2003-S US Mint Maine State Quarter Proof, Silver Variant
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; specifically the San Francisco Mint facility (indicated by the 'S' mint mark on the obverse, not pictured but standard for this silver proof issue).
Pattern: 50 State Quarters Program, Maine Statehood Design (23rd in the series).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; specifically the San Francisco Mint facility (indicated by the 'S' mint mark on the obverse, not pictured but standard for this silver proof issue).
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Silver Proof composition). Total weight 6.25 grams, approximately 0.1808 troy oz of pure silver. Note: Standard circulating quarters are copper-nickel clad and contain no silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 6.25 grams (standard silver proof weight).
Description
This 2003 Maine Silver Proof Quarter is a numismatic tribute to the Pine Tree State. Part of the historic 50 State Quarters Program, it features a distinctive nautical theme. Unlike the common copper-nickel quarters found in pocket change, this specimen is minted in a 90% silver alloy, recapturing the traditional silver composition used in US quarters prior to 1965. The design captures the rugged beauty of the Maine coastline with exceptional clarity provided by the proof striking process.
Key Features
San Francisco 'S' mint mark; Weight of 6.25g (vs 5.67g for clad); Silver edge visible through the reeding (no copper stripe); Frosted cameo appearance.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Silver Proof composition). Total weight 6.25 grams, approximately 0.1808 troy oz of pure silver. Note: Standard circulating quarters are copper-nickel clad and contain no silver.
Finish & Decoration
Proof finish featuring frosted relief details (cameo) against mirror-like polished fields. The reverse depicts the Pemaquid Point Light atop a rocky cliff and a three-masted schooner at sea.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'MAINE 1820' (statehood year), '2003' (mintage year), and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. The obverse (not shown) would feature the 'S' mint mark and 'QUARTER DOLLAR' denomination.
Construction Details
Struck on specially polished silver planchets using high-pressure proof dies. This process involves multiple strikes to ensure sharp detail and high-contrast finish.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency in the United States, though intended for collectors rather than circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent debasement or clipping of the precious metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck by the US Mint using high-precision industrial presses; however, the proof dies are manually polished to create the distinct contrast between the fields and the relief.
Authentication Indicators
Weight check (most critical), edge check (absence of brown copper core), and 'S' mint mark. Presence of tarnish/toning is consistent with 90% silver alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
San Francisco, California, United States (San Francisco Mint).
Era & Period
Contemporary Numismatic Era (1999-2008 State Quarters Program).
Age Estimate
Minted in 2003.
Cultural Significance
Represents the first major change to US circulating coinage in decades; silver versions provide a bridge between modern mass-produced currency and historical precious metal coinage.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Used. Evidence of contact marks, surface scratches, and loss of mirror finish on the fields. The 'frosty' relief shows wear, and there is visible tarnish/oxidization consistent with handling outside of a protective capsule. Grade: Very Good/Fine (circulated).
Value Estimate
Current market value for a circulated silver proof is approximately $4.00 - $8.00 USD, largely driven by the spot price of silver plus a small numismatic premium. In pristine 'Deep Cameo' condition, value increases.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or silver dips, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free plastic flip or capsule. Handle only by the edges to avoid oils from skin causing further toning.
Similar Pieces
2003 Maine Copper-Nickel Clad Quarter (no silver content); 1964 and earlier Washington Quarters (standard 90% silver circulation coins).
Interesting Facts
The 50 State Quarters Program was the most successful coin collecting program in US history, with an estimated 147 million people collecting the coins. Maine's design was selected by Governor Angus King from over 5,000 entries.