The 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver Proof is a must-have for coin collectors and history enthusiasts. This quarter was released after the America the Beautiful Quarters Program ended, marking a temporary design featuring George Washington’s iconic crossing of the Delaware River. In this guide, we’ll explore the coin’s design, specifications, and its value in the collector’s market.
Background of the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter
When the America the Beautiful Quarters Program concluded in January 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter. It filled the gap before the American Women Quarters Program started in 2022. This design was revealed on Christmas Day 2020, marking the 244th anniversary of Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War.
If the American Women Quarters Program hadn’t been created, this design might have been used for all future quarters. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, it was available in two versions: a clad version and a .999 fine silver version, which was part of the 2021 Silver Proof Set.
Coin Design Details
Obverse (Front) Design
The obverse of the coin features John Flanagan’s well-known image of George Washington. This design was originally used on quarters starting in 1932 but was replaced during the 50 State Quarters Program. Washington’s portrait faces left, with inscriptions of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The date “2021” and the “S” mintmark are also present on this side of the coin.
Reverse (Back) Design
The reverse depicts General Washington leading his troops during the famous Delaware River crossing. Washington is shown standing with his sword drawn, with soldiers rowing in the background. The inscriptions include “CROSSING THE DELAWARE,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Edge
The coin has a reeded edge, a common feature for U.S. quarters.
Value of the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver Proof
At the current price of silver, around $32 per ounce, the silver content of the 2021-S Silver Proof quarter is worth about $7. However, because this is a collector’s item, its market value can be much higher. Below is a table showing the typical selling prices of the coin in various conditions.
Market Value Table
| Condition | Price Range | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR70DCAM (PCGS/NGC) | $62 – $99 | Perfect condition, graded Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo |
| Raw (Uncirculated, not graded) | $15 – $30 | In excellent condition but not graded |
| PR70DCAM (First Strike) | $40 – $80 | Early release label adds to value |
As seen, the highest prices are reserved for coins in perfect condition, especially those with special labels like “First Strike.”
Noteworthy Specimens and Market Data
Collectors and sellers have listed various graded specimens of the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Silver Proof on platforms like eBay. Some of the most notable sales include:
- PCGS PR70DCAM: Sold for $99 on September 25, 2024, as part of a limited edition Proof set.
- NGC PF70UCAM: Sold for $75 on August 9, 2024, with a special Washington Crossing the Delaware label.
These sales demonstrate the demand for high-grade versions of this coin, especially those with special labels or from limited editions.
Coin Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 2021 |
| Mintmark | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage | 350,323 |
| Alloy | .999 fine silver |
| Weight | 6.343 grams |
| Diameter | 24.30 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | John Flanagan |
| Reverse Designers | Benjamin Sowards (Design), Michael Gaudioso (Sculpting) |
Conclusion
The 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver Proof is a remarkable piece for collectors. Its limited mintage, historical significance, and beautiful design make it a standout in any collection. While its silver content gives it intrinsic value, the real worth lies in its condition and rarity in the market. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this coin is a great addition to any collection.
FAQ’s
What is the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver Proof?
The 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Silver Proof is a special edition quarter made of .999 fine silver. It commemorates George Washington’s historic 1776 crossing of the Delaware River. This coin was issued by the U.S. Mint for just one year after the end of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.
How much is the 2021-S Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver Proof worth?
The silver content gives the coin an intrinsic value of around $7, but depending on condition, collector demand, and grading, the coin can be worth between $15 and $99. Perfectly graded coins (PR70DCAM or PF70UCAM) typically sell for higher prices.