issued as part of the ongoing 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. Louisiana was the 21st state featured in the series. The reverse design celebrates the state’s rich culture, featuring a pelican (the state bird), a trumpet representing New Orleans jazz heritage, and a map of the Louisiana Purchase territory.
These coins were sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors in proof sets. They were never released into general circulation, which means most surviving examples are in excellent condition. If you’re new to coin collecting and want to quickly identify what you have, a coin identifier and value app can save you a lot of time and guesswork right from your phone.
2002-S Louisiana Quarter Value by Grade and Metal Type
This is where things get interesting. The 2002-S Louisiana quarter was actually produced in two versions — a clad proof (copper-nickel) and a silver proof. The silver version is noticeably more valuable and is sought after by collectors who prefer the added precious metal content.
Here’s a quick value breakdown based on condition and type:
| Version | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof (PR65) | Proof | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Clad Proof (PR69 DCAM) | Deep Cameo | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR65) | Proof | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR69 DCAM) | Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $20.00+ |
| Error Coin (varies) | Varies | $50.00 – $200.00+ |
For a deeper look at how 2002 quarters from the same era are valued across different mint marks and states, you can check out detailed 2002 quarter value data that breaks down prices by grade and variety. It’s a helpful resource if you want to compare your coin to similar pieces.
How the Mint Mark and Mintage Numbers Affect Value
The 2002-S Louisiana clad proof had a mintage of approximately 3.08 million coins, while the silver proof version had a lower mintage of around 892,000 — which is part of why the silver version commands a premium.
Lower mintage doesn’t automatically mean high value in all cases, but when combined with the silver content and collector demand, the silver proof version consistently outperforms the clad version at auction. CoinHix is a great tool to check live auction results and see what buyers are actually paying for these coins right now, rather than relying on outdated price guides.
Keep in mind that the 2002-S series also included other states like Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, and Mississippi. If you want to see how pricing compares across the set, you can view current market pricing for the 2002 Tennessee State Quarter in MS grades as a useful point of comparison.
Error Coins and What to Look For
Error coins are where ordinary quarters can become surprisingly valuable. For the 2002-S Louisiana quarter, some known errors and varieties that collectors watch for include:
Die cracks and die breaks — small raised lines on the coin’s surface caused by a cracked die during minting.
Off-center strikes — where the design is noticeably shifted to one side. Even a 5–10% off-center error can double or triple the coin’s value.
Double die obverse or reverse — where lettering or design elements appear slightly doubled. These are hard to spot without magnification, so use a loupe or the CoinHix app’s photo analysis feature to get a closer look.
If you think you might have an error coin, don’t clean it. Cleaning can significantly reduce collector value, even if the coin looks better to your eye afterward.
Should You Hold Onto It or Sell?
For most people, a single 2002-S Louisiana quarter in average proof condition isn’t going to retire your mortgage. But it’s still worth more than face value, and if you have a full 2002-S proof set in its original packaging, the whole set can fetch $15–$40 depending on condition.
If you’re sorting through a large collection and want fast, reliable valuations for each piece, CoinHix lets you scan and look up multiple coins quickly so you’re not spending hours researching one coin at a time.
The best time to sell is when collector demand is steady, and the State Quarter series continues to attract new hobbyists every year. Holding onto graded examples in original slabs from PCGS or NGC will always give you the strongest resale position.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2002-S Louisiana quarter made of silver?
A: Only the silver proof version is made of 90% silver. The standard clad proof is made of copper-nickel, the same metal composition used in regular circulation quarters. The silver version is worth significantly more.
Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S Louisiana quarter is a proof coin?
A: Proof coins have a mirror-like background (called the field) and frosted, raised design elements. They were never released for everyday spending and typically come in original U.S. Mint packaging. If yours looks shiny with sharp, reflective surfaces, it’s likely a proof.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2002-S Louisiana State Quarter?
A: eBay is the most active marketplace for individual state quarters, but coin dealers, coin shows, and online collector forums are also solid options. For an accurate value estimate before you sell, use a tool like CoinHix to check recent sale prices and avoid leaving money on the table.