2019-W San Antonio Missions Quarter Value Guide
The 2019-W San Antonio Missions Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in circulated condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these in your pocket change is like winning a mini-lottery, as they were the first quarters in U.S. history to feature the elusive “W” mint mark from West Point.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $10 – $25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63 to MS-65) | $30 – $80 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-66) | $100 – $180 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67+) | $400 – $750+ |
Why the 2019-W San Antonio Missions Quarter is Special
If you have stumbled upon a quarter featuring four panels representing the different missions of San Antonio, you might be holding a rare treasure. In 2019, the United States Mint made a historic announcement that changed the world of coin collecting forever. For the first time, a small batch of quarters was struck at the West Point Mint and released directly into general circulation.
To identify this coin, you don’t need to be an expert; you just need a free coin identifier app to help you spot the tiny “W” mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s portrait. Unlike the common “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint marks, the “W” indicates a much lower mintage. Only 2 million San Antonio Missions quarters were struck with the “W” mark.
While 2 million might sound like a large number, it is tiny compared to the hundreds of millions struck at other mints. This scarcity drives demand. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you quickly distinguish this rare version from its common counterparts. Many Americans unknowingly spend these quarters daily, unaware that collectors are willing to pay a significant premium for them.
The Great American Coin Hunt and the W Mint Mark
The release of the 2019-W quarters was part of a campaign called the “Great American Coin Hunt.” The goal was to revitalize interest in numismatics among the general public. By placing rare coins directly into the hands of everyday shoppers, the U.S. Mint created a nationwide treasure hunt. The San Antonio Missions design was the fourth of five “America the Beautiful” designs released in 2019.
Finding one in your change today is rarer than it was five years ago. Most of these coins have been pulled from circulation by savvy collectors who check every quarter they receive. If you find one, the first thing you should do is put it in a protective sleeve. Any scratches or “bag marks” from it hitting other coins can lower the value significantly.
According to professional W-mint quarter price guides, the condition is the ultimate factor in determining the final price. Even a “dirty” looking coin might be worth $10, which is forty times its face value! You can use CoinKnow to track your finds and see how common they are in your specific area of the country.
Grading and 2019-W San Antonio Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” refers to the physical condition of the coin. Most coins found in pocket change are considered “circulated.” These will show wear on the mission buildings and Washington’s hair. Even in this condition, they are highly sought after because they are difficult to find.
However, the real money is in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins. These are coins that were lucky enough to be found immediately after being released and were never used to buy a soda or pay for a parking meter. These coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. An MS-65 grade is considered high quality, while an MS-67 is exceptionally rare for a coin found in the wild.
| Grade Label | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| AU-50 to AU-58 | Slight wear on high points | $12 – $18 |
| MS-63 | Lustrous but with many marks | $25 – $35 |
| MS-65 | Strong luster, few marks | $50 – $90 |
| MS-66 | Very attractive, very few marks | $120 – $200 |
| MS-67 | Nearly perfect to the naked eye | $450+ |
For those trying to determine if their coin is worth sending to a professional grading service, checking a current 2019 quarter market value list is essential. It provides a baseline so you don’t spend $30 on grading fees for a coin that is only worth $15.
Comparing the San Antonio Quarter to Other W Quarters
The 2019 West Point quarters were released for five different parks: Lowell, American Memorial Park, War in the Pacific, San Antonio Missions, and Frank Church River of No Return. Each of these had a mintage of exactly 2 million.
While all are valuable, the San Antonio Missions quarter is often cited as a fan favorite due to its intricate reverse design. The design features elements of the Spanish colonial missions, including a cross and wheat stalks. Because the design has many fine lines, finding one without scratches is particularly difficult.
The CoinKnow app allows users to scan their coins and identify which of the five designs they have found. Comparing the rarity across the 2019 and 2020 W series helps collectors understand which ones to prioritize for their personal collections. Generally, the San Antonio design maintains a very stable price point in the market compared to the more common Philadelphia or Denver versions, which are only worth 25 cents.
The PCGS First Week of Discovery Label
If you are browsing eBay or auction sites, you might see some San Antonio Missions quarters with a special “First Week of Discovery” label. When these coins were first released, the major grading companies (PCGS and NGC) offered special labels for the very first coins found and submitted within seven days of the official announcement.
These “First Discovery” coins are extremely valuable. Because they represent the very start of the Great American Coin Hunt, they carry a historical premium that regular W quarters do not have. Some of these have sold for thousands of dollars in high grades.
| Special Designation | Avg. Auction Price |
|---|---|
| First Discovery (Highest Grade) | $2,000+ |
| Early Release / First Strike | $150 – $300 |
| Standard W Mint Mark | $15 – $100 |
Most of us won’t find a First Discovery coin today, as that window closed in 2019. However, the standard W quarters are still circulating! The hunt continues, and every time you get change back from a store, you should be checking for that small “W.”
Tips for Selling Your 2019-W San Antonio Quarter
If you are lucky enough to find one of these coins, you might want to cash in. Selling rare coins can be intimidating for beginners, but there are several clear paths you can take. First, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with soap, water, or a cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its value.
You can sell your coin to a local coin shop, though they usually pay wholesale prices (around 50-70% of the actual value) because they need to make a profit. Alternatively, selling on platforms like eBay can net you the full market price, but you will have to deal with shipping and fees.
Using CoinKnow can help you estimate the fair market value before you even talk to a buyer. Having a high-quality photo of the “W” mint mark is the most important part of making a sale. Collectors want to see that the coin is authentic and check its condition for themselves.
FAQ
Q: Where is the “W” mint mark located on the 2019 San Antonio Quarter?
A: The mint mark is on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin. Look at George Washington’s portrait; the “W” is located to the right, just behind his ponytail and above the “In God We Trust” motto.
Q: Why did the Mint only make 2 million of these?
A: The U.S. Mint intentionally limited the mintage to 2 million for each of the five designs in 2019 to encourage the public to engage with coin collecting through the Great American Coin Hunt.
Q: Can I find a San Antonio Missions quarter without a “W” that is worth money?
A: Quarters minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for the San Antonio Missions design were produced in much larger quantities (hundreds of millions). Unless they have a major mint error, they are generally only worth their face value of 25 cents.
Q: Is it worth sending my 2019-W quarter to be professionally graded?
A: It is usually only worth the cost (around $30-$50) if the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition. If the coin has been heavily used and shows wear, the value might be $15, which is less than the cost of grading. Use a magnifying glass to look for scratches before deciding!
