The 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in average circulated condition to over $15 or more for top-grade proof specimens. If you stumbled upon one of these coins in an old collection or coin jar, you might be sitting on something worth a closer look.
coin identification app tools can help you quickly identify and grade coins like this one right from your phone — a great starting point before diving deeper into research.
What Is the 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter?
The 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. The “S” mintmark stands for San Francisco, and coins from this facility were produced exclusively as proof coins — meaning they were never intended for everyday circulation. Instead, they were sold directly to collectors in specially packaged proof sets.
Mississippi was the 20th state to be honored in the program, with its quarter released in 2002. The reverse design features the state flower, the magnolia blossom, along with the inscription “The Magnolia State” and the year Mississippi achieved statehood — 1817. The obverse retains the standard Washington portrait used on all State Quarters.
Because these coins were made with a special polished die process, they have sharp details, mirror-like fields, and frosted raised designs. This is what gives them their collector appeal. Unlike circulated coins worn smooth by years of pocket change, proof coins are made to impress — and they usually do.
How Much Is the 2002-S Mississippi Quarter Worth Today?
The value of a 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter depends heavily on its condition and whether it has been graded by a professional service. Here’s a general breakdown of what these coins typically sell for:
| Grade / Condition | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 (Proof) | Clad Proof | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| PR-67 (Gem Proof) | Clad Proof | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| PR-69 (Deep Cameo) | Clad Proof | $10.00 – $20.00 |
| PR-70 (Perfect Proof) | Clad Proof | $30.00 – $60.00+ |
| Silver Proof PR-69 | 90% Silver | $12.00 – $25.00 |
| Silver Proof PR-70 | 90% Silver | $40.00 – $100.00+ |
For a broader look at how 2002 proof quarters compare across different state designs, you can also check out detailed price data for other 2002 State Quarter issues to better understand market trends and grading benchmarks.
Silver vs. Clad — Does Your Coin Contain Silver?
One of the most important questions to ask when assessing the value of your 2002-S Mississippi Quarter is whether it’s a standard clad version or the 90% silver proof version.
The U.S. Mint produced two types of proof quarters in 2002. The standard clad proof is made from copper-nickel layers over a copper core — the same metal composition used in everyday quarters. The silver proof version, however, is struck in 90% silver and was sold as part of a separate Silver Proof Set.
How can you tell the difference? First, check the edge of the coin. A clad quarter will show a distinctive copper-colored stripe along the edge, while a silver proof will have a uniform silver appearance all the way around. Silver proofs are also slightly heavier at 6.25 grams compared to the clad’s 5.67 grams.
Silver proofs consistently sell for more than their clad counterparts, especially in high grades. If you own a silver proof 2002-S Mississippi Quarter in PR-69 or PR-70 condition, it could be worth $25 to $100 or more depending on the buyer and the market. CoinKnow is a handy app that can help you research both types side-by-side before making any decisions about buying or selling.
Grading and What Makes a High-Value Specimen
Grading is everything in the proof coin world. A coin that looks nearly perfect to your eye might still receive a PR-65 or PR-66 grade from a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC — while a truly flawless example might earn the coveted PR-70 designation, which can multiply its value several times over.
When graders examine a proof quarter, they look for:
– Hairlines or contact marks on the mirror-like fields (even tiny scratches count)
– Strike quality — are all the design details fully sharp?
– Cameo contrast — is there a strong visual contrast between the frosted devices and the polished background?
– Luster — does the coin have its original, undisturbed shine?
For the 2002-S Mississippi Quarter, coins graded PR-69 Deep Cameo (DCAM) are the sweet spot for most collectors — they look stunning and are far more affordable than PR-70s, which command a significant premium.
You can explore a comprehensive breakdown of 2002 quarter values by grade and mint to see exactly how condition impacts what buyers are willing to pay.
Tips for Selling or Holding Your 2002-S Mississippi Quarter
If you’ve found a 2002-S Mississippi State Quarter and you’re wondering whether to sell it or hold onto it, here are a few practical tips.
First, keep it safe. Store the coin in a coin flip, airtight capsule, or original proof packaging to prevent further damage. Avoid cleaning it — cleaning a coin almost always reduces its value, even if it looks dirty.
Second, consider getting it graded if you believe it might be in PR-69 or higher condition. Professional grading adds credibility and can unlock a higher sale price on platforms like eBay or through coin dealers.
Third, do your research. Prices fluctuate based on silver spot prices, collector demand, and available inventory. CoinKnow makes it easy to track current market values and compare recent sales without needing to be a seasoned numismatist.
Finally, if you have the original U.S. Mint proof set packaging, keep it intact — it adds authenticity and often increases the perceived value for buyers.
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FAQ
Q: How many 2002-S Mississippi State Quarters were minted?
A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 3.08 million clad proof 2002-S Mississippi quarters and around 892,000 silver proof versions. While these numbers are relatively low compared to circulation coins, they’re not considered rare in the traditional sense — most value comes from high grades, especially PR-69 DCAM and PR-70.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2002-S Mississippi Quarter professionally graded?
A: It depends on the coin’s condition. If your quarter appears to be in near-perfect condition with strong cameo contrast and no visible marks, submitting it to PCGS or NGC could be worthwhile. A PR-70 grade can push the value to $50 or higher. However, for average PR-65 coins, grading fees may outweigh the added value. CoinKnow can help you estimate whether grading makes financial sense before you commit.
Q: Can I find a 2002-S Mississippi Quarter in pocket change?
A: It’s very unlikely. The “S” mintmark indicates this coin was made at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for proof sets and was never released into general circulation. If you find a 2002 Mississippi Quarter in change, it will have a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mintmark and is worth face value in circulated condition. The 2002-S version was sold directly to collectors and typically stays in collections or proof sets.
