The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $150 for high-grade specimens. This beautiful coin, part of the America the Beautiful series, remains a favorite for casual collectors who discover it in old family collections or silver proof sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Deep Cameo) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $75.00 – $185.00+ |
Understanding the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Silver Quarter
If you have stumbled upon a shiny quarter featuring a tall monument and a man in a hat, you are looking at a piece of American history. The 2013-S Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial quarter was released as the 17th coin in the U.S. Mint’s “America the Beautiful” (ATB) program. This specific version, minted in San Francisco, is not your average pocket change. While the clad versions were meant for circulation, the silver proof was minted specifically for collectors.
Determining if your coin is special requires a keen eye. Many people use the best coin identifier app to quickly discern between the standard Philadelphia or Denver issues and the more valuable San Francisco silver proofs. When using such tools, you’ll find that the “S” mint mark is the first thing to look for, followed by the distinctive mirrored finish of a proof coin.
Because these were never intended to spend at a grocery store, finding one in your change is rare, but not impossible. Often, these coins come from broken-up silver proof sets that were inherited or sold to coin shops. If you find one, it is highly recommended to use CoinHix to logging your find and tracking its current market fluctuations.
Composition and Silver Content of the 2013-S Quarter
One of the main reasons the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Silver Quarter Value remains consistently higher than face value is its metal content. Unlike the quarters we use daily, which are made of copper and nickel, this silver proof is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the global silver market.
Even if the coin were damaged, its weight in silver ensures it will never be worth just twenty-five cents. Each quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. For investors, this makes the ATB silver quarters a double-layered asset: they carry numismatic (collector) value as well as bullion (metal) value. Keeping track of current 2013 quarter value trends is essential if you plan on selling yours for a profit during a silver price spike.
| Metal Component | Percentage / Weight |
|---|---|
| Silver Content | 90% Silver (.1808 oz) |
| Copper Content | 10% Copper |
| Total Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
How to Identify a Genuine Silver Proof vs Clad Proof
A common point of confusion for new collectors is distinguishing the 2013-S silver proof from its “clad” (nickel-copper) San Francisco counterpart. In 2013, the San Francisco Mint produced two types of “S” mint mark quarters: one for the standard proof sets (clad) and one for the silver proof sets. To the untrained eye, both look similar because they both feature “cameo” finishes—a frosty image against a mirrored background.
The easiest way to tell them apart is the edge test. Look at the side of the coin (the reeded edge). If you see a solid silver-colored stripe without any trace of orange or brown copper, it is almost certainly the 90% silver version. If you see a copper stripe running through the center, it is a clad proof. Serious collectors often check the market data for silver America the Beautiful quarters to see how much more the silver versions are fetching compared to their clad cousins.
Using a digital scale is another foolproof method. A standard clad quarter weighs about 5.67 grams, while the silver version weighs 6.25 grams. If you don’t have a scale handy, CoinHix can provide visual guides to help you identify the minting characteristics and surface textures typical of the San Francisco silver proofs.
The Importance of Grading for Perry’s Memorial Quarters
Condition is everything when it comes to the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Silver Quarter value. Because these coins were produced for collectors and handled with care, most are in “Proof-65” or higher condition. However, there is a massive price jump when you move into the territory of “Perfect 70” (PR70). A PR70 coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
Most 2013-S silver quarters found in original Government Packaging (OGP) will grade at PR68 or PR69. Achieving a PR70 grade is difficult because even tiny microscopic scratches from the minting process can disqualify it. If your coin has a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, it means there is a stark, beautiful contrast between the field and the design. These are the gems that collectors compete for at auction.
| Grade Designation | Appearance Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR) | Mirrored background, sharp strike. |
| Cameo (CAM) | Light frost on the raised images. |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | Heavy, snow-white frost on images; jet-black mirrored fields. |
Design Details of the Perry’s Victory Memorial Quarter
The reverse of the 2013 Perry’s Memorial quarter is one of the more architecturally interesting designs in the ATB series. It depicts the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The monument was built to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States.
On the coin, the statue of Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry stands proudly in the foreground against the Doric column of the memorial. Don Everhart, a renowned sculptor-engraver, designed the reverse. On the obverse, you find the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan in 1932.
Appreciating the artistry of your coin adds historical value beyond the dollar amount. When using CoinHix, you can often read about the designers and the history of the parks featured on these coins, which makes the hobby of coin collecting much more rewarding for the “everyday American” looking at their pocket change.
Market Trends and Selling Your 2013-S Silver Quarter
The market for modern silver quarters is quite liquid, meaning there are always buyers. However, prices can fluctuate based on the popularity of the specific park design. The Perry’s Memorial design is considered moderately popular—not as sought after as the Hawaii Volcanoes or Acadia quarters, but more popular than the Mount Rushmore or Great Basin issues.
If you are looking to sell, you have several options. Selling to a local coin shop is the fastest way, but you will likely receive closer to the “melt value” or 60-70% of the retail value. Selling on platforms like eBay can net you a higher price, but you must factor in shipping and selling fees. Keep an eye on auction records to see what recent “Deep Cameo” versions have sold for to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
Finally, always handle your silver quarters by the edges. The oils from your fingerprints can permanently stain silver through a process called toning. While some collectors love “rainbow toning,” most prefer a brilliant, clear proof. If your coin is still in its plastic capsule, leave it there! This protection is vital for maintaining its top-tier value.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2013-S quarter is silver without weighing it?
A: The most reliable visual clue is the edge. If the edge of the coin is solid silver/white with no copper-colored stripe, it is a silver proof. Additionally, check the mint mark; only quarters with an “S” have the potential to be silver (though not all “S” quarters are silver).
Q: Is the 2013-S Perry Memorial Silver Quarter rare?
A: It is not “rare” in the sense of there only being a few hundred, but it is low-mintage compared to circulating quarters. Tens of billions of regular quarters are made, while only about 1.1 million silver proof sets (containing this quarter) were produced in 2013.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for this coin?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC have sold for upwards of $150 to $200 at major auctions, especially if the coin is from an early release or has exceptional eye appeal.
Q: Should I clean my 2013-S Silver Quarter to make it more valuable?
A: No! Never clean a proof coin. Even using a soft cloth can leave micro-scratches called “hairlines” that drastically reduce its grade and value. A cleaned coin will almost always be worth less than one with natural aging.
