Alaska State Quarter Value
2008 · 25¢ · 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.25 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $3.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $15.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-S | Silver proof issue | $5–$8 |
| 2008-P | MS-67+ high-grade specimens | $8–$12 |
| 2008-D | Uncirculated examples in top grades | $8–$12 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Charles Vickers
- Years
- 2008
- Denomination
- 25¢
- Composition
- 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof)
- Diameter
- 24.3 mm
- Weight
- 5.67 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Alaska State Quarter: History & Background
The Alaska quarter features a grizzly bear catching a salmon in a stream, with Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) rising in the background and the North Star above. At 20,310 feet, Denali is the tallest peak in North America. The inscription 'The Great Land' translates the Aleut word 'Alyeska.' Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area, more than twice the size of Texas.
How to Grade a Alaska State Quarter
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Alaska State Quarter Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Alaska State Quarters is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.25 in Poor to $1.00 in Uncirculated — a 4× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $3.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Alaska State Quarter series has 3 notable key dates. The 2008-S is valued at $5–$8, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof) and a weight of 5.67g, the Alaska State Quarter carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Charles Vickers, the Alaska State Quarter (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Alaska State Quarter
The Alaska State Quarter (2008) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Charles Vickers, this 25¢ coin was struck in 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof) with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 5.67 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Alaska State Quarter series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $0.25 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Alaska State Quarter in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $3.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Alaska State Quarter valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Alaska State Quarter: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Alaska State Quarter worth today?
A Alaska State Quarter (2008) is worth between $0.25 in Poor condition and $1.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $0.25. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $3.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Alaska State Quarter?
The most valuable Alaska State Quarter is the 2008-S — silver proof issue. This date is valued at $5–$8 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Alaska State Quarter?
Grading a Alaska State Quarter starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$0.25) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$1.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Alaska State Quarters?
For common-date Alaska State Quarters in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Alaska State Quarter?
Yes. Known Alaska State Quarter errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Alaska State Quarter is real?
Authentic Alaska State Quarters weigh 5.67 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad); 90% silver (proof). Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Alaska State Quarter the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Alaska State Quarters are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $0.75 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 2008-S command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Alaska State Quarters were made?
The Alaska State Quarter was produced from 2008. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 2008-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Alaska State Quarter?
Never clean a Alaska State Quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Alaska State Quarter a good investment?
Alaska State Quarters in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Alaska State Quarter dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.