The 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $100 for high-grade silver proofs. While most quarters you find in your pocket are worth face value, this specific “S” mint mark coin from San Francisco holds special interest for collectors and everyday treasure hunters alike.
| Condition/Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Clad Proof) | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Deep Cameo Clad Proof (PR69) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| 99.9% Silver Proof (PR70) | $60.00 – $115.00 |
Understanding the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter Basics
If you have stumbled upon a 2019 quarter featuring the scenic image of Asan Bay in Guam, you have a piece of the “America the Beautiful” (ATB) series. This particular design honors the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions of these for general circulation, the “S” mint mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. To accurately identify what you have in your hand, you can use the best coin identifier app to zoom in on that tiny letter located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
The “S” quarters from 2019 are unique because they were not intended to be spent at the grocery store. They were primarily sold in specialized proof sets or as “Uncirculated S” business strikes sold directly to collectors in rolls and bags. However, many of these coins eventually make their way into change jars when collectors break open sets or heirs spend inherited collections without realizing their rarity. If you are unsure about the variety you found, the CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a standard clad coin and the more valuable silver version by analyzing the luster and edge.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver S-Mint Quarters
In 2019, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the War in the Pacific quarter. The first is the “Clad” version, which is made of the same copper-nickel sandwich as your normal quarters. The second is the “Silver” version. Unlike previous years where quarters were 90% silver, the 2019-S Silver Proofs are made of .999 fine silver. This significant change in purity makes the 2019-S silver specimens highly sought after not just by coin enthusiasts but also by precious metal investors.
Checking the weight and the edge of the coin is the fastest way to tell them apart. A clad quarter will show a copper-colored stripe on the rim, while a silver quarter will have a solid, bright white silver edge. Understanding the 2019-S silver quarter price trends is essential if you think you have a silver specimen, as these are rarely found in circulation and carry a much higher premium than their copper-based cousins.
| Material Type | Weight (Grams) | Mintage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67g | 610,000+ |
| .999 Fine Silver | 6.34g | 412,000+ |
War in the Pacific Quarter Grading and Condition
Even if you have the “S” mint mark, the value is heavily dictated by the coin’s “grade” or physical condition. Professional grading scales go from 1 to 70. Most quarters found in your pocket will be “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches and wear from being touched. A “Proof” coin, however, is struck using special dies and polished blanks to give it a mirror-like finish. Because these were never meant to be touched, even a small fingerprint can lower the value significantly.
For those looking for the highest returns, “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) proofs are the gold standard. These coins have a stark contrast between the frosted design of the soldiers and the mirror-like background. If you believe your coin is in perfect condition, you might want to look up professional quarter valuation data for MS67+ grades. While that specific link refers to the Lowell design, the market behavior for high-grade 2019 quarters remains consistent across the series.
Why Collectors Treasure the “S” Mint Design
The reverse design of the War in the Pacific quarter is particularly poignant. It depicts American forces landing at Asan Beach, honoring the bravery of those who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The inscription “GUAM” at the bottom makes it a favorite for residents of the territory and veterans alike. Collectors often seek out the “S” mint version to complete “Proof Sets” or “Territory Sets,” which keeps the demand steady even years after the initial release.
Using an app like CoinHix allows you to stay updated on the latest auction results for these specific designs. Sometimes, a specific “S” mint quarter might sell for double its usual price simply because a collector needed that one specific coin to reach a “Registry Set” goal. This demand is what keeps the 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter value higher than its face value. Even if you aren’t a serious collector, keeping an eye on your change for that “S” mark can essentially “buy” you a free lunch if you find a nice proof.
| Grade | Clad Proof Value | 99.9% Silver Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 (Average Proof) | $4.00 | $25.00 |
| PR68 (Near Perfect) | $8.00 | $35.00 |
| PR70 (Perfect) | $22.00 | $110.00+ |
Common Errors on 2019 Quarters to Watch For
While the San Francisco Mint has high quality control, errors can and do happen. Error hunting is one of the most exciting ways to find value in 2019 quarters. Look for “Double Dies,” which appear as if the lettering or parts of the image have a ghost-like shadow or secondary outline. On the War in the Pacific design, check the “GUAM” text and the details of the soldiers’ equipment for any signs of doubling.
Another popular error to look for is the “Die Chip” or “Interior Die Break.” If you see a small blob of extra metal that shouldn’t be there—perhaps on the soldiers’ helmets or the palm trees—it could be an error that adds an extra $5 to $20 to the coin’s value. You can use CoinHix to compare your coin’s image with known error catalogs to see if you’ve discovered something rare.
How to Sell and Protect Your 2019-S Quarters
If you have confirmed that your quarter is a 2019-S Silver Proof or a high-grade Clad Proof, your next step is protection. Never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy the “Proof” finish and slash the value by 50% or more. Instead, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder.
When it comes time to sell, you have several options. For common clad proofs found in circulation, eBay is often the best place to reach a wide audience. For rare high-grade silver proofs or error coins, consider reaching out to a local coin shop or putting them up for auction. Always check current market data first so you don’t accept a low-ball offer for a coin that might be worth $100 or more to the right buyer.
| Selling Method | Best For… | Typical Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick Cash / Lower Value | High (Dealer Margin) |
| eBay | Mainstream Proofs | 13% – 15% |
| Heritage Auctions | Certified PR70 Silver | Varies (Consignment) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my 2019 “W” quarter worth more than the “S” quarter?
A: In 2019, the West Point Mint (“W”) released quarters directly into circulation as part of the “Great American Coin Hunt.” Because only 2 million of each design were made and they were never sold in sets, they are much harder to find in good condition than “S” mint quarters, which were mostly sold directly to collectors.
Q: Can I find a 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter in my pocket change?
A: Yes, it is possible! While they were sold in sets, many people break those sets open or spend them by accident. These are called “Impaired Proofs” and usually carry a value of $0.50 to $2.00 depending on how scratched they are.
Q: Is the 2019 silver quarter 90% silver like older ones?
A: No. Starting in 2019, the US Mint switched from 90% silver to .999 (99.9%) fine silver for all quarters in silver proof sets. This makes them slightly more valuable in terms of raw metal weight than silver quarters from 2018 and earlier.
Q: Does the “S” mean it is automatically a silver coin?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint produced both “Clad” proofs and “Silver” proofs. You must check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper line, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is the silver version.
Q: Is it worth getting a 2019-S quarter professionally graded?
A: Generally, it is only worth it if the coin is in perfect condition (PR69 or PR70) and is the silver variety. A clad quarter usually won’t increase in value enough to cover the $20-$40 cost of professional grading unless it is a significant error coin.