The 2019-S Lowell Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $50 in high-grade Proof 70 deep cameo. While standard quarters you find in your pocket are usually worth just face value, the “S” mint mark version from 2019 is a special collectible piece.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S Mint Mark) | $4 – $8 |
| Silver Proof (S Mint Mark) | $10 – $15 |
| Silver Proof (Grade PR70) | $45 – $75+ |
Why the 2019-S Lowell Quarter is Special
If you have stumbled upon a 2019 Lowell National Historical Park quarter with an “S” mint mark, you have found something more than just a regular twenty-five-cent piece. Most quarters intended for everyday spending are minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D). However, the San Francisco (S) Mint specializes in “Proof” coins specifically for collectors. For a quick identification, many collectors use the best coin identifier app to distinguish between the various finishes and compositions available for this year.
The Lowell quarter was the first of five designs released in 2019 as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. It honors the industrial heritage of Lowell, Massachusetts, featuring a mill girl working at a power loom with the Boott Mill clock tower in the background. Finding an “S” mint mark version in your change is rare because these were never formally released into general circulation; they were sold in sets or bags directly from the U.S. Mint to enthusiasts.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard copper-nickel version or the more valuable silver version, using a tool like CoinHix can help you analyze the luster and edges. The silver versions are particularly prized because they are made of .999 fine silver, a step up from the 90% silver alloy used in previous decades. This purity makes them a favorite for both numismatists and precious metal investors alike.
Understanding the Difference Between Clad and Silver Proofs
Not all “S” mint quarters from 2019 are made of silver. The U.S. Mint produced two distinct types of Proof coins in San Francisco. The first is the “Clad Proof,” which consists of a copper core sandwiched between layers of nickel. The second is the “Silver Proof,” which, starting in 2019, was upgraded to 99.9% fine silver. Identifying which one you have is the first step in determining its true worth.
The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without any copper streak, you likely have the silver version. If you see a distinct brown or orange copper stripe, it is a clad proof. You can find detailed 2019 Lowell quarter price data online to see how these two types differ in market demand.
| Coin Feature | 2019-S Clad Proof | 2019-S Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad | 99.9% Fine Silver |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.34 grams |
| Edge Appearance | Copper layer visible | Solid silver color |
Determining the Market Value of 2019-S Lowell Silver Quarters
The value of a silver quarter is influenced by two main factors: its silver content (intrinsic value) and its numismatic grade (collector value). Because the 2019-S Lowell Silver Quarter contains about 0.20 ounces of pure silver, it will always be worth at least its weight in bullion. However, because these coins were struck with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish, they often sell for much more than their silver weight.
When you use an app like CoinHix, you can compare your coin against high-resolution images of “Deep Cameo” grades. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish features a sharp, frosty contrast between the mill girl design and the shiny background. If your coin is perfectly preserved without any scratches or haze, it could reach a PR70 grade, which represents perfection. Information regarding the current value of 2019 quarters suggests that professional grading is usually only worth the cost for those 70-grade specimens.
While a raw, ungraded silver proof might sell for $10 to $15 on eBay, a certified PR70 DCAM specimen can fetch upwards of $50 to $100 depending on the current market trends. It is important to keep these coins in their original mint capsules or protective holders, as even a single fingerprint can significantly lower the grade and the resulting price.
The “W” Mint Mark Quarter Context
While you are searching for “S” mint quarters, you should also be aware of the “W” mint mark Lowell quarters. In 2019, the West Point Mint struck a limited number of quarters for the first time in history specifically to be mixed into general circulation. This was done to encourage coin collecting among the general public.
While the “S” quarters are primarily found in collector sets, the “W” quarters are the “holy grail” for coin roll hunters. In fact, many people mistake the “W” for an “S” or vice versa at first glance. If you find a 2019 Lowell quarter with a “W” mint mark in your pocket change, you have found a coin worth between $10 and $25 even in circulated condition.
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Rarity / Target Use |
|---|---|---|
| P or D | Philly/Denver | Common (Circulation) |
| S | San Francisco | Collector Proofs |
| W | West Point | Very Rare (Circulation) |
How to Sell Your 2019-S Silver Quarters
If you have decided that you want to cash in on your discovery, you have several options. For everyday Americans, the quickest way is often a local coin shop. However, keep in mind that a dealer needs to make a profit, so they may offer you a price closer to the silver melt value. For maximum profit, listing the coin on an online marketplace like eBay or a dedicated numismatic auction site is usually the better route.
Before selling, it is vital to have an accurate idea of the coin’s condition. Using CoinHix allows you to document the coin’s state and keep a digital portfolio of your collection. If the coin appears to be Flawless (PR70), you might consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin is much easier to sell at a premium because the buyer has a guaranteed third-party opinion on its authenticity and grade.
Finally, always stay updated on silver spot prices. Since the 2019-S Silver Proof is almost entirely pure silver, its value will fluctuate daily based on the global commodities market. Even if collectors aren’t buying, the raw metal in the coin provides a solid “floor” for its price, ensuring it will always be worth significantly more than its twenty-five-cent face value.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, safe | Lower payout |
| eBay / Online | Higher price potential | Fees and shipping |
| Coin Shows | Expert opinions | Travel required |
FAQ
Q: Is a 2019 Lowell quarter with an ‘S’ mint mark always made of silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both copper-nickel clad proof quarters and silver proof quarters in 2019. You must check the edge of the coin; if it shows a copper stripe, it is not silver.
Q: How much silver is in a 2019-S Lowell Silver Quarter?
A: Starting in 2019, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of silver proofs from 90% silver to 99.9% (fine) silver. Each quarter contains approximately 6.34 grams of silver.
Q: Can I find a 2019-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely, but possible. These coins were sold in collector sets and not intended for circulation. However, sometimes collectors or their heirs spend them by mistake, leading to “wild” proof finds in circulation.
Q: Why is the ‘W’ mint mark often mentioned with the ‘S’ mint mark?
A: Both are considered “special” mint marks for the 2019 series. While the ‘S’ is for proofs, the ‘W’ (West Point) quarters were specifically released into circulation to surprise collectors, making them very valuable finds in everyday change.
