2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter Value Guide
The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,200 for top-tier silver specimens. While common pocket change might only be face value, certain “S” mint marks hold significant premiums for collectors and casual finders alike.
| Coin Version (Mint Mark S) | Estimated Value (Ungraded) | Top Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| Business Strike (Clad) | $1.00 – $10.00 | $230+ |
| Proof Strike (Clad) | $5.00 – $12.00 | $150+ |
| Silver Proof Strike | $15.00 – $35.00 | $1,200+ |
History of the 2013-S Perry’s Victory Quarter
The 2013 Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial quarter was the 17th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. It honors the site in Ohio that commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Most people are used to seeing “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver, but finding an “S” mint mark from San Francisco can be a thrilling discovery for any American checking their change.
If you aren’t sure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to quickly discern between the clad and silver versions. The “S” mark on this specific coin is unique because, starting in 2012, the San Francisco mint began producing “Business Strike” quarters specifically for collectors, in addition to the traditional high-mirror proof sets.
Finding one of these in your change is rarer than you might think. While millions of Philadelphia and Denver quarters were minted, the San Francisco business strikes were sold only in rolls and bags directly from the Mint. Using CoinKnow can help you track these specific varieties and their current market demand.
Understanding the Three Distinct 2013-S Variants
When we talk about the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarter value, we must distinguish between the three types produced in San Francisco. The first is the “Circulating Quality” or Business Strike. These were intended for collectors but occasionally end up in circulation. They have a standard matte finish similar to the quarters you use at the grocery store.
The second type is the Clad Proof. These are made with specially polished dies and blanks, giving them a mirror-like background and “frosted” details. Finally, there is the 90% Silver Proof. This version is the most coveted by investors and hobbyists. To ensure you aren’t overpaying or underselling, checking the latest 2013 America the Beautiful quarter price data is essential for accuracy.
The weight of the coin is often the easiest way to tell the silver version apart if you don’t have a professional scale. Silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams, while the copper-nickel clad versions weigh 5.67 grams. If you find a silver one, you have found a coin with intrinsic metal value far above its 25-cent face value.
| Feature | Clad (Business/Proof) | 90% Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.25 grams |
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Edge Appearance | Visible Copper Stripe | Solid Silver Color |
Factors That Influence 2013-S Quarter Value
The condition of your 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarter is the biggest factor in its final sale price. For business strikes (S-mint), collectors look for “Mint State” (MS) grades. A coin that has been touched by many hands and lost its luster will be graded lower, often staying around the $1 mark. However, a “Gem” quality MS67 or MS68 can command much higher prices.
For the proof versions (Clad and Silver), the grade is usually “Proof” (PF or PR). High-end proofs are often designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), meaning there is a sharp contrast between the shiny field and the hazy, white portrait and design. These visual aesthetics are what drive up the current 2013 quarter worth in the auction market.
If you are a serious hunter, keep an eye out for “toning.” Some silver quarters develop a rainbow-like patina over time due to oxidation. While some prefer shiny white coins, many collectors pay a premium for beautiful, natural toning. You can use CoinKnow to browse through auction images to see what kind of toning currently fetches the highest bids.
How to Identify a Rare S-Mint Business Strike
Many people ask why a 2013-S Business Strike is worth more than a standard P or D quarter. The answer is mintage. Only about 1.4 million of these were made. Compare that to the hundreds of millions made in Philadelphia. Because they were never officially released into general circulation, any “S” mint quarter found in a roll of change from the bank is considered a “circulated rarity.”
To identify it, look at the right side of George Washington’s portrait (the obverse). Below the “In God We Trust” motto, you will see a tiny letter. If it is an “S,” you have something special. Unlike proof coins, which are shiny and mirror-like, these business strikes look like “normal” quarters. This makes them easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention.
Grading these coins can be tricky. Even a tiny scratch from being in a bag with other coins can lower the grade from an MS67 to an MS63, which could be a $50 difference in value. CoinKnow offers a high-resolution comparison tool to help you estimate the grade of your find before you decide to spend money on professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
| Condition Grade | Clad S-Mint Price | Silver S-Mint Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 / PR63 | $2 – $5 | $15 – $20 |
| MS65 / PR65 | $8 – $15 | $25 – $35 |
| MS67 / PR69 | $25 – $60 | $50 – $100 |
| MS68 / PR70 | $200+ | $300+ |
Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarter doesn’t have many famous “major” errors, collectors are always on the hunt for “minor” variations. These include doubled dies, where parts of the design appear to have a faint ghost image or “shadow,” indicating the die struck the coin twice in slightly different positions.
Look closely at the statue of Oliver Hazard Perry on the reverse. Check the lettering in “PERRY’S VICTORY” for any thickness or doubling. Die chips are also common; these look like small raised bumps of metal where the die broke during the striking process. While a small die chip might only add a few dollars to the value, a significant error can make a 25-cent coin worth $50 or more.
If you suspect you have an error, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its collector value. Always handle your quarters by the edges to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the surface. Professional collectors always prefer a “dirty” original coin over a “shiny” cleaned one.
Should You Get Your 2013-S Quarter Graded?
Grading is the process of sending your coin to a third-party service to verify its authenticity and condition. For most 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarters, the cost of grading (which can be $30-$50 per coin plus shipping) is more than the coin is worth.
However, if you have a Silver Proof that looks absolutely flawless, or an S-mint Business strike that has zero scratches even under a magnifying glass, it might be worth it. A 2013-S Silver Proof in a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo holder is a centerpiece for many modern quarter sets. These “perfect” coins are the ones you see selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay or Heritage Auctions.
Before spending the money on grading, use an app like CoinKnow to compare your coin against photos of certified grades. Many people realize after closer inspection that their “perfect” coin actually has small “bag marks” or “hairlines” that would prevent it from getting a top-tier grade. If your coin is worth less than the grading fee, it’s better to keep it in a protective plastic flip and enjoy it as part of your personal collection.
FAQ
Q: How much silver is in a 2013-S Silver Proof Quarter?
A: These coins contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. They are made of 90% silver and 10% copper, which was the standard for U.S. silver coinage before 1965. In 2019, the Mint switched to 99.9% fine silver, but the 2013 versions still follow the classic 90% alloy.
Q: Can I find a 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarter in my pocket change?
A: While it is possible, it is very rare. The Business Strike S-mint quarters were sold in special rolls to collectors. If you find one, it usually means a collector spent it by accident or a collection was broken up. Keep an eye out—it’s like finding a small treasure!
Q: Is there a 2013-W quarter?
A: No, the West Point Mint (W) did not start minting quarters for circulation until 2019. If you find a 2013 quarter, it will only have a P, D, or S mint mark.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2013-S Perry’s Victory quarter?
A: Top grades for the Silver Proof in PR70 DCAM have sold for over $1,200 at major auctions. Business strikes in MS68 condition have fetched between $200 and $400 depending on the timing and the auction house.
