2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter Value Guide
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade specimens. While most quarters found in pocket change are common, certain San Francisco mintages are highly sought after by collectors looking for pristine proofs and scarce business strikes.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Standard) | Face Value ($0.25) |
| Uncirculated “S” Mint (Business Strike) | $2.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof “S” Clad (PR69 – PR70) | $5.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof “S” Silver (PR70 DCAM) | $40.00 – $100.00+ |
Understanding the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter Mintage
If you have stumbled upon a 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter, you might be holding a piece of history that is worth more than its face value. This coin is part of the “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program, honoring the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam. While millions of these quarters were struck in Philadelphia and Denver, it is the San Francisco “S” mint mark that catches the eye of serious numismatists.
Because the San Francisco mint primarily produces coins for collectors rather than general circulation, finding one in your change is a rare event. To help you identify if your find is a true treasure, you can use a free coin identifier app to instantly scan the mint mark and condition. Many beginners use CoinKnow to quickly categorize their finds before heading to a professional dealer or auction house.
The San Francisco mint produced three distinct versions of the War in the Pacific quarter in 2019: the business strike (meant for collector rolls), the clad proof, and the silver proof. Each of these has a different scarcity level and market demand. Knowing which one you have is the first step in determining if you’ve hit the jackpot.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver S-Mint Quarters
The most common question for everyday Americans is whether their 2019-S quarter is made of silver. For the year 2019, the U.S. Mint upgraded its silver quarters from 90% silver to 99.9% fine silver. These silver versions were only sold in special sets and possess a mirror-like finish known as a “Proof.” If the edge of your coin is solid silver-colored with no copper stripe, you likely have the silver version.
Standard clad quarters, on the other hand, feature a copper core sandwiched between layers of cupro-nickel. While some “S” mint clad quarters were released in “Uncirculated” bags and rolls for collectors, these are rarer than the P and D versions you see daily. The 2019 quarter value info suggests that even non-silver S-mint coins command a premium over face value due to their limited production numbers.
If you are unsure of the metal content, CoinKnow offers a database of weights and physical specs to help you distinguish between a standard coin and a high-value silver proof. Silver coins will always carry an intrinsic “melt value” that acts as a price floor, currently around $5 to $7 just for the metal alone, regardless of the coin’s condition.
| Coin Type | Metal Composition | Average Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-S Clad Proof | Copper-Nickel | $5 – $12 |
| 2019-S Silver Proof | 99.9% Silver | $25 – $45 |
| 2019-S Business Strike | Copper-Nickel | $2 – $8 |
Grading and Condition: Why MS vs. PR Matters
When looking up the value of your 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter, you will see terms like “MS” (Mint State) and “PR” (Proof). Mint State refers to coins intended for circulation or collector bags that have never actually been spent. These are graded from MS60 to MS70. Proof coins, however, are struck with specially polished dies to create a mirror finish and are graded from PR60 to PR70.
A perfect specimen is incredibly rare. For example, the current price for top-tier 2019 quarters can skyrocket if the coin receives a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which means there is a frost-like contrast between the design and the background. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and lacks any scratches, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Using an app like CoinKnow can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to high-resolution photos of known grades. To the untrained eye, a minor scratch or “bag mark” might look like nothing, but to a collector, it could mean the difference between a $2 coin and a $100 coin. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints that can damage the finish.
The Infamous 2019-W Quarter Connection
While you are searching for the “S” mint mark, you should also keep a sharp eye out for the “W” mint mark. In 2019, the West Point Mint released a limited number of quarters directly into circulation to spark interest in coin collecting. These “W” quarters, including the War in the Pacific design, are significantly more valuable than the “S” versions found in pocket change.
While the “S” mint quarters were mostly sold in sets, the “W” quarters were hidden in boxes shipped to banks across America. Finding a “W” quarter in your change is like finding a $20 bill on the sidewalk. Because they were minted in such small quantities—only 2 million of each design—they are the true “holy grail” of the 2019 America the Beautiful set.
If you find a 2019-W War in the Pacific quarter, keep it safe in a plastic holder immediately. Even in “Great” condition, these are worth a minimum of $10 to $20. In “Uncirculated” condition, they can easily fetch $50 to $100. The scarcity of 2019-W quarters has actually increased interest in the 2019-S versions, as collectors strive to complete their full sets of all mint marks.
| Mint Mark | Rarity Level | Circulation Status |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Common | Everywhere |
| D (Denver) | Common | Everywhere |
| S (San Francisco) | Scarce | Collector Sets / Limited Rolls |
| W (West Point) | Very Rare | Circulated (Finding it is lucky!) |
Are There Any Errors on 2019-S Quarters?
Error hunters are always looking for “doubled dies” or “die chips” on modern quarters. For the War in the Pacific design, many collectors look at the “GUAM” lettering and the figures of soldiers on the reverse. While there aren’t many widely publicized major errors for the “S” mint versions, small anomalies can still occur.
A “die chip” is when a small piece of the metal die breaks off, causing a raised bump of metal on the coin’s surface. A “doubled die” creates a blurry or shadowed effect on the letters or numbers. If you think you see something strange, take a high-quality photo and consult a community of experts. Errors on proof coins are extremely rare because of the rigorous inspection process at the mint, making them potentially very valuable.
Because modern tech makes it easier to spot these errors, the market for 2019 “S” and “W” quarters remains very active. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or an investor, keeping your eyes peeled for small flaws could lead to a big payday. Always verify your findings with multiple sources to ensure that what you see is a genuine mint error rather than post-mint damage (PMD).
How to Sell Your 2019-S Quarter for Top Dollar
If you’ve confirmed you have a 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter worth more than $0.25, you have several options for selling. For small, un-graded coins worth $5 to $20, eBay is the most popular platform. You can list the coin with clear photos of the front (obverse), back (reverse), and the mint mark to attract buyers.
For high-grade coins (MS67 or PR70), you might consider going through a specialized numismatic auction house. Professional grading is almost always required for these high-value sales, as a certified plastic “slab” guarantees the coin’s authenticity and condition. This protection gives buyers the confidence to bid hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Lastly, you can visit a local coin shop. While you might get a slightly lower price than selling directly to a collector (as the shop owner needs to make a profit), it is a safe and fast way to get cash for your coins. Be sure to check online price guides and use your apps so you know the fair market value before you walk through the door.
| Sales Platform | Best For… | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| eBay / Etsy | Individual Coins ($5 – $50) | High fees but huge audience |
| Local Coin Shop | Quick Cash / Lower value lots | Fast and safe; lower payout |
| Heritage Auctions | Certified Rare Gems ($100+) | Professional; takes time to sell |
FAQ about the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter
Q: Why did the San Francisco mint make business strike “S” quarters?
A: Starting in 2012, the U.S. Mint began producing San Francisco “S” mint quarters in “business strike” (non-proof) finishes specifically for collectors to purchase in bags and rolls. These were not intended for general bank circulation, which is why they are rarer than “P” or “D” quarters.
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver without a tester?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a orange/brown copper line, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver and white, it is likely the 99.9% silver proof. You can also weigh the coin: a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, while a silver quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams.
Q: Is the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter rare?
A: It is “scarce” compared to the hundreds of millions of Philadelphia and Denver quarters. However, millions of “S” mint proofs were made, so they are not considered “ultra-rare” unless they are in perfect PR70 condition. The limited business-strike “S” quarters are harder to find and carry a higher premium.
Q: Can I find a 2019-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is possible, but unlikely. Most “S” mint coins were sold in collector sets. If you find one in change, someone likely broke open a collector set and spent it by mistake. If you do find one, it is definitely worth keeping!
