1999 New Jersey Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide to the Coinage

Introduction

The 1999 New Jersey quarter, released as part of the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters Program, holds a special place in numismatic history. This article delves into the unique characteristics, historical significance, and investment potential of this commemorative coin.

Coinage Specifications

• Year of Issue: 1999
• Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver)
• Composition: Copper-clad aluminum-bronze
• Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 inches)
• Weight: 5.67 grams (0.199 ounces)
• Edge: Reeded

Key Features

Obverse (Heads):

• Design: George Washington facing right
• Motto: "IN GOD WE TRUST"
• Year: 1999
• Liberty: "LIBERTY"

Reverse (Tails):

• Design: Liberty holding an American flag on a ship's bow
• State Name: "NEW JERSEY"
• Quarter: "QUARTER DOLLAR"
• E Pluribus Unum: "E PLURIBUS UNUM"

Historical Significance

The 1999 New Jersey quarter commemorated the Garden State's entry into the Union in 1787. The reverse design paid homage to New Jersey's maritime history, depicting the state's nickname, "The Crossroads of the Revolution," inscribed on the sail of the ship.

Mintage and Distribution

The 1999 New Jersey quarter was struck in large quantities at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The exact mintage figures are as follows:

These coins were widely distributed through banks and other financial institutions.

Investment Potential

The 1999 New Jersey quarter has proven to be a solid investment for collectors. According to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), the average price for a certified MS-65 grade coin is around $15, while a certified MS-70 grade coin can fetch upwards of $100.

Numismatic Applications

The 1999 New Jersey quarter is not just a collectible item. Its unique design and historical significance have inspired a range of applications, including:

• 'Halvealogy': A hobby that focuses on collecting state quarters and sorting them by halves.
• 'Geocaching': A recreational activity that involves finding hidden containers using GPS coordinates.
• 'Quartermania': A game that involves tossing quarters into a spiral staircase to see how far they will travel.

Tables of Importance

| Table 1: Mintage Figures |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | Mintage |
| P | 506,108,576 |
| D | 422,266,000 |

| Table 2: Pricing Information |
|---|---|
| Grade | Average Price |
| MS-65 | $15 |
| MS-70 | $100 |

| Table 3: Numismatic Applications |
|---|---|
| Application | Description |
| Halvealogy | Collecting state quarters and sorting them by halves |
| Geocaching | Finding hidden containers using GPS coordinates |
| Quartermania | Tossing quarters into a spiral staircase to see how far they will travel |

| Table 4: Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| Event | Date |
| New Jersey's entry into the Union | 1787 |
| Quarter release date | 1999 |

Strategies for Collectors

Collectors seeking to maximize the value of their 1999 New Jersey quarter should consider the following strategies:

• Acquire certified coins: Coins that have been graded by a reputable grading service, such as NGC or PCGS, command a higher premium.
• Purchase in bulk: Buying multiple coins in one transaction can often result in a lower per-coin cost.
• Seek out special varieties: Error coins or coins with unique characteristics can be highly sought after by collectors and may fetch a significant premium.

FAQs

1. How many 1999 New Jersey quarters were minted?
   Answer: 506,108,576 at the Philadelphia Mint and 422,266,000 at the Denver Mint.

2. What is the average price of a 1999 New Jersey quarter?
   Answer: Around $15 for an MS-65 grade and $100 for an MS-70 grade.

3. Is the 1999 New Jersey quarter a good investment?
   Answer: Yes, it has shown to hold its value and appreciate over time.

4. What are some unique applications for the 1999 New Jersey quarter?
   Answer: Halvealogy, geocaching, and quartermania.

5. How can I maximize the value of my 1999 New Jersey quarter collection?
   Answer: Acquire certified coins, purchase in bulk, and seek out special varieties.

6. What is the significance of the reverse design on the 1999 New Jersey quarter?
   Answer: It commemorates New Jersey's maritime history and nickname, "The Crossroads of the Revolution."

7. Is it illegal to melt down 1999 New Jersey quarters?
   Answer: Yes, it is illegal to melt down any U.S. coins due to the high metal value associated with them.

8. Where can I find more information about the 1999 New Jersey quarter?
   Answer: The U.S. Mint website, numismatic publications, and online coin forums provide valuable resources.