The 2002-S Tennessee State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $15 or more in pristine proof condition. If you found one in your change jar or inherited a coin collection, you might be sitting on something more valuable than you think — especially if it carries the “S” mint mark.
What Makes the 2002-S Tennessee Quarter Different
The “S” mint mark on this coin is a big deal. It tells you the quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which produces proof coins specifically for collectors — not for everyday spending.
Unlike the Philadelphia (“P”) or Denver (“D”) mint versions that circulated through cash registers across the country, the 2002-S Tennessee Quarter was sold in official U.S. Mint proof sets. That means it was struck with extra care, using specially polished dies and planchets to create that sharp, mirror-like finish collectors love.
If you’re not sure what mint mark you’re looking at or want a quick way to identify your coin, try using a coin identifier and value app — it can save you a lot of guesswork before you head to a dealer.
The Tennessee quarter design itself features a guitar, a fiddle, and a trumpet representing the state’s deep musical heritage, along with the inscription “Musical Heritage.” It’s one of the more visually striking designs in the 50 State Quarters program.
How Much Is the 2002-S Tennessee Quarter Worth Today
Value depends heavily on condition and whether the coin is a standard clad proof or the rarer 90% silver proof version. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Version | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-S Clad Proof | PR65 | $3 – $6 |
| 2002-S Clad Proof | PR69 DCAM | $10 – $18 |
| 2002-S Silver Proof | PR65 | $8 – $14 |
| 2002-S Silver Proof | PR69 DCAM | $20 – $35+ |
| 2002-S Silver Proof | PR70 DCAM (top grade) | $50 – $100+ |
The silver proof version contains 90% silver, which adds both collector and melt value. For the most up-to-date market pricing, you can check live 2002 Tennessee Quarter price data across mint state grades to see how these coins are trading right now.
Grading Your 2002-S Tennessee State Quarter
Coin grading can sound intimidating, but the basics are easy to grasp. Proof coins are graded on a scale from PR60 to PR70, with PR70 being perfect and virtually impossible to find in that condition.
The key term to look for is “DCAM” — which stands for Deep Cameo. That refers to the frosted, raised design against a mirror-like background. The stronger the contrast, the more desirable the coin.
Even small things like fingerprints, hairline scratches, or storage marks can drop a coin from a PR69 to a PR67, which makes a real difference in value. If you’re trying to assess your coin at home, CoinHix offers a helpful grading reference tool that takes the confusion out of the process for beginners and experienced collectors alike.
Most 2002-S Tennessee proof quarters you’ll find were kept in original Mint packaging, which helps preserve their condition significantly.
Should You Sell or Hold the 2002-S Tennessee Quarter
For most average-condition proof examples, the 2002-S Tennessee Quarter isn’t going to retire you early — but it’s worth more than face value. The real gems are the PR70 DCAM silver proofs, which certified grading services like PCGS and NGC have authenticated at strong prices.
If you have a full 2002 proof set still sealed in original packaging, it can be worth $15–$30 as a set, and sometimes more if the silver version is included.
For anyone looking to get a full picture of what their coins are worth before selling, the CoinHix app makes it easy to search by date, mint mark, and grade — giving you real market values without having to dig through auction archives yourself.
You can also find a solid overview of current 2002 quarter values by type and condition if you want to compare the Tennessee quarter against the other state quarters from that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 2002-S Tennessee Quarter is silver or clad?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. A clad quarter will show a copper-colored stripe running through the middle. A silver proof won’t — it’ll appear uniformly silver all the way around. You can also weigh it: silver proofs weigh about 6.25 grams versus 5.67 grams for clad versions.
Q: Is a 2002-S Tennessee Quarter worth getting professionally graded?
A: Generally, it’s only worth the cost of grading (typically $20–$40 per coin) if you believe you have a PR69 or PR70 specimen in perfect condition. For average PR65–PR67 examples, grading fees would likely exceed the coin’s market value. Use CoinHix to estimate value first before committing to professional grading.
Q: Where can I sell my 2002-S Tennessee State Quarter?
A: Good options include eBay (check completed listings to see real sale prices), coin shows, local coin dealers, and auction sites like Heritage Auctions for higher-grade certified examples. Always compare a few sources before accepting an offer to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.