The 2016 S Fort Moultrie Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 to $2 in uncirculated condition for standard business strikes, while silver proof versions can fetch $15 or more. Most people find these quarters in their spare change or inherited collections and wonder if they have hit a small jackpot.
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Mark on Your 2016 Quarter
If you look closely at the obverse of your quarter near the year, you might see a small “S” mint mark. Unlike the common Philly or Denver versions, these were minted in San Francisco. For many years, San Francisco only produced proof coins for collectors, but in 2016, they also produced “Business Strike” coins specifically for the numismatic market.
If you aren’t sure whether you have a special mint mark or a common one, using a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in and distinguish the markings clearly. The CoinHix app is particularly helpful for this because it uses high-resolution image recognition to tell you exactly where your coin was made.
While these “S” quarters were technically meant for collectors, many have found their way into circulation. Because of their lower mintage compared to the hundreds of millions of coins made in Philadelphia, a 2016 S Fort Moultrie quarter is almost always worth keeping. Checking the current 2016 quarter value data is the best way to see how the market is trending for these specific San Francisco strikes.
Distinguishing Between Clad and Silver Proof Versions
The 2016 S Fort Moultrie quarters were issued in three distinct versions. First, there are the “Circulated Quality” or business strikes made of copper-nickel. Then, there are the “Clad Proofs,” which have a mirror-like finish but the same metal composition. Finally, there is the highly coveted “90% Silver Proof.”
Silver proofs are noticeably heavier and have a brilliant white shine without the copper stripe visible on the edge of the coin. If you suspect your coin is silver, the CoinHix app can help you cross-reference weights and visual characteristics to confirm its composition. The silver versions naturally carry a higher premium because of their precious metal content and lower production numbers.
Even if your coin isn’t silver, an uncirculated copper-nickel S-mint quarter is still a find. To get a better sense of how this specific design fits into the broader 2016 release schedule, you can look at the Fort Moultrie quarter market price data to compare it with other “America the Beautiful” releases from the same year.
2016 S Fort Moultrie Estimated Value Chart
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (S-Mint Business Strike) | $0.50 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated Mint State (MS-65) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Clad Proof (PR-69 or PR-70) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| 90% Silver Proof | $15.00 – $35.00 |
Design Elements and the History of Fort Moultrie
The reverse of this 2016 quarter depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the ramparts while under fire from a British ship. This scene honors the brave defense of the fort on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War. Because many collectors enjoy the historical significance of the America the Beautiful series, these coins often sell for a premium if they are in pristine condition.
When evaluating your coin, look for sharp details in the palm tree and the uniform of Sergeant Jasper. If the details are blurred or worn away, the coin is likely a circulated business strike. If you are unsure of the grade, the CoinHix app provides a gallery of high-grade examples that you can use to compare against your own find. High-grade specimens, especially those rated “Deep Cameo” (where the design is frosty and the background is mirror-like), are the ones that fetch the highest prices at auction.
What to Look for Before Selling Your Quarter
Before you try to sell your 2016 S Fort Moultrie Quarter, you must verify its condition and authenticity. Surface scratches, fingerprints, and “bag marks” from other coins hitting it will lower the value significantly. Never clean your coins, even if they look dirty; collectors prefer original surfaces, and cleaning a rare S-mint quarter could reduce its value to mere face value.
Proper storage is also key. If you find one of these, place it in a cardboard 2×2 holder or a plastic flip to prevent further damage. While $2 to $15 might not seem like a fortune, these coins represent a unique piece of American numismatic history that is becoming harder to find in the wild as time goes on.
Q: Is a 2016 S Fort Moultrie quarter made of silver?
A: Only the silver proof version is 90% silver. If you see a copper stripe on the side of the coin, it is a clad (copper-nickel) version.
Q: How many 2016 S Fort Moultrie quarters were made?
A: Approximately 1.1 million business strikes were made at the San Francisco mint, along with roughly 600,000 clad proofs and 400,000 silver proofs.
Q: Can I find a 2016 S quarter in my pocket change?
A: Yes, it is possible. While they were not intended for general circulation, many collectors have spent them or they were released into the “wild” by accident, making them a “cherry-picker” favorite.
