2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter Value Guide
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $50 in high-grade proof sets. Whether you found one in a collection or are hunting for “S” mint marks, these coins carry a premium due to their high silver content and commemorative design.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof (PR65 – PR68) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Deep Cameo (PR69 – PR70) | $30.00 – $60.00+ |
Understanding the 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter was released as part of the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” (ATB) program. This specific coin honors the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam. While millions of standard copper-nickel quarters were minted for circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, the “S” mint mark quarters from San Francisco were struck specifically for collectors.
If you are trying to identify this coin at home, you can use a free coin identifier app to confirm the mint mark and variety. The obverse features the familiar portrait of George Washington, but it is the reverse that draws the most attention. It depicts American forces landing at Asan Beach, honoring the bravery of those who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Because these coins were never intended for pocket change, finding one in your spare change is extremely rare. They are typically found in specialized Proof Sets or Silver Premier Sets. To get an accurate reading on your specific find, the CoinKnow app can help you scan and log your collection instantly.
Composition and Silver Content Value
What makes the 2019-S Silver Quarter truly special is its metallic makeup. Unlike the “clad” quarters you use at the vending machine, which are made of copper and nickel, the silver version is composed of 99.9% fine silver. This was a change made in 2019; prior to this year, silver quarters were usually 90% silver.
The silver weight of this coin is approximately 0.1928 troy ounces. This means even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its “melt value.” As the price of silver fluctuates on the global market, the baseline value of 2019 silver quarters rises and falls accordingly.
Collectors should be careful not to confuse the 2019-S Silver Proof with the 2019-S Clad Proof. The silver version has a brilliant, white shine and lacks the copper stripe on the edge. You can verify the weight and silver purity benchmarks using CoinKnow to ensure you aren’t mistaking a common clad coin for a silver treasure.
| Feature | Silver Proof Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 99.9% Fine Silver |
| Weight | 6.34 Grams |
| Edge | Solid Silver (No Copper Core) |
Determining Value Based on Grade and Condition
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. For the 2019-S Silver Quarter, most specimens are in “Proof” condition. This means they were struck with polished dies and specially treated blanks to create a mirror-like finish. The highest possible grade for a coin is 70, representing a perfect strike with no visible flaws under magnification.
A PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter can command a significant premium because of its perfection. Even a small fingerprint or a tiny hairline scratch can drop the value from $50 down to $15. This is why it is vital to handle these coins only by the edges or while wearing cotton gloves.
If you are comparing this to other coins from the same year, you might notice that the current market price for 2019 uncirculated quarters can vary wildly based on the specific park depicted and the minting facility used. The San Francisco silver strikes remain among the most sought-after by enthusiasts of the ATB series.
Key Varieties and Errors to Watch For
While proof coins are usually inspected heavily for quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. For the War in the Pacific Quarter, collectors look for “Doubled Die” errors, where the design appears slightly blurred or doubled in certain areas, such as the lettering or the landscape of Asan Beach.
Another factor that impacts value is the presence of “Proof Like” (PL) surfaces on the non-proof versions, though this is more common in the “W” (West Point) mint mark quarters of the same year. The CoinKnow app includes a database of known errors, which can help you spot a rare defect that might make your quarter worth hundreds instead of just twenty dollars.
Check the dates and the “S” mint mark carefully under a magnifying glass. If the mint mark looks distorted or if there are unusual marks in the field of the coin, you may have found a rare mint error. These unique pieces are often sold at specialized auctions for much higher prices than standard proof coins.
| Grade Type | Description | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gem Proof (PR65) | Bright luster, few marks | $12 – $15 |
| Superb Proof (PR68) | Near perfect to naked eye | $20 – $28 |
| Perfect Proof (PR70) | Flawless under 5x zoom | $45 – $65 |
How to Sell Your 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter
If you’ve decided it’s time to cash in on your find, you have several options. Because the 2019-S Silver Quarter is a modern collector’s item, your best bet is often online marketplaces like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses. Local coin shops will also buy them, but they may offer “wholesale” prices, which are lower than what a private collector might pay.
Before selling, ensure the coin is protected in a plastic flip or a capsule. Buyers are very picky about the “eye appeal” of silver quarters. A coin that has developed “toning” (natural coloration from oxidation) can sometimes sell for more if the colors are vibrant blues or rainbows, but many investors prefer the classic white silver look.
Always check the current silver spot price before walking into a shop. Since this coin is 99.9% silver, its value will never fall below the value of the silver metal it contains. Being an informed seller is the best way to ensure you get a fair price for your 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If it is a solid silver color with no visible orange/copper stripe, it is likely the silver version. Also, silver quarters weigh more (6.34g) than standard clad quarters (5.67g).
Q: Is the 2019 War in the Pacific quarter rare?
A: The “S” mint mark silver versions are relatively rare compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters made for circulation. They were only sold in sets to collectors, not released into general trade.
Q: What is the “W” mint mark version worth?
A: In 2019, the West Point mint also produced quarters for circulation. Those are different from the “S” silver quarters. The “W” quarters are made of nickel/copper and are worth $10-$20 because they were the first quarters to ever feature a W mint mark for circulation.
Q: Should I get my 2019-S Silver Quarter graded?
A: It is only worth grading if you believe the coin is a “Perfect 70.” Professional grading costs money, and common PR65 or PR68 coins generally sell for less than the cost of the grading service itself.
