The 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in pocket change to over $100 in high-grade Mint State condition. Whether you found one in your laundry or inherited a collection, understanding the specific factors that drive the price of this commemorative coin is essential for every casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $50 – $125+ |
History of the 2019-P War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter
The 2019 War in the Pacific quarter is the 48th release in the America the Beautiful (ATB) Quarters Program. This specific design honors the National Historical Park in Guam, which commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the Pacific Theater of World War II. If you aren’t sure if you have a rare find or just a common coin, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the various 2019 mintages quickly.
The “P” mint mark located on the obverse (the side with George Washington) indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Unlike the rare “W” mint mark quarters from West Point that were released into circulation the same year as a surprise for collectors, the Philadelphia strikes were produced in massive quantities. Specifically, over 116 million of these coins were minted in Philly, making them very common in everyday transactions.
However, “common” does not mean “worthless.” While most 2019-P quarters you find at the grocery store will only be worth a quarter, collectors are always on the hunt for “bank-wrapped” rolls or coins that have been shielded from the scratches and dings of circulation. If you think your coin looks exceptionally shiny and scratch-free, it might be worth checking its potential CoinHix rating to see if it qualifies as an uncirculated specimen.
Identifying the 2019-P War in the Pacific Design Features
The reverse design of this coin is striking and emotional. It depicts American forces landing at Asan Bay, Guam, during the battle to liberate the island from Japanese occupation. You will see two soldiers coming ashore near the palm trees, a powerful reminder of the island’s history. The inscriptions include “WAR IN THE PACIFIC,” “GUAM,” “2019,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Because this design has a lot of fine detail, such as the textures on the palm trees and the equipment of the soldiers, it is a favorite spot for “die chips” or strike errors to occur. When examining your coin, look closely at the soldiers’ helmets and the leaves of the trees. Sometimes, extra metal or “blobs” appear in these areas, which can slightly increase the 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter value to specialized error collectors.
For a broader perspective on how this specific design fits into the larger 2019 series, you can explore more 2019 quarter value info to see how the Guam design compares to others like the Lowell or San Antonio Missions quarters. Generally, the War in the Pacific design is one of the most visually busy and popular among military history buffs.
Understanding the Grade and Condition of Your 2019-P Quarter
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2019-P quarter that has been rattling around in a vending machine for years is considered “circulated.” These coins typically show “bag marks” (tiny scratches from hitting other coins) and loss of original luster. These are worth face value. However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came from the mint, it is “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS).
The grading scale goes from 1 to 70. An MS63 coin might have some light marks but retains its shine. An MS67 or MS68 coin is nearly perfect, looking flawless to the naked eye. Because millions were made, only the highest-graded examples carry a significant premium. You can track these premium prices using the current 2019-P MS quarter price data to see what professional graders are currently valuing these gems at.
| Grade Level | Visual Description | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS60-62 | Noticeable marks/scuffs, dull luster | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| MS63-64 | Few marks, good eye appeal | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| MS65-66 | Very clean, bright original shine | $8.00 – $25.00 |
| MS67+ | Flawless under magnification | $75.00+ |
Special Varieties and Errors to Look For
While the standard 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter value is stable, error coins are the “wild cards” that can put extra money in your pocket. One common error found in the 2019 ATB series is the “Lead Soldier” or “Die Chip” error. On the War in the Pacific design, these often appear as raised bumps of metal on the soldiers’ uniforms or the palm fronds.
Another thing to watch for is “Doubled Die” errors. This occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a misaligned image, causing letters or parts of the design to look doubled. While no major “hub” doubling has been widely publicized for the 116 million P-mint Guam quarters, minor machine doubling is common but doesn’t add much value. If you suspect an error, the CoinHix app can be a great tool to compare your coin against known high-value error photos.
Keep an eye out for coins that appear to have a “satin” finish or proof-like qualities. Occasionally, coins from special sets find their way into circulation. However, the Philadelphia Mint generally produced business strikes intended for commerce. Finding an error on a high-grade 2019-P specimen is the holy grail for collectors of this specific year.
Philadelphia vs. Denver vs. West Point Mints
It is vital to check the mint mark on your 2019 quarter. The “P” (Philadelphia) and “D” (Denver) mint marks are the most common. In 2019, both mints produced over 100 million War in the Pacific quarters each. Because of this high supply, the 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter value usually stays close to face value unless the coin is in perfect condition.
The real excitement in 2019 came from the West Point Mint. In an effort to revitalize coin collecting, the US Mint released 2 million “W” mint mark quarters directly into circulation. These “W” quarters are much rarer and are instantly worth $10 to $20 even in “beat up” condition. If your War in the Pacific quarter has a “W” instead of a “P,” you have found a small treasure!
| Mint Mark | Location | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | 116,600,000 | Common |
| D | Denver | 114,400,000 | Common |
| W | West Point | 2,000,000 | Rare Find |
How to Sell Your 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter
If you’ve discovered that your coin is a high-grade MS67 or an interesting error, your next step is selling. For coins worth only a few dollars, local coin shops might not be interested because their profit margins are too thin. In these cases, selling on platforms like eBay or Etsy is better, especially if you can group together a “roll” of 2019-P quarters.
For coins that are potentially worth $50 or more, you should consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade “locks in” the value and makes it much easier to sell to serious collectors. Before spending money on grading fees, always use a tool like CoinHix to get a second opinion on whether your coin’s condition justifies the cost of plastic slab certification.
Whether you decide to sell or keep it as a piece of history, the 2019-P War in the Pacific quarter is a beautiful tribute to the heroes of the Pacific. While most are just worth 25 cents, the hunt for that one perfect, mirror-like specimen is what makes hobbyist coin collecting so much fun for everyday Americans.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter rare?
A: Generally, no. With over 116 million minted in Philadelphia, it is a very common coin found in circulation. It only becomes rare in nearly perfect, high-grade Mint State conditions (MS67 and above).
Q: I found a 2019 quarter with a ‘W’ mint mark. Is it more valuable?
A: Yes! The ‘W’ mint mark indicates it was made at the West Point Mint. Only 2 million were made, compared to over 100 million ‘P’ quarters. Even in circulated condition, a ‘W’ quarter is worth $10 to $30.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2019-P War in the Pacific Quarter?
A: High-grade examples in MS68 have sold for over $150 at auction. However, these are extremely rare and must be professionally graded to reach such prices.
Q: Does the 2019-P quarter contain any silver?
A: No, the standard 2019-P quarters found in pocket change are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. There are silver versions of this coin, but they were only sold in special collector sets from the Mint and do not have a “P” mint mark.