1999 Delaware State Quarter, Caesar Rodney Design
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; produced at the Philadelphia or Denver mint facilities.
Pattern: 50 State Quarters Program, Delaware (First State), introduced January 4, 1999.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; produced at the Philadelphia or Denver mint facilities.
Material
Cupro-nickel clad (8.33% nickel, balance copper); not solid silver unless from a specific Silver Proof Set (.900 fine silver).
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Weight: 5.670 grams (clad) or 6.250 grams (silver proof).
Description
The first coin issued in the 50 State Quarters Program, depicting Caesar Rodney's historic 1776 ride to Philadelphia to cast a deciding vote for independence.
Key Features
Depiction of Caesar Rodney on horseback; date of statehood (1787) and date of issue (1999) prominently displayed.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel clad (8.33% nickel, balance copper); not solid silver unless from a specific Silver Proof Set (.900 fine silver).
Finish & Decoration
Satin business strike finish featuring Caesar Rodney on horseback; Neoclassical revival style for the statehood series.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (P or D), 'DE FIRST STATE 1787', 'CAESAR RODNEY', and the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.
Construction Details
Die-struck/milled machine-made coinage with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with a face value of 25 cents; reeded edge to prevent clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
None; circular rim designed for stacking and tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision high-speed industrial die-striking; consistent weight and density tolerances required by federal law.
Authentication Indicators
Proper relief depth, standard US Mint typography, and characteristic reeded edge consistency.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints.
Era & Period
Modern Numismatic Era (1999-2008), 50 State Quarters Program launch.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1999; approximately 25 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents Delaware’s status as the first state to ratify the Constitution; highlights local Revolutionary War heroes.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface scratches, light tarnish, and minor edge dings. Grade: Very Good to Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25) for circulated examples; $1-$5 for high-grade uncirculated; $30+ for Silver Proof versions.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners; store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent 'milky' spotting or environmental damage.
Similar Pieces
1999 Silver Proof Delaware Quarter (distinguished by a mirror finish and .900 silver content).
Interesting Facts
This was the very first quarter released in the decade-long program that changed modern coin collecting in the United States.