The 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in gem uncirculated condition to over $150 for high-grade specimens. This stunning coin commemorates the brave soldiers of the Northern Mariana Islands and is a prized piece for collectors due to its 99.9% fine silver content.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| PR70 (Perfect Grade) | $95.00 – $160.00 |
Understanding the 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter
If you have found a quarter featuring a young scout in front of a circle of flags, you may have found a tribute to the American Memorial Park located in Saipan. While the Mint produced millions of copper-nickel versions for circulation, the “S” mint mark silver version was specifically struck at the San Francisco Mint for collectors. Identifying these coins is easier than ever with a top coin identifier app, which can help you distinguish between the common transit coins and these precious metal issues.
The year 2019 marked a significant change in the composition of silver quarters. For the first time, the “America the Beautiful” silver quarters were struck in .999 fine silver rather than the traditional 90% silver “coin silver” alloy. This makes the 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter particularly desirable for bullion investors and numismatists alike. Since these were never intended for circulation, if your coin is shiny and housed in a protective case, it likely retains its full value.
When assessing the price, it is important to check if the coin is a “Proof” strike. Proof coins are minted using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. You can use the CoinKnow mobile application to get a real-time scan of the coin’s luster to see where it sits on the grading scale.
Current Market Value and Precious Metal Content
The value of the 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter is deeply tied to the spot price of silver. However, because it is part of the popular America the Beautiful (ATB) series, the collector premium often exceeds the raw metal value. As of recent sales, the market price for high-grade 2019 silver quarters remains stable, making them a safe entry point for new collectors.
Because these coins contain approximately 0.19 ounces of pure silver, they have a “melt value” that acts as a price floor. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will never be worth just 25 cents. For those looking to sell, checking the current 2019 silver quarter value trends is essential before visiting a local coin shop or listing on an auction site.
| Silver Spot Price (Per Oz) | Intrinsic Melt Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| $25.00 | $4.75 |
| $30.00 | $5.70 |
| $35.00 | $6.65 |
Design Details of the American Memorial Park Quarter
The reverse design of the 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter was created by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It portrays a young woman in traditional attire at the front of the memorial, paying respects to the 4,000 military personnel who died during the Marianas Campaign of WWII. The level of detail in the flags and the figure’s expression are key areas that professional graders look at when determining a coin’s condition.
The obverse of the coin features the familiar portrait of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan. For the “S” mint mark quarters, look closely just to the right of Washington’s ponytail. If you see a small ‘S’, and the coin has a visible white silver edge rather than a copper-colored stripe, you have the silver version. Utilizing CoinKnow can help you photograph these micro-details to ensure you aren’t misidentifying a standard “S” mint clad proof for the silver version.
Condition is everything when it comes to design preservation. Even a small fingerprint can lower the grade of a proof silver quarter. If you find one outside of its plastic capsule, handle it only by the edges. Any wear on the high points of the scout’s hair or the stars on the flags will significantly reduce the premium above the silver melt value.
Grading and How Condition Impacts 2019-S Value
The numismatic community uses the Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 to 70, to grade coins. Since the 2019-S North Mariana Islands quarters were sold in sets, most are Proof 65 or higher. A “Perfect 70” is the holy grail. A PR70 2019-S silver quarter is flawless under 5x magnification, exhibiting no scratches, milk spots, or contact marks.
Finding a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designation is also common for this year. This means there is a sharp contrast between the shiny fields and the frosted design. If your coin looks exceptionally “black and white” in its luster, it might command a 20-30% premium over standard proof silver values. Modern silver quarters are often graded by services like PCGS or NGC to lock in their value.
| Grade Level | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 DCAM | Choice Proof with clear contrast | $8 – $12 |
| PR68 DCAM | Near Flawless | $15 – $25 |
| PR70 DCAM | Museum Quality / Perfect | $110+ |
Collecting the 2019-S American Memorial Park Quarter
For many Americans, collecting these quarters is a way to celebrate national history. The 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter is the 47th release in the America the Beautiful series. Because the mintage numbers for silver proof sets are much lower than the business-strike coins, there is long-term scarcity built into this issue. Many collectors use apps like CoinKnow to track their collection progress and stay updated on auction results.
If you are looking to buy one, you can find them in the original 2019 Silver Proof Set, or as individual “single” coins from dealers. Buying the full set often provides better value, as you get all five quarters issued that year in .999 silver. The other 2019 designs include Lowell National Historical Park, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
As time passes, “broken” sets (sets where coins are sold individually) become more common, often making the individual American Memorial quarter harder to find in its original pristine state. Keep your silver quarters in a cool, dry place to prevent “toning”—a natural oxidation process that can turn the silver yellow or blue. While some collectors love toning, most prefer the brilliant white luster for modern issues.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the weight and the edge. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams and has a solid silver-colored edge. A clad (copper-nickel) quarter weighs 5.67 grams and will show a orange/copper stripe on the edge.
Q: Was the 2019-S American Memorial Silver Quarter released into circulation?
A: No, silver proof quarters are sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors. If you found one in change, it was likely removed from a collector’s set and spent by accident.
Q: What is the mintage of the 2019-S Silver American Memorial Quarter?
A: The total mintage for the 2019 Silver Proof sets was approximately 412,000. This is significantly lower than the billions of circulating quarters minted in Philadelphia and Denver.
Q: Is there a 2019-W version of this quarter?
A: Yes, but the 2019-W (West Point) versions were made of clad metal and circulated as part of a “Great American Coin Hunt” promotion. They do not contain silver but are still valuable!