2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter Value Guide
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in uncirculated condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. If you have found this specific coin in your collection, you are looking at a beautiful piece of American history that carries a premium over its face value.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $12 – $15 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $25 – $35 |
| PR 70 (Perfect) | $80 – $120 |
History of the 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter was released as part of the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This specific design honors the War in the Pacific National Historical Park located in Guam. It serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers and locals during the Pacific Theater of World War II.
When you look at the reverse side, you will see a striking image depicting American forces landing at Asan Bay. For many everyday Americans, finding an “S” mint mark on a quarter is an exciting moment, as it signifies the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the standard quarters you get in your change at the grocery store, these silver versions were specifically struck for collectors and were never intended for general circulation.
If you are unsure whether the coin you found is the rare silver version or just a standard copper-nickel proof, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to get an instant appraisal. Using tools like CoinKnow helps amateur collectors distinguish between common clad coins and high-value silver coins by analyzing the luster and strike.
Identifying the Silver Composition
One of the most important things to understand about the 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter is the metal content. In 2019, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver to .999 fine silver for its annual proof sets. This makes these quarters part of a special era of minting where the silver purity is at its absolute highest.
To tell if your coin is silver without an app, look at the edge. A standard 25-cent piece has a copper stripe visible along the ridged edge. A 2019-S Silver Quarter will have a solid, bright silver edge with no copper showing. Additionally, these coins weigh slightly more than a standard quarter (6.34 grams for silver vs. 5.67 grams for clad).
Because these coins were sold in protective plastic lenses, a loose silver quarter in “pocket change” is rare. If you find one that looks exceptionally shiny, it is likely a “Silver Proof.” You can check current market trends and detailed 2019 quarter value info to see how much people are paying for these on auction sites like eBay.
Grading and Condition Impacts Value
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter is judged on a scale of 1 to 70. Since these are proof coins, they are expected to be in nearly flawless condition. Even a small scratch or a fingerprint can drop the value significantly.
“Proof” refers to the method of manufacture, not the condition. These coins are struck twice on specially polished blanks to create a mirror-like background and a frosted design. If your coin has a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect, where the contrast between the shiny background and the white frosted image is very sharp, it will command a much higher price from collectors.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are often used for coins that appear perfect. However, for a casual collector, the CoinKnow app can provide a preliminary grade estimate. This is helpful before deciding whether to spend $30 or more to have a coin professionally certified. For those looking for official data, you can view the America the Beautiful quarter market prices to see what similar “S” mint marks are fetching.
| Grade | Silver Value (Melat) | Collector Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded / Raw | ~$5.50 | $10.00 |
| PR 67 DCAM | ~$5.50 | $18.00 |
| PR 69 DCAM | ~$5.50 | $28.00 |
| PR 70 DCAM | ~$5.50 | $115.00 |
Mintage Figures and Rarity
When determining value, rarity is the biggest factor. In 2019, the San Francisco Mint produced several types of quarters. There are the “S” Clad Proofs and the “S” Silver Proofs. There are also the famous “W” mint mark quarters from West Point, which were released into circulation.
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter had a mintage of roughly 412,000 pieces. While this might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions of quarters produced for circulation in Philadelphia and Denver. Because these silver quarters were only sold in sets, the supply is very controlled.
The limited nature of the .999 silver strike makes this specific coin a favorite for thematic collectors—those who collect military history or National Park memorabilia. If you happen to find one, keeping it in its original holder is vital to preserving its 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter value. Removing it from its case and touching it with bare hands can cause “toning” or stains that buyers dislike.
Collecting the America the Beautiful Series
The America the Beautiful (ATB) series ran from 2010 to 2021, and the 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter belongs to the latter half of the series. Collectors often attempt to complete “Silver Proof Sets,” which include every silver quarter from every year. As the years go by, finding these silver coins outside of their original mint packaging becomes harder.
Because the 2019 quarters were the first to be made of .999 pure silver (replacing the traditional 90% silver), there is a unique technical demand for them. Investors who buy silver bullion often look for these quarters because they are “government-guaranteed” weight and purity, while also having a secondary value as a collectible coin.
If you are beginning your journey as a coin hunter, using a resource like CoinKnow helps you catalog what you find. Whether you are searching through a grandfather’s old chest or buying lots at an estate sale, knowing how to identify the silver luster of the 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter can turn a 25-cent discovery into a $20 or $50 win.
| 2019 Quarters Comparison | Mint Mark | Estimated Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel (Circulation) | P or D | Common |
| High-Value Circulation | W | Scarce |
| Silver Proof (Collector) | S | Very Scarce |
Where to Sell Your 2019-S Silver Quarter
If you have confirmed that you own a 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter and you want to cash in, you have several options. For everyday people, the easiest route is a local coin shop. However, be aware that a dealer needs to make a profit, so they may offer you “wholesale” price (often the melt value of the silver plus a small premium).
For those who want the highest 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter value, online marketplaces are the better bet. Platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions allow you to reach collectors who are looking for that specific coin to complete their set. Ensure you take high-quality photos that show the mirror finish of the coin.
Before selling, always double-check the current silver spot price. Since this coin is .999 silver, its “floor” price is determined by the global market for silver. If silver prices rise, your quarter becomes more valuable regardless of its collectible status. It is a win-win scenario for the owner.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between the S-Clad and S-Silver quarters?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a orange/copper stripe, it is a clad coin (worth $1-$3). If the edge is solid silver/white, it is the silver version (worth $10+).
Q: Why is there an “S” on my quarter but it doesn’t look silver?
A: The San Francisco Mint (S) also produced “Clad Proofs.” These are made of the same copper-nickel as regular quarters but have a shiny finish. They are collectible but do not contain silver and are generally worth less than the silver version.
Q: Is the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter rare?
A: Yes, in the context of quarters. With only around 412,000 silver 2019-S War in the Pacific quarters minted, they are much harder to find than the millions of quarters made in Philly or Denver.
Q: Should I get my 2019-S Silver Quarter graded?
A: Only if it is absolutely perfect. If you think it can achieve a PR 70 grade (perfect), it could be worth over $100. If it has even a tiny scratch, the cost of grading ($30-$50) might be more than the coin is worth.
