The 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to $15 or more in pristine proof grades — and a few special varieties can fetch even higher prices from serious collectors. If you found one of these quarters in your pocket change or an old coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
Whether you’re a casual finder or just coin-curious, using a coin identifier and value app is one of the fastest ways to get a quick read on what your coin might be worth before diving deeper.
What Is the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter?
The 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters program, which ran from 2010 through 2021. This particular design was issued to commemorate Washington Crossing the Delaware — one of the most iconic moments in American history. The reverse design shows General George Washington and his troops crossing the icy Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776.
The “S” mint mark tells you this coin was made at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mint coins, San Francisco quarters are almost exclusively produced as proof coins intended for collectors — not for everyday circulation. That means if you have an “S” mint mark quarter, you likely have a proof coin from a mint set or special packaging.
Proof coins are struck with polished dies and specially prepared blanks, giving them that mirror-like background with sharp, frosted design details. They’re generally worth more than their circulated counterparts.
2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value Breakdown
The value of this coin depends mostly on its grade and whether it’s a standard proof or a Silver proof. Here’s a quick look at typical market values:
| Grade / Condition | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 | Clad Proof | $2 – $5 |
| PR 69 | Clad Proof | $6 – $10 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Clad Proof | $12 – $20+ |
| PR 69 | Silver Proof | $10 – $18 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Silver Proof | $20 – $40+ |
For a broader look at how much 2021 quarters are worth across different mint marks and conditions, it’s worth comparing a few sources to get an accurate picture of the current market.
Silver Proof vs. Clad Proof — Does It Matter?
Yes, it absolutely matters. The U.S. Mint released two versions of the 2021-S proof quarter: a standard clad version (copper-nickel outer layers over a copper core) and a 90% silver version. The silver proof is more desirable both for its precious metal content and its collectibility.
To tell them apart without testing, check the edge of the coin. Clad quarters show a visible orange-copper stripe along the rim. Silver proof quarters have a uniformly silver-colored edge with no color stripe.
Silver proof sets were sold at a premium by the U.S. Mint and had lower mintage numbers than standard proof sets. This limited supply helps support stronger prices on the secondary market over time.
If you’re unsure which version you have, CoinHix is a great tool to help you identify and value your coin quickly using just your phone.
How Mintage Numbers Affect the 2021-S Quarter Value
Mintage — the total number of coins produced — plays a big role in long-term coin value. The 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter was the final coin in the America the Beautiful series, which gave it a bit of extra collector interest. Final-year issues in popular programs often see increased demand as collectors try to complete their sets.
The clad proof mintage for this issue came in at just under 600,000 coins, while the silver proof numbers were even lower. Compared to quarters from earlier in the program that had mintages in the millions, these numbers are relatively modest.
That said, most of these coins were carefully preserved by collectors right out of the mint packaging, meaning high-grade examples are not especially rare. The real premiums come at the PR 70 Deep Cameo level, where the coin must be absolutely flawless.
For those comparing values across the 2021 quarter series, the certified price data for the 2021-P Tuskegee Airmen Quarter in MS grades gives a useful benchmark for how collector demand shapes pricing within the same year’s issues.
Tips for Getting the Best Value From Your 2021-S Quarter
If you believe your 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter is in top condition, consider getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A PR 70 Deep Cameo designation can significantly increase its appeal and resale value to serious collectors.
Keep the coin in its original U.S. Mint packaging if possible. Coins still sealed in their original proof set packaging carry a premium with some buyers who value completeness and provenance.
You can also scan your coin with CoinHix to get an instant estimate before deciding whether professional grading is worth the investment. The app uses real market data to give you an up-to-date valuation in seconds.
Avoid cleaning your coin under any circumstances. Even a gentle wipe can leave hairline scratches that drop a proof coin from PR 69 to PR 65 — a difference that can cost you real money at sale time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter rare?
A: It’s not rare in the traditional sense, but it has a relatively modest mintage compared to circulated quarters. Its appeal comes from being the final coin in the America the Beautiful series and the availability of a 90% silver proof version. High-grade PR 70 examples are harder to come by and command the strongest prices.
Q: How do I know if my 2021-S quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver proof quarter will have a completely uniform silver-colored edge. A standard clad proof will show a faint reddish or copper-colored stripe along the rim where the metal layers are visible. You can also use CoinHix to help identify your coin’s composition based on its details.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2021-S Crossing the Delaware Quarter?
A: eBay is one of the most active marketplaces for modern proof coins, and you can check completed sales to see real prices buyers are paying. Coin shows, local dealers, and online collector forums are also solid options. For graded coins, major auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers can reach serious collectors willing to pay top dollar.