The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter is worth between $0.25 and $15 in typical circulated condition, but uncirculated examples graded MS-67 or higher can fetch $50 or more at auction. If you found one in your pocket change, you might be sitting on a small treasure worth knowing about.
coin identification app tools have made it easier than ever for everyday collectors to identify and value coins like the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter right from their smartphones. Whether you stumbled across this coin in a jar of old change or picked it up at a flea market, this guide will walk you through exactly what it’s worth and why.
What Is the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter?
The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a U.S. Mint series that ran from 2010 to 2021. Each year, five quarters were released honoring national parks and historic sites across the country. The “D” mint mark means this coin was struck at the Denver Mint, and it honors Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky — a landmark that played a massive role in westward expansion through the Appalachian Mountains.
The obverse features the classic portrait of George Washington, while the reverse shows a pioneer family passing through the Gap with a rugged mountain landscape behind them. It’s a beautifully designed coin, and the detail on the reverse is one reason why higher-grade specimens attract real collector interest. Hundreds of millions of these were minted for circulation, which is why most are still worth only face value — but grade is everything when it comes to value.
2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter Value by Grade
Most 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarters you find in everyday change will be in circulated condition, which means they’ve been handled and show wear. These are generally worth face value to maybe $1. The real money is in uncirculated coins — especially those that have been graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical values:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to Fine) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-45) | $0.50 – $2 |
| Mint State (MS-63 to MS-65) | $3 – $15 |
| Mint State (MS-66) | $15 – $30 |
| Mint State (MS-67 or higher) | $50 – $100+ |
For a closer look at current market price data for America the Beautiful Quarters in mint state, it’s worth checking live auction records to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
How Mint Marks and Errors Affect the Value
The “D” mint mark on the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter tells you it was made in Denver. There’s also a 2016-P version from Philadelphia, and both are similarly valued in most grades. However, error coins are a different story entirely. If your coin shows a doubled die, off-center strike, or missing clad layer, it could be worth significantly more — sometimes hundreds of dollars depending on the severity of the error.
Always examine your coin under good lighting and a magnifying glass before assuming it’s just ordinary. Look at the lettering, the rim, and the design details carefully. Even small anomalies can make a big difference in value. Apps like CoinKnow can help you do a preliminary check before you spend money on professional grading.
Should You Get It Graded?
If your 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter looks like it’s never been used — sharp details, no scratches, full luster — it may be worth sending in for professional grading. Services like PCGS and NGC charge between $20 and $50 per coin for standard submissions, so it only makes financial sense if you believe the coin could grade MS-66 or higher.
For most people, though, the coin is a fun piece of modern American history worth keeping in a collection rather than selling. If you’re unsure where your coin lands on the grading scale, CoinKnow offers an easy-to-use interface that lets you compare your coin’s appearance against graded examples. You can also browse detailed 2016 quarter value information including mint state pricing to help set your expectations before reaching out to a dealer.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter rare?
A: No, it’s not rare in circulated condition — hundreds of millions were produced for everyday use. However, coins graded MS-67 or higher are genuinely scarce and command premium prices from collectors.
Q: What’s the best way to find out if my quarter has errors?
A: Start by examining it carefully under magnifying glass or a loupe. Look for doubling in the letters, off-center designs, or unusual surface issues. You can also use CoinKnow to compare your coin against known error examples and get a better sense of what you’re looking at.
Q: Should I clean my 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — can destroy its surface luster and drastically reduce its grade and value. Always present coins in the condition you found them, and let a professional grader assess them as-is.
