2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value & Error Guide
The 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter is a one-year Washington Quarter design issued after the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and before the American Women Quarters Program began in 2022. P and D circulation coins are common in worn grades, while high Mint State pieces, proofs, silver proofs, recognized die varieties and genuine mint errors form the collector market.
Reviewed by the Coins Identification editorial team · Updated September 21, 2026
2021 → CROSSING THE DELAWARE → P / D / S → CLAD OR SILVER → CONDITION → VARIETIES → VALUE
Start with the issue type, then separate ordinary circulation coins from collector products.
The 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter is the bridge design between two multi-year quarter programs. Philadelphia and Denver struck more than two billion circulation examples, so an ordinary worn coin is usually a face-value find. Collector value becomes more meaningful when the coin is sharply preserved, certified at a high grade, struck as a San Francisco proof, made in 99.9% silver, or tied to a documented variety or genuine mint error.
The fastest route is practical: confirm the date, identify the reverse, read the mint mark, decide whether the coin is a regular clad strike or a proof, then assess surfaces before studying varieties. Do not use a dramatic online asking price as a market value.
2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Quick Facts
U.S. Mint specifications, issue figures and design credits.
- Year
- 2021
- Denomination
- Quarter Dollar
- Circulation mints
- Philadelphia / Denver
- Mint marks
- P / D
- Proof mint
- San Francisco · S
- P mintage
- 998,800,000
- D mintage
- 1,169,400,000
- Regular composition
- Copper-nickel clad
- Regular weight
- 5.67 g
- Diameter
- 24.26 mm
- Thickness
- 1.75 mm
- Edge
- 119 reeds
- Obverse designer
- John Flanagan
- Reverse designer
- Benjamin Sowards
- Reverse sculptor
- Michael Gaudioso
- Release
- April 5, 2021
Which 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Do You Have?
P and D identify circulation mints. S identifies a San Francisco proof product.
Regular circulation issue.
Regular circulation issue.
Clad collector proof.
99.9% silver collector issue.
Regular P and D coins are business strikes. San Francisco produced clad and silver proof versions for collectors. A silver proof is not a circulation find merely because it has an S.
How Much Is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Worth?
PCGS current checkpoints, USD, checked September 21, 2026.
Most circulated 2021-P and 2021-D coins are common because the combined circulation mintage is 2,168,200,000. The PCGS guide separates the regular P and D Mint State categories and does not publish a value for every grade. Missing checkpoints are left as missing, not estimated. Certified auction records belong to individual coins and should not be copied into a raw-coin price.
| Grade | 2021-P | 2021-D |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.25 face value; premium requires a matched sale | $0.25 face value; premium requires a matched sale |
| AU50 | Certified AU sale required for comparison | Certified AU sale required for comparison |
| AU58 | Certified AU sale required for comparison | Certified AU sale required for comparison |
| MS60 | Certified MS60 sale required for comparison | Certified MS60 sale required for comparison |
| MS63 | $10 | $15 |
| MS64 | $10 | $18 |
| MS65 | $12 | $22 |
| MS66 | $12 | $32 |
| MS67 | $14 | $55 |
| MS68 | $20 | $160 |
| MS69 | $35 | Certified MS69 sale required for comparison |
2021-P Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value
Philadelphia struck 998,800,000 circulation coins. That large number makes ordinary worn pieces common, but clean high-grade examples are a different market. The P issue is also the mint to screen first when studying the reported Ghost Oar doubled-die reverse.
| Grade | Current reference |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $10 |
| MS64 | $10 |
| MS65 | $12 |
| MS66 | $12 |
| MS67 | $14 |
| MS68 | $20 |
| MS69 | $35 |
2021-D Crossing the Delaware Quarter Value
Denver struck 1,169,400,000 circulation coins, more than Philadelphia. That does not make every Denver coin less collectible: strike quality, marks and the exact certification category still control the upper-grade market.
| Grade | Current reference |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $15 |
| MS64 | $18 |
| MS65 | $22 |
| MS66 | $32 |
| MS67 | $55 |
| MS68 | $160 |
| MS69 | Certified MS69 sale required for comparison |
PCGS condition-census records show MS69 examples for special First Day of Issue listings. Always name the certification category.
2021-S Crossing the Delaware Proof Quarter
The S proof is a collector strike, not a normal circulation coin. Proof fields are mirror-like, devices are frosted, and the coin should be judged for hairlines, haze, spots and cameo contrast. PCGS lists 490,829 for the regular clad proof category.
| Grade | Current reference |
|---|---|
| PR65 | Certified proof sale required for comparison |
| PR67 | Certified proof sale required for comparison |
| PR68 DCAM | Certified proof sale required for comparison |
| PR69 DCAM | Use the PCGS proof guide and a matched certified sale |
| PR70 DCAM | Use the PCGS proof guide and a matched certified sale |
Is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Silver?
Regular P and D circulation coins are not silver. The U.S. Mint also sold a San Francisco silver proof made in 99.9% silver. The Mint lists 6.343 grams for the silver proof, compared with 5.67 grams for the regular clad quarter.
| Grade | Current reference |
|---|---|
| PR65 | Certified silver-proof sale required for comparison |
| PR67 | Certified silver-proof sale required for comparison |
| PR68 DCAM | Certified silver-proof sale required for comparison |
| PR69 DCAM | Use the PCGS silver-proof guide and a matched sale |
| PR70 DCAM | Use the PCGS silver-proof guide and a matched sale |
A heavier coin is a screening clue, not authentication by itself. Use the edge, finish and certification together.
Clad vs. Silver 2021 Quarter
Do not call a coin silver from color alone.
| Feature | Regular P / D | S silver proof |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad | 99.9% silver |
| Weight | 5.67 g | 6.343 g |
| Purpose | Circulation | Collector proof |
| Mint | Philadelphia / Denver | San Francisco · S |
| Edge | Copper core may show | Uniform silver appearance |
| Finish | Business strike | Proof |
Why Is the 2021 Quarter Special?
America the Beautiful ran from 2010 through 2021. The Crossing the Delaware reverse then served as a one-year bridge before American Women Quarters began in 2022. That one-year status creates strong type-collecting interest, but it does not make every circulated example rare.
The issue also restored the familiar John Flanagan Washington portrait and returned the obverse layout to the style used before the 50 State Quarters era. The reverse was designed by Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.
What Is Shown on the Crossing the Delaware Quarter?
The reverse shows General George Washington directing troops through the ice-choked Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton. The scene refers to the night of December 25, 1776, when Washington and about 2,400 troops and artillery began the crossing.
On a genuine example, look for Washington with his saber, the boat and rowers, broken ice and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, CROSSING THE DELAWARE and QUARTER DOLLAR.
Who Designed the Crossing the Delaware Quarter?
John Flanagan is credited with the obverse portrait. Benjamin Sowards, an Artistic Infusion Program designer, created the reverse. Michael Gaudioso sculpted the reverse as a Mint Medallic Artist.
Design credit helps identify the issue, but it is not a variety by itself. Use the date, reverse, mint mark and physical diagnostics when evaluating a coin.
Why Does the 2021 Washington Portrait Look Different?
The 2021 obverse returned to the familiar Flanagan portrait style.
The U.S. Mint explains that the 2021 obverse returned to John Flanagan’s familiar Washington design as it appeared before the 50 State Quarters Program began in 1999. The portrait is larger and the inscriptions return to a more traditional arrangement.
This is a design transition, not a mint error. A different-looking portrait or a bold date is not enough to establish a doubled die.
2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Errors & Varieties
Keep documented die varieties separate from accidental striking errors.
Ghost Oar / WDDR-003
Secondary references describe a 2021-P doubled-die reverse in the oar area. Confirm the exact attribution with Wexler or another recognized variety reference.
Off-center or struck-through
These are production events. The coin must show mint-made evidence rather than a scratch, rim hit or post-mint damage.
Missing clad or wrong planchet
Color is not proof. Record weight, diameter and edge, then use professional testing.
Do not overcall machine doubling
Flat shelf-like spreading and die deterioration are not the same as a repeatable doubled die.
No generated image is used for the Ghost Oar or mint-error blocks. A diagnostic photo must show a verified reference specimen; an invented AI “error coin” would create false attribution.
How to Identify the Reported 2021-P Ghost Oar Variety
- Confirm the coin is 2021-P.
- Turn to the Crossing the Delaware reverse.
- Inspect the boat and oar area under magnification.
- Look for the exact documented secondary hub detail, not a random line.
- Compare the coin with the recognized WDDR-003 reference.
- Rule out scratches, die deterioration and machine doubling.
The reported variety is a cherrypicker attribution, not a general name for every extra-looking line near the boat. Keep the coin uncleaned while it is under review.
Market data is limited
This page does not publish an invented Ghost Oar price range. Use only a verified transaction tied to the exact attributed variety, grade and certification.
Open doubled-die reference ↗| Variety | Reference status | Pricing action |
|---|---|---|
| WDDR-003 | Use a recognized variety reference and certified attribution. | Match a completed sale for the exact variety and grade. |
Other 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Errors
Use the evidence column before discussing value.
| Error | Required evidence | Pricing method |
|---|---|---|
| Off-center strike | Clear design displacement with date and mint readable | Match a certified sale for the same error type and severity |
| Missing clad layer | Weight, edge and composition testing | Compare authenticated examples with the same composition evidence |
| Struck-through | Mint-made weakness or retained material, not a scratch | Use a matched certified error sale after attribution |
| Clipped planchet | Curved or straight clip with matching metal flow | Use a matched certified error sale after attribution |
| Broadstrike / multiple strike | Mint-made rim or design change | Compare certified sales for the exact mint-made mechanism |
| Wrong planchet | Weight, diameter, edge and metallurgical evidence | Professional authentication and a matched sale are required |
The current review did not locate enough verified, design-specific completed sales to create generic error price ranges. Do not use an eBay asking price or a 2020/2022 Washington quarter error as evidence for a 2021 Crossing the Delaware value.
Doubled Die vs. Machine Doubling
The Ghost Oar search makes this distinction especially important.
Die-created repetition
A doubled die is transferred into the die during hubbing. The same diagnostic relationship repeats on coins struck by that die and should match a recognized reference.
Strike-related displacement
Mechanical movement can create a flatter shelf-like edge or a thin secondary line. It is not the same as a documented doubled die.
Because no verified 2021 WDDR-003 reference photograph was available for this publication, this page does not create an AI diagnostic image and does not mark a random oar line as the variety.
Why Condition Matters
The massive P and D mintages make date alone a weak value signal. Regular-strike premiums concentrate in clean, original surfaces, strong strike quality, few contact marks and exceptional certified grades.
PCGS currently shows MS68 as the regular P top population level in its category, while special D First Day of Issue records include MS69 examples. That difference is why the holder and designation belong in any value comparison.
Is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Rare?
One-year design does not mean every example is rare.
| Issue | Mintage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-P circulation | 998,800,000 | Philadelphia business strike |
| 2021-D circulation | 1,169,400,000 | Denver business strike |
| 2021-S clad proof | 490,829 | PCGS issue record for the clad proof category |
| 2021-S silver proof | Collector proof product; verify the exact set record | Do not mix proof-product totals with circulation mintage |
| Circulation total | 2,168,200,000 | P and D combined |
Ordinary circulated P and D coins are not rare. Collectible premiums may attach to high grade, proof, silver proof, a recognized doubled die, a major mint error or a special certification pedigree.
Mintage is not surviving population, and a grading-service population is not a count of every coin that still exists. A raw coin should not be priced from a top-population headline.
What Makes a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Valuable?
Use the complete set of checks, not a single visual clue.
Condition
Exceptional grade, original luster and clean fields.
Type
P, D, clad proof or 99.9% silver proof.
Variety
Recognized doubled-die attribution with repeatable diagnostics.
Mint error
Genuine production error with specialist evidence.
Originality
Uncleaned surfaces and complete provenance.
How Much Does a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Weigh?
A regular clad P or D quarter weighs 5.67 grams. The U.S. Mint lists 6.343 grams for the 99.9% silver proof. Use weight with diameter, edge, finish and mint mark.
A dirty scale, rim damage, planchet error or worn edge can mislead a quick test. Never scrape the edge or polish a suspected variety.
2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Auction Results
Selected PCGS-indexed results, checked September 21, 2026.
| Type | Grade | Variety / pedigree | Date | Realized | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-P | MS68 | Regular strike | Feb. 2023 | $2,777 | PCGS archive record; individual coin |
| 2021-P | MS68 | First Day of Issue | May 2022 | $799.95 | PCGS archive record; special designation |
| 2021-D | MS69 | First Day of Issue census context | Mar. 2022 | $995 | PCGS CoinFacts record |
| 2021-D | MS68 | First Strike | Aug. 2022 | $80 | PCGS archive record |
| 2021-S clad | PR70 DCAM | First Strike | Jul. 2021 | $128 | PCGS CoinFacts auction record |
| 2021-S silver | PR69 DCAM | Regular silver proof | Jul. 2021 | $260 | PCGS CoinFacts auction record |
| 2021-S silver | PR70 DCAM | First Day / Limited Edition labels | Dec. 2025 | $59.99–$109.95 | PCGS condition-census entries; label and venue matter |
| 2021-D | MS68 | Regular / First Strike context | Aug. 2022 | $80 | PCGS archive record; not a raw-coin value |
The records above are completed transactions, not seller asking prices. Some PCGS archive entries are eBay transactions; PCGS itself warns that it does not guarantee their accuracy or authenticity.
How to Identify a Valuable 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter
2021 → P / D / S → type → variety → condition → evidence.
- 01Confirm 2021
Start with the obverse date.
- 02Confirm the reverse
Look for Washington in the boat scene crossing the Delaware.
- 03Read the mint
P and D are circulation mints; S is a proof mint.
- 04Separate clad from silver
If S, check proof finish, edge and weight.
- 05Screen the P variety
Compare the boat and oars with the documented WDDR-003 reference.
- 06Check condition
Record wear, marks, luster, strike and cleaning.
- 07Inspect errors carefully
Use weight, edge and mint-made evidence only.
- 08Compare completed sales
Match the exact type, grade, holder and pedigree.
- 09Consider grading
Reserve submission for strong candidates.
2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter Specifications
Regular P/D strike compared with the San Francisco silver proof.
| Specification | Regular P / D | Silver proof |
|---|---|---|
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar | Quarter Dollar |
| Year | 2021 | 2021 |
| Mint | Philadelphia / Denver | San Francisco |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad | 99.9% silver |
| Weight | 5.67 g | 6.343 g |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm | 24.26 mm |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm | 1.75 mm |
| Edge | Reeded · 119 reeds | Reeded |
| Obverse | George Washington · John Flanagan | George Washington · John Flanagan |
| Reverse | Crossing the Delaware | Crossing the Delaware |
| Reverse designer | Benjamin Sowards | Benjamin Sowards |
| Sculptor | Michael Gaudioso | Michael Gaudioso |
Should You Clean a 2021 Quarter?
No. Keep a possible high-grade, proof, silver-proof, doubled-die or mint-error coin original. Polishing and abrasive cleaning leave hairlines, remove luster and destroy the evidence collectors use to judge a surface.
Handle the coin by its edge, store it in an inert holder and photograph it before asking for an opinion. Do not scrape an oar, mint mark or edge.
2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter FAQ
Short answers for value, mint marks, silver and varieties.
How much is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter worth?
Most circulated P and D examples are worth face value. Certified high-grade, proof, silver-proof, documented variety and genuine mint-error coins are separate markets.
Is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter rare?
The design is a one-year type, but ordinary P and D coins are common because 2,168,200,000 circulation pieces were struck. Rarity is concentrated in condition and varieties.
What is a 2021-P quarter worth?
PCGS current MS checkpoints run from about $10 at MS63 to $35 at MS69 for the regular P category. Circulated value still depends on wear and actual demand.
What is a 2021-D quarter worth?
PCGS current checkpoints run from about $15 at MS63 to $160 at MS68 for the regular D category. A special MS69 designation must be tied to its certification category.
Is a 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter silver?
Regular P and D coins are copper-nickel clad. San Francisco also struck a 99.9% silver proof with an S mint mark for collector products.
Why was the Crossing the Delaware design used only in 2021?
It filled the transition between the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and the American Women Quarters Program, which began in 2022.
How many 2021 Crossing the Delaware quarters were made?
Philadelphia struck 998,800,000 and Denver struck 1,169,400,000 circulation coins, for 2,168,200,000 combined. Proof issue figures are separate.
What are the valuable 2021 quarter errors?
Authentic off-center, struck-through, clipped, missing-clad and wrong-planchet pieces can be collectible, but a specific specimen must be attributed before pricing.
What is the Ghost Oar variety?
Secondary references describe a 2021-P doubled-die reverse attributed as WDDR-003. Confirm the exact diagnostic with a recognized variety reference before calling a coin Ghost Oar.
How can I identify a doubled die 2021 quarter?
Confirm 2021-P, inspect the documented oar area under magnification, and separate raised repeatable hub doubling from flat machine doubling or die deterioration.
Who designed the Crossing the Delaware Quarter?
John Flanagan designed the obverse; Benjamin Sowards designed the reverse; Michael Gaudioso sculpted the reverse.
Should I get my 2021 quarter graded?
Grading is most logical for a clean high-grade candidate, proof, silver proof, documented variety or major mint error. A worn common coin rarely justifies the cost.