The 2019-S Lowell Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. Finding one in your pocket change is an exciting moment for any casual collector, as these coins represent a unique piece of American industrial history and can carry a significant premium over face value.
| Condition / Grade | 2019-S Lowell (Circulated) | 2019-S Lowell (Proof) | 2019-S Lowell (Silver Proof) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good to Fine | $0.25 – $0.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $1.00 – $3.00 | $5.00 – $10.00 | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Choice Gem (PR70) | N/A | $40.00+ | $100.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 2019-S Lowell National Historical Park Quarter
The 2019 Lowell National Historical Park quarter was the first release of the year in the U.S. Mint’s celebrated America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This specific design 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. If you have stumbled upon one of these coins, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm its origin and specific mint mark within seconds.
The “S” mint mark on this quarter indicates that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the high-volume business strikes coming out of Philadelphia or Denver, most coins minted in San Francisco are intended for collectors. In 2019, the Mint produced both “S” mint business strikes (circulating quality but sold in rolls/bags) and high-mirror proof versions.
Because these coins are not released directly into general circulation by banks, finding an “S” mint Lowell quarter in your change is relatively rare. When people do find them, they often turn to tools like CoinHix to see if they’ve accidentally found a proof coin that was broken out of a set or a rare uncirculated specimen. Examining the current Lowell quarter market prices shows that while “P” and “D” marks are common, the “S” strikes are far more coveted by those completing their ATB sets.
Identifying Different 2019-S Lowell Quarter Varieties
When evaluating your 2019-S Lowell quarter, it is crucial to distinguish between the three primary types of strikes produced in San Francisco. The value varies wildly depending on whether the coin is a standard “S” business strike, a Clad Proof, or a Silver Proof. You can find detailed 2019 quarter value information covering all mintages to help you narrow down exactly what you have.
The business strike “S” quarters were sold in 100-coin bags or two-roll sets. These have the same luster as a standard quarter. The Clad Proof has a mirror-like finish and frosted details, while the Silver Proof is made of 99.9% fine silver. Identifying the silver version is easy: check the edge of the coin. If you don’t see a copper stripe, you likely have a silver quarter worth significantly more than the others.
| Variety Type | Mintage (Estimated) | Composition |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-S Business Strike | 936,000 | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| 2019-S Clad Proof | 601,000 | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| 2019-S Silver Proof | 412,000 | 99.9% Silver |
Grading and the Impact on 2019-S Lowell Quarter Value
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2019-S Lowell Quarter that has been rattling around in a vending machine will only be worth its face value or perhaps a small premium to a curious neighbor. However, a coin that was immediately placed in a protective sleeve can fetch impressive prices at auction. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale to determine quality.
For the 2019-S Lowell business strikes, a grade of MS67 or higher is where the money starts to get serious. Collectors often use CoinHix to compare their coins against high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This allows everyday Americans to judge whether their find is worth the $20-$40 fee to have it professionally authenticated.
For the silver proofs, the difference between a PR68 and a PR70 (perfect condition) can be hundreds of dollars. Because modern minting techniques are so precise, perfect 70-grade coins are more common than they used to be, but they still represent the “best of the best” and command the highest prices from investors and enthusiasts alike.
The “W” Mint Mark vs. the “S” Mint Mark: Which is Better?
While this guide focuses on the “S” mint, it is impossible to discuss 2019 Lowell quarters without mentioning the famous “W” mint mark. In 2019, the West Point Mint released 2 million of each ATB design directly into circulation. These “W” quarters were a historic “treasure hunt” move by the Mint to encourage collecting.
If you find a 2019 Lowell quarter with a “W” instead of an “S,” you are looking at a coin worth at least $10 to $20 even in circulated condition. However, the 2019-S business strike is actually rarer than the W in terms of total mintage (less than 1 million produced). The primary difference is that “S” quarters were technically meant for collectors to buy, whereas “W” quarters were meant for the public to find.
Ultimately, both are prize finds for any casual seeker. If you aren’t sure which one you have, checking with CoinHix can provide an instant valuation based on real-time auction data. Having an “S” mint coin in a high grade can often be a more stable long-term investment than the “W” coins, which saw a massive price spike that has since leveled off.
| Mint Mark Comparison | P / D (Common) | S (Special) | W (Treasure) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value (Avg. Circulated) | $0.25 | $0.50 – $1.00 | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Rarity Factor | Very Low | High | High |
Collecting Tips for the 2019 Lowell Quarter
If you want to start a collection or maximize the value of what you’ve found, proper storage is key. Never clean your coins! Cleaning a 2019-S Lowell quarter with soap, water, or a cloth can create micro-scratches that ruin its numismatic value. Professional buyers can spot a cleaned coin immediately, and it often reduces the value by 50% or more.
Instead, hold the coin by its edges and place it in a cardboard 2×2 flip or a plastic capsule. This prevents oils from your skin from tarnishing the surface. Because the Lowell quarter features intricate details like the spinning wheel and the building facade, keeping those surfaces pristine is essential for maintaining the coin’s “eye appeal,” a subjective factor that often drives prices up in auctions.
Many collectors suggest keeping an eye out for “mint errors.” While no major famous errors have been widely reported for the 2019-S Lowell specifically, keep a lookout for “die chips” (small bumps of extra metal) or “doubled dies” (letters or numbers that look like they were stamped twice). These anomalies can turn a standard $2 coin into a $50 treasure.
Where to Sell Your 2019-S Quarter for the Best Price
If you decide to part with your coin, you have several options. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they typically pay “wholesale” prices so they can resell the coin for a profit. For a rare 2019-S Silver Proof, this might mean getting $10 for a coin that retails for $18.
For the highest possible return, online marketplaces like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses are your best bet. When listing online, take clear, well-lit photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse). Mention the “S” mint mark clearly in the title. Most collectors search specifically for the mint mark and the state named on the coin.
Always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Active” listings. People can ask for $1,000 for a common quarter, but that doesn’t mean it sells for that much. Using a reliable price guide or an app like CoinHix ensures you are entering the market with realistic expectations and the knowledge needed to negotiate a fair deal.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S Lowell Quarter is silver?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. A standard clad quarter will have a visible copper stripe. A 99.9% silver proof quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge. Additionally, silver quarters weigh more (6.25 grams) than clad quarters (5.67 grams).
Q: Why is the “S” mint mark special?
A: The San Francisco Mint primarily produces coins for collectors rather than for general circulation. Because they are minted in much lower quantities than the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) coins, they are naturally scarcer and more desirable to people trying to complete a full set of quarters.
Q: Is a 2019-S Lowell Quarter worth getting graded?
A: It depends on the condition. If the coin is a Silver Proof and looks absolutely perfect (no scratches, even under a magnifying glass), it could be worth grading to reach a PR70 status. For standard business strikes, it is usually only worth grading if you believe it will score an MS67 or higher.
Q: What is the Boott Mill depicted on the coin?
A: The reverse of the 2019 Lowell quarter depicts the Boott Cotton Mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. It honors the city’s role as a cradle of the American Industrial Revolution and the “mill girls” who were central to the textile industry in the 19th century.