The 2011-S Olympic National Park Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in circulated condition to over $25 or more in pristine mint state, with special proof versions commanding even higher premiums among collectors. If you found one of these coins or inherited a collection, you might be sitting on more than spare change.
If you’re not sure exactly which coin you’re holding, a coin identification app can help you quickly identify the design, mint mark, and composition before you try to assess its value. Knowing exactly what you have is the first step toward getting a fair price — and it can save you from accidentally spending a silver coin at face value.
What Is the 2011-S Olympic Silver Quarter?
The 2011-S Olympic National Park Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a series launched by the U.S. Mint in 2010 to honor national parks and historic sites across all 50 states and territories. The Olympic design was released as the fifth coin in 2011 and features a view of Mount Olympus in Washington State. The reverse shows the rugged mountain landscape, while the obverse carries the familiar portrait of George Washington.
The “S” mint mark means this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver versions made for general circulation, the San Francisco issues were produced specifically for collectors — either as clad proof coins or as 90% silver proof coins. That silver content is what sets the 2011-S apart and gives it real intrinsic metal value beyond its 25-cent face value.
CoinKnow is a great resource if you want to dive deeper into the America the Beautiful series and understand how each issue differs in rarity, composition, and collector demand.
How Much Is the 2011-S Olympic Quarter Worth?
Value depends heavily on the specific version you have and its condition. There are two main types of the 2011-S Olympic Quarter: the clad proof and the silver proof. The silver proof is the more valuable one.
Here’s a quick value reference table:
| Version | Composition | Typical Value Range | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-S Clad Proof | Copper-nickel clad | $3 – $8 | PR65–PR69 |
| 2011-S Silver Proof | 90% Silver | $10 – $30+ | PR65–PR70 |
| 2011-S Silver Proof DCAM | 90% Silver | $20 – $50+ | PR69–PR70 DCAM |
For a broader look at 2011 quarter values across all mint marks and compositions, including circulated and uncirculated examples, it’s worth checking a dedicated price guide to compare your specific coin.
How to Tell If Your Quarter Is Silver
This is one of the most common questions people ask. The easiest way is to look at the coin’s edge. A regular clad quarter will show a copper-colored stripe running along the rim. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-gray edge with no copper layer visible at all.
You can also weigh it. A 90% silver quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. Even a small kitchen scale can help you tell the difference. Finally, check the mint mark — the “S” tells you it came from San Francisco, which is a strong indicator of a collector coin rather than a circulation issue.
CoinKnow offers handy tools that help you cross-reference mint marks, weights, and compositions so you can confirm what you’re holding with confidence.
What Affects the Value of the 2011-S Olympic Quarter
Several factors push the price up or down. Condition is the biggest one. Proof coins with deep cameo contrast — where the raised design is frosty white and the background is mirror-like — are called DCAM (Deep Cameo) and fetch the highest prices. A coin graded PR70 DCAM by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can sell for significantly more than a lower-grade example.
Silver spot price also matters. Since the coin contains about 0.18084 troy ounces of silver, its melt value moves with the silver market. When silver trades near $25 per ounce, the melt value alone is around $4.50 — giving even heavily worn examples a floor price above face value.
You can also explore detailed price data for related 2011 America the Beautiful quarter issues to understand how Olympic compares to other coins in the same series, like the Gettysburg release.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2011-S Olympic Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, but only the proof version sold in collector sets. The “S” silver proof is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The standard clad proof is copper-nickel, not silver. Check the edge of your coin to tell the difference.
Q: How many 2011-S Olympic Silver Proof Quarters were minted?
A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 722,076 silver proof America the Beautiful sets in 2011, each containing five quarters including the Olympic design. This relatively limited mintage compared to circulation coins helps support collector demand and value.
Q: Should I clean my 2011-S Olympic Quarter before selling it?
A: No — never clean a collectible coin. Even light polishing removes the original surface and dramatically reduces its grade and value. A coin that looks slightly toned but untouched will almost always sell for more than one that’s been cleaned. If you’re unsure about storage or handling, CoinKnow has easy-to-follow guides for beginners on coin care and preservation.
