CVC & Collectables presents the 1999-S Pennsylvania State Quarter Gem Proof in 90% silver, the San Francisco–struck silver proof version of the second 50 State Quarters design, featuring sharp cameo contrast and the Commonwealth statue over the Keystone State outline.
Coin Highlights
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Country: United States
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Denomination: 25 Cents (Washington Quarter)
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Year: 1999
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Mint & Mintmark: San Francisco (S) – silver proof only
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Series: 50 State Quarters – Pennsylvania (2nd state; released March 8, 1999)
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Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof alloy)
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Weight: 6.25 g
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Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.1808 troy oz
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Diameter: ~24.3 mm; Edge: Reeded
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Mintage (1999-S silver proof): 804,565 – struck only for the 1999 Silver Proof Set
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Obverse: George Washington by John Flanagan, modified for the State Quarters with all legends (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, QUARTER DOLLAR) on the obverse
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Reverse: Commonwealth statue above Pennsylvania’s outline with keystone symbol and motto “Virtue, Liberty, Independence”; design by John Mercanti
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Strike: Gem Proof – deep mirrored fields, frosted devices, from U.S. Mint silver proof sets only
Historical Significance
The Pennsylvania State Quarter was released on March 8, 1999, as the second issue in the 50 State Quarters Program, recognizing Pennsylvania’s pivotal role as the “Keystone State” of the early Union.
The reverse centers on Commonwealth, the bronze figure that has crowned the Pennsylvania State Capitol dome since 1905. Her outstretched right arm symbolizes mercy, while the ribbon mace in her left hand represents justice, set against the state outline and keystone emblem with the founding-era motto “Virtue, Liberty, Independence.” Together, the design underscores Pennsylvania’s constitutional, political, and industrial importance from the Revolution through the modern era.
Collectibility
The 1999-S Pennsylvania Gem Proof (Silver) combines three desirable factors for collectors: first-year State Quarter status, low silver-proof mintage of just 804,565 sets, and a 90% silver composition with 0.1808 troy ounce of fine silver.
Because it was available only in the 1999 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set, attractive raw examples often show strong frosted devices, deep mirrors, and crisp detail on the Commonwealth statue and keystone motif. Many collectors build a four-coin Pennsylvania lineup (P, D, S clad proof, and S silver proof); this silver Gem Proof is the premium example of the design and an anchor coin for any complete silver State Quarters run or Pennsylvania-themed type set.
