The 2019-S San Antonio Missions Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for a standard circulating coin to over $50 for a high-grade silver proof version. Whether you found one in your change or a family collection, understanding the mint mark and finish is key to determining its true market price.
| Coin Type/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2019-S Clad Proof (PR69) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 2019-S Clad Proof (PR70) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| 2019-S Silver Proof (PR69) | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| 2019-S Silver Proof (PR70) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
Understanding the 2019-S San Antonio Missions Quarter
The San Antonio Missions quarter was the fourth release of 2019 in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. While millions of these coins were minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for everyday use, coins with the “S” mint mark are special. If you are unsure what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.
These “S” quarters were struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” and “D” versions, the San Francisco Mint primarily produced these for collectors in the form of “Proof” coins. Proof coins are manufactured using a specialized process that involves polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.
If you happen to find a 2019-S quarter in your pocket change, it is likely a “business strike” from a limited collector roll or an “impaired proof” that someone spent by mistake. Identifying these subtle differences is exactly what CoinKnow was designed for, allowing users to differentiate between shiny pocket change and high-value collectibles instantly.
Value Differences Between Clad and Silver Proofs
Not all “S” mint quarters are made of the same metal. In 2019, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types: the Copper-Nickel Clad Proof and the 99.9% Fine Silver Proof. This distinction is vital because the market price for 2019 San Antonio quarters depends heavily on the metal content.
The clad version has a copper core, which you can see if you look at the edge of the coin. If you see a brownish-orange stripe, it is a standard clad proof. These are beautiful but common among collectors. However, if the edge is solid bright silver, you likely have the 99.9% silver version. This coin is significantly more valuable due to its precious metal content and lower mintage numbers.
Because silver prices fluctuate, the base value of the silver proof will always be higher than its face value. Professional collectors often use CoinKnow to track these shifts in real-time. For a quick reference on how these different versions stack up, see the price list below based on recent auction data and collector demand.
| Metal Composition | Mintage (Approx) | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 600,000+ | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| 99.9% Fine Silver | 400,000+ | $15.00 – $55.00 |
The Importance of the “S” Mint Mark and Grading
For the casual observer, a shiny coin looks “perfect.” But in the world of numismatics, the difference between a grade of 69 and 70 can mean a price jump of $40 or more. The current 2019 San Antonio Missions Quarter value information suggests that “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations are the standard for these proof coins.
A PR70 Deep Cameo coin is a “perfect” coin under 5x magnification. Most coins that come directly from the US Mint sets are PR69. Finding a PR70 is rarer and highly sought after by registry set collectors. If your coin has scratches, fingerprints, or has been handled without gloves, it is likely an “impaired proof,” which lowers the value significantly.
When checking your collection, look for the crispness of the San Antonio Missions design—the Spanish colonial mission bells and the patterns representing the mission’s influence. If the details are sharp and the fields are reflective, you might want to consider professional grading. CoinKnow can assist you in comparing your coin’s condition against high-resolution images of graded specimens.
How the 2019-W Quarter Compares to the 2019-S
While we are focusing on the “S” mint mark, it is important not to confuse it with the “W” mint mark from the West Point Mint. In 2019, the US Mint released 2 million San Antonio Missions quarters with a “W” mint mark directly into circulation as part of a “Great American Coin Hunt” initiative.
The “W” quarters were never sold in sets; they were only found in the wild. Consequently, a 2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter in high grade can actually be worth more than a standard 2019-S clad proof because of its scarcity in the “uncirculated” state. Many collectors look for both to complete their 2019 sets.
If you find a quarter that looks like a regular coin but has a “W” next to Washington’s head, you have found a small treasure! These usually sell for $10 to $35 depending on their condition. Knowing the difference between “S” (San Francisco Proof) and “W” (West Point Circulation) is the first step in being a smart coin hunter.
| Mint Mark | Circulated Value | Uncirculated/Proof Value |
|---|---|---|
| W (West Point) | $10.00 – $15.00 | $25.00 – $50.00+ |
| S (San Francisco Clad) | $0.25 – $1.00 | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| P or D | $0.25 | $0.75 – $2.00 |
Collecting the America the Beautiful Series
The San Antonio Missions quarter is part of a 56-coin series that ran from 2010 to 2021. Collectors often try to get the “S” proof version of every single park and mission featured. The San Antonio design is particularly popular because of its cultural significance and the intricate detailing of the bell towers.
Prices for these coins tend to stay stable, making them a “safe” entry point for new hobbyists. However, the 2019 year is special because of the introduction of the 99.9% silver format (previous years used 90% silver). This makes the 2019-S silver proofs a specific milestone in US Mint history.
To build a valuable collection, always keep your 2019-S quarters in their original plastic capsules or protective flips. Exposure to air can cause “toning” or tarnishing, which some collectors love, but most prefer the brilliant white shine of a fresh silver proof.
Where to Sell Your 2019-S Quarters
If you’ve determined that your San Antonio Missions quarter is a high-grade silver proof or a rare “W” mint mark, you might be wondering where to sell it. Popular options include online auction sites, local coin shops, or numismatic conventions.
For quick sales, local shops are convenient, but they will usually offer a wholesale price so they can make a profit. Online platforms allow you to reach a wider audience of collectors who might be willing to pay the full “book value” for a PR70 specimen.
Before selling, ensure you have a clear idea of the grade. Use resources like CoinKnow to check recently ended auctions. This ensures you don’t leave money on the table. A coin that sells for $50 online might only get you a $20 offer at a pawn shop, so doing your homework is essential.
FAQ
Q: Is a 2019-S San Antonio Missions Quarter rare?
A: It depends on the finish. The “S” mint mark clad proofs are somewhat common with over 600,000 made, while the silver versions are slightly rarer. None are “extremely” rare, but they are much harder to find than the billions of P and D quarters in circulation.
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. A silver proof will have a solid, shiny silver edge with no trace of copper (no orange/brown line). It will also weigh slightly more (6.25 grams) than a clad coin (5.67 grams).
Q: Can I find a 2019-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely but not impossible. “S” quarters were not intended for circulation. If you find one, it was likely broken out of a collector set and spent. These are called “impaired proofs” and are usually worth $1 to $2.
Q: What is the most expensive 2019 San Antonio Missions quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade 2019-W (West Point) quarters and 2019-S Silver Proofs in PR70 condition have sold for over $100 in specialized PCGS or NGC labels, though most common examples sell for under $20.