The United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, launched in 1999, was an immense success, capturing the interest of both casual collectors and seasoned numismatists alike. One of the first coins to debut in this program was the 1999-D Delaware State Quarter, a coin that holds historical significance for both its design and its place in the nation’s numismatic history. In this article, we’ll explore the history, design, value, and collecting tips for the 1999-D Delaware 50 State Quarter.
The 50 State Quarters Program: A Brief Overview
The 50 State Quarters Program was an initiative by the U.S. Mint to honor each of the 50 states through a series of commemorative quarters. Starting in 1999, the program released five new state quarters every year, with each coin designed to reflect unique aspects of each state’s heritage, culture, and history. The program ran from 1999 to 2008, producing 56 unique coins, including one for the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Design of the 1999-D Delaware Quarter
The design of the Delaware quarter was created by artist John Flanagan, whose original designs were used for previous quarters, while a new artist, Thomas Hipschen, provided the engraving for this issue. The quarter features two main elements:
- Obverse (Front): The obverse of the coin retains the traditional design of George Washington’s portrait, which was used on all U.S. quarters minted since 1932.
- Reverse (Back): The reverse side features a striking design representing Delaware’s colonial history. The coin shows a scene of Caesar Rodney, a prominent Delaware politician and soldier, riding horseback on his famous midnight ride to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for American independence. Alongside Rodney is the inscription “The First State” and the date “1787,” marking the year Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution.
Minting and Circulation of the 1999-D Delaware Quarter
The 1999-D Delaware quarter was minted at the Denver Mint, as denoted by the “D” mintmark located beneath the date. The coin’s total mintage was substantial, with over 1.3 billion 1999-D Delaware quarters being produced for circulation. The large number of coins minted makes this quarter relatively common in lower grades, but there are still certain variations and conditions that make specific examples more desirable to collectors.
Value of the 1999-D Delaware Quarter
For the most part, the 1999-D Delaware quarter is not highly valuable in terms of its face value, which is 25 cents. However, certain factors can influence its worth in the collectors’ market:
- Uncirculated or Proof Coins: Coins that have not been circulated and remain in mint condition are more valuable. Uncirculated examples, particularly those with a high level of detail, may command a premium price.
- Error Coins: As with any coin series, error coins are more sought after and can be worth significantly more than regular examples. Some of the most sought-after error types for the Delaware quarter include double dies or off-center strikes.
- Condition: Coins graded in higher conditions, such as MS-65 or above, will naturally be more valuable than coins that show heavy wear or signs of circulation.
Tips for Collecting the 1999-D Delaware Quarter
If you’re looking to add the 1999-D Delaware quarter to your collection, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Condition Matters: As with all coin collecting, the condition of the coin significantly impacts its value. Look for uncirculated coins or those with minimal wear and tear for the best investment potential.
- Watch for Errors: Error coins can be extremely valuable. If you come across a 1999-D Delaware quarter with unusual features (such as doubled lettering or an off-center strike), it could be worth considerably more.
- Complete Your 50 State Quarter Collection: Since the 1999-D Delaware quarter is part of the larger 50 State Quarters Program, completing the entire set of state quarters can be a rewarding long-term project for collectors. Whether you’re collecting for fun or as an investment, having a full set will be a notable accomplishment.
Conclusion
The 1999-D Delaware 50 State Quarter is not only a piece of American history but also a staple for coin collectors. Its design, commemorating Delaware’s role as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, makes it a meaningful part of the broader 50 State Quarters Program. Whether you’re a novice collector or a seasoned numismatist, the Delaware quarter remains an important and valuable coin to have in your collection.
FAQs
Why is the 1999-D Delaware Quarter significant?
The 1999-D Delaware quarter was the first coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program, commemorating Delaware as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
How much is a 1999-D Delaware Quarter worth?
The 1999-D Delaware quarter is generally worth its face value of 25 cents if circulated. Uncirculated examples can range from $1 to $10 or more, depending on condition and other factors.
What makes a 1999-D Delaware Quarter rare or valuable?
Coins in uncirculated condition, those with errors (such as double dies or off-center strikes), and coins graded in higher conditions are more valuable.