Are you interested in collecting the 2021 quarter?
Have you wondered what the 2021 quarter might be worth?
Few coins are quite as notable as the 2021 quarter. Not only is it a transitional coin, but it was only minted in 2021 before the U.S. Mint resumed its regular design.
As expected, many collectors are eager to know the value of this coin. In the future, the 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter could be worth much more than its face value—making it a smart move to add this coin to your collection now.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about the 2021 quarter, from its unique history and features to how to grade it and determine its market value. Plus, we’ll explore errors that could make your coin worth hundreds or even thousands more.
Let’s dive right in!
2021 Quarter Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated (MS/PF67) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-P Quarter | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | – |
| 2021-D Quarter | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | $25 |
| 2021-S Clad Quarter | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | – |
| 2021-S Proof Silver Quarter | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.25 | – |
The History Of The 2021 Quarter
2021 was an important year in U.S. coin history. That year, the U.S. Mint released two quarters: the 2021 Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site quarter and the General George Washington Crossing the Delaware River quarter.
The Tuskegee quarter was the final release in the America the Beautiful Quarters series, which celebrated national parks and sites across the country. This series ran from 2010 to 2021, resulting in 56 different quarters. The 2021 Tuskegee quarter was the last one in the series.
After this coin was minted, the Mint changed the design of the quarter significantly, featuring a portrait of President George Washington as designed by John Flanagan in the 1930s.
Most of the design changes were visible on the reverse of the coin. Instead of showing the Tuskegee Historic Site or the traditional Heraldic Eagle, the reverse now depicted General Washington crossing the Delaware River in December 1776, leading his troops toward the Battle of Trenton. This moment was pivotal in America’s fight for independence against British and Hessian forces.
Though the Mint has not explained why they issued this transitional coin, the Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter has become iconic and is expected to be highly sought after by collectors in the future.
The Features Of The 2021 Quarter
Learning about the features of a coin is key to becoming a successful collector. These details help you identify coins that could be worth more than their face value.
The Obverse Of The 2021 Quarter
The obverse features the left-facing portrait of President George Washington, originally designed by sculptor John Flanagan in the 1930s. Washington’s hair is shown in a low ponytail, and the word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper rim of the coin, with the year 2021 at the base.
Mint marks appear next to Washington’s ponytail. These denote the minting location: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is also on the right side, near Washington’s portrait.
The Reverse Of The 2021 Quarter
On the reverse, you’ll see General George Washington commanding his troops during the crossing of the Delaware River, preparing for the Battle of Trenton. The boat ferrying the American soldiers can be seen in the background.
Above the image are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and below it, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The inscription “CROSSING DELAWARE” is etched at the top-right. Sculptor Michael Guadisio designed the reverse, with Benjamin Soward contributing the design details.
Other Features
The 2021 quarter is made of a copper-nickel composition, weighs 5.67g, and measures 24.26mm. It has a reeded edge with 119 grooves around the circumference. The mint marks (P, D, or S) are on the obverse, indicating the minting location.
2021 Quarter Grading
Most 2021 quarters circulated in pocket change and are generally in good condition. Circulated coins will show slight wear, especially on high-contact areas like Washington’s cheek and hair or on General Washington’s portrait and the boat in the background.
A quarter is considered uncirculated if it has minimal to no contact marks and a strong, brilliant luster on both the obverse and reverse.
Here’s a quick reference for coin grading:
- Basal State-1 to Mint State-70
2021 Quarter Value Guides
Now let’s look at the value of the 2021 quarters, as there are different varieties:
2021-P Quarter
Produced by the Philadelphia Mint, about 838 million of these quarters were made. They are the most common and worth face value unless in mint state. A 2021-P quarter graded MS69 fetched $2,777 in a 2023 auction.
2021-D Quarter
With about 865 million struck at the Denver Mint, these quarters are also quite common and are worth face value unless they’re in excellent condition. The highest-priced 2021-D quarter (graded MS69) sold for $995 in 2022.
2021-S Clad Quarter
The San Francisco Mint issued proof-clad quarters, made with a higher quality for collectors. Around 490,829 of these were made. The highest-valued 2021-S clad quarter graded MS70 sold for $51.
2021-S Silver Quarter
About 350,891 of these silver proof quarters were struck. They contain 99.9% silver and have a melt value of approximately $4.75. The most valuable 2021-S Silver quarter, graded PR69, sold for $260.
Rare 2021 Quarter Errors
Minting errors can make a coin more valuable, and the 2021 quarter is no exception. Here are some notable errors that could increase the value of your coin:
- Feeder Finger Error: Horizontal ridges from a malfunctioning feeder finger can add up to $30 or more for an uncirculated example.
- Crown Die Chip Error: A bump on Washington’s cap is worth up to $200, especially for uncirculated coins.
- Snake Eye, Lip Mole Die Chip Error: This rare error appears on Washington’s face and can fetch as much as $1,500.
Where To Sell Your 2021 Quarter?
If you’re looking to sell your coins, consider verified online platforms. You can appraise and sell your 2021 quarters easily through trusted sites.
What Makes The 2021 Crossing The Delaware Quarter Rare?
While the 2021 quarter isn’t rare in general, one with an error can be quite valuable. For example, a crown die chip or other errors could increase the coin’s worth.
Are 2021 Quarters Worth Collecting?
Yes. Though they are currently worth face value, the 2021 quarter’s unique history and design could make it more valuable in the future. Adding it to your collection now could be a good long-term investment.
How Many 2021 Crossing The Delaware Quarters Were Made?
The Mint produced over 17 billion quarters in 2021. While most were made in Philadelphia and Denver, a smaller number of proof coins were minted in San Francisco.