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The 2019-S American Memorial Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated copies to over $40 for high-grade silver proofs. While most quarters you find in pocket change are spendable face value, certain San Francisco mintages hold a special premium for collectors and history buffs alike.
| Condition / Finish | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated Clad (S-Mint) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated Clad (S-Mint) | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| Clad Proof (S-Mint) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 99.9% Silver Proof (S-Mint) | $15.00 – $45.00+ |
History of the 2019 American Memorial Park Quarter
The 2019 American Memorial Park quarter was released as part of the United States Mint’s “America the Beautiful” (ATB) series. This specific coin honors the American Memorial Park in the Northern Mariana Islands, which was established to commemorate those who died during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. It features a design of a young woman in traditional attire standing at the memorial, looking toward the flag. If you are unsure exactly which version you have held in your hand, using the top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes instantly.
Most quarters found in circulation come from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints. However, the San Francisco (S) mint versions are unique. In 2019, the Mint produced “S” mint quarters in three distinct formats: clad business strikes (sold in bags and rolls), clad proofs, and silver proofs. The business strike “S” mint coins were never intended for general circulation, making them a “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation) item. Finding one in your change is rare, as it likely escaped from a collector’s set.
When enthusiasts track the current market value for 2019 quarters, they often focus on the rarity of these San Francisco strikes. Because the “S” mint business strikes had a significantly lower mintage than the millions of “P” and “D” coins produced, they fetch a respectable premium over their face value even in modest grades.
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Identifying the S Mint Mark and Different Finishes
To determine the value of your 2019 American Memorial quarter, the first thing you must do is locate the mint mark. It is found on the “heads” side (obverse) to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. An “S” indicates it was struck in San Francisco. However, not all “S” quarters are the same. In 2019, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver to 99.9% fine silver for their silver proof sets, which adds a layer of complexity for casual finders.
A “Proof” coin will have a mirror-like background and frosted details. These were sold in protective plastic cases and are highly reflective. In contrast, the “Business Strike” S-mint coins look more like the quarters you see every day—satin or matte in finish but without the mirror-like shine. Knowing these differences is vital because the auction prices for uncirculated 2019 quarters vary wildly based on the specific strike type.
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If the coin looks exceptionally shiny, it is likely a proof. If it looks like a regular quarter but has that “S” mint mark, you have found a NIFC business strike. These uncirculated “S” quarters were sold in bulk 40-coin rolls or 100-coin bags directly to collectors. Because they weren’t released to banks, their survival rate in “perfect” condition is much higher than ordinary pocket change. Using CoinKnow, you can snap a photo to verify the strike type if the visual cues are confusing.
| Mintage Type | Approximate Mintage | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-S Business Strike (Clad) | 850,000 – 950,000 | Uncommon |
| 2019-S Proof (Clad) | ~600,000 | Scarce (Sets) |
| 2019-S Silver Proof (99.9%) | ~400,000 | Rare |
What Makes a 2019-S Quarter Valuable?
Value in the coin world is driven by a simple formula: Rarity + Condition = Price. For the 2019-S American Memorial quarter, the condition is the biggest factor. Professionals use a 70-point scale to grade coins. A coin that has been rattled around in a vending machine might grade at “About Uncirculated” (AU50), while a pristine coin from a Mint roll might grade at “Mint State” (MS65 or MS67).
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High-grade MS67 or MS68 examples of the “S” business strike are extremely sought after by registry set collectors. These enthusiasts want the single best version of every quarter ever made. A standard 2019-S quarter worth $2 in average uncirculated condition can jump to $50 or $100 if it is certified as an MS68 by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Another factor is the silver content. As mentioned, 2019 was the first year the Mint switched to .999 fine silver. This means the silver proof 2019-S American Memorial Park quarter has a “melt value” based on the current price of silver, plus a collector premium. If you find one of these in a silver proof set box, do not take it out with your bare hands! Fingerprint oils can permanently damage a coin’s surface and lower its value.
The “W” Mint Mark Surprise
While we are focusing on the “S” mint quarters, collectors searching for 2019 coins should also keep a sharp eye out for the “W” mint mark. In an unprecedented move, the West Point Mint struck 2 million quarters for each design in 2019 and released them directly into circulation to stir interest back into coin collecting. This is relevant because the 2019-W American Memorial Park quarter is often found alongside “S” mint coins in collector circles.
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The “W” quarters are essentially a “treasure hunt” item. Unlike the “S” mint coins which were mostly sold in sets, the “W” coins were mixed into boxes sent to banks across America. If you find a 2019 American Memorial quarter with a “W” mint mark, it is worth significantly more than its face value—roughly $15 to $30 even in circulated condition.
Many people use CoinKnow to check their change every day specifically for these “W” quarters. Because only 2 million were made (compared to over 100 million “P” or “D” coins), they are considered modern rarities. If you happen to find an “S” mint and a “W” mint in the same week, you’ve had a very lucky month of “coin roll hunting.”
Grading and Preserving Your 2019-S North Mariana Quarter
If you believe you have found a high-value 2019-S quarter, proper preservation is key. “S” mint quarters are often more susceptible to showing scratches (hairlines) because of their polished surfaces. To maintain the coin’s value, place it in a PVC-free flip or a plastic coin capsule. Never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that a professional grader will spot instantly, potentially ruining the coin’s market value.
When examining your coin, look for “strike through” errors or “die chips.” While not as common in the ATB series as they were in older coins, errors can significantly increase the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter value. Look for things like extra pieces of metal on the design or areas where the design seems blurry or missing.
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| Grade (S-Mint Clad) | Market Price |
|---|---|
| MS63 (Typical Uncirculated) | $3.50 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $8.00 |
| MS67 (Near Perfect) | $25.00 |
| PR70 DCAM (Perfect Proof) | $40.00+ |
Where to Sell and Buy These Collector Quarters
Deciding where to sell your coin depends on its value. If you have a standard circulated 2019-S quarter, an eBay listing or a local coin shop is your best bet. Because the value is relatively low ($1-$5), shipping costs will consume most of your profit. It might be better to keep it as a conversation piece or a part of a growing collection.
For high-grade silver proofs or certified MS67+ coins, professional auction houses or specialized Facebook collector groups are better venues. These buyers understand the nuance of the “S” mint NIFC status and are willing to pay a premium for the quality. Apps like CoinKnow can often connect you with pricing trends so you know if you’re getting a fair offer.
Always remember that “asking prices” on sites like eBay are not the same as “sold prices.” Just because someone lists a 2019-S quarter for $500 doesn’t mean it is worth that much. Always check the “Sold Items” filter to see what everyday Americans are actually paying for these commemorative quarters.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2019-S American Memorial Park Quarter made of real silver?
A: It depends on the version. Most 2019-S quarters found are made of a copper-nickel “clad” composition. However, the U.S. Mint also produced a 99.9% fine silver version for collectors. You can usually tell the difference by looking at the edge—a silver coin will not have a copper stripe.
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Q: Why did the San Francisco Mint make quarters for circulation?
A: Technically, they didn’t! The “S” mint business strike quarters were sold in rolls and bags directly to the public through the Mint’s website. They only enter circulation if a collector or their heir spends them by mistake.
Q: How much is a 2019-W American Memorial Quarter worth compared to the S-mint?
A: Generally, the 2019-W is worth more in circulated condition (about $10-$20) because it was specifically meant to be found in change. The 2019-S is rarer in general circulation but often sells for less unless it is in a “Proof” finish or a very high uncirculated grade.
Q: What is the most expensive 2019 quarter?
A: The most expensive 2019 quarters are typically “W” mint marks in perfect MS67 or MS68 condition, or error coins (like a quarter struck on the wrong metal planchet). Some of these have sold for hundreds of dollars at professional auctions.