2019 S War in the Pacific Quarter Value and Collector Guide

Robpaulsenlive Coin » 2019 S War in the Pacific Quarter Value and Collector Guide

The 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in uncirculated condition to over $150 in high-grade silver proof condition. These beautiful coins commemorate the brave efforts of those who served in the Pacific Theater, and finding one in your change or a collection is an exciting discovery.

How Much is a 2019 S War in the Pacific Quarter Worth Today

If you have stumbled upon a 2019 War in the Pacific quarter with an “S” mint mark, you are likely looking at a coin intended for collectors rather than general circulation. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) coins you see every day, the San Francisco (S) mint marks signify either a “Clad Proof,” a “Silver Proof,” or a special “S-Mint Circulating Quality” coin sold directly to collectors. Because these were produced in much lower quantities, they carry a significant premium over their 25-cent face value.

To accurately determine what you have, many hobbyists utilize a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the mint mark and surface texture. Most 2019-S clad proofs sell for $5 to $10. However, if your coin is the 90% silver version, the value jumps immediately due to the precious metal content and collector demand. High-grade specimens certified by professional grading services can fetch $50 to $175, making it well worth your time to check. Many collectors use the CoinKnow app to keep a digital inventory of these finds as they grow their collections.

Distinguishing the S Mint Mark from Common Quarters

The most important step in valuing your 2019 quarter is locating the mint mark. It is found on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. If you see a small “S,” you have found a coin from the San Francisco Mint. While millions of these were minted, they were not released through banks or grocery stores. This scarcity is why even a slightly scratched 2019-S quarter is worth more than a dollar.

You should also look for the “W” mint mark. While we are focusing on the S-mint today, 2019 was a historic year because the West Point Mint released quarters directly into circulation. Finding a 2019-W quarter is like finding a $20 bill in your pocket. To get a better sense of how limited-release coins compare, you can view the 2019 quarter price data which highlights the differences in value across various mints and finishes.

The Difference Between Clad and Silver Proof Versions

The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the War in the Pacific quarter in 2019: the Copper-Nickel Clad and the Fine Silver proof. Identifying which one you have is crucial for your wallet. Clad coins have a distinct copper stripe visible on the edge (the “reeds”) of the coin. If you look at the edge and see a solid silvery-white color with no copper showing, you likely have the silver version.

Silver proofs are highly sought after because they contain 0.2226 troy ounces of pure silver. Beyond the silver content, the “Mirror-like” finish of a proof coin means it was struck twice with polished dies, creating a stunning contrast between the frosted design and the shiny background. Understanding the current value of 2019 quarters is essential because market prices for silver and collector demand fluctuate weekly. Using a professional tool like CoinKnow can help you stay updated on these price shifts in real-time.

2019 S War in the Pacific Quarter Value Table

Condition / Finish	Estimated Value
Circulated (S-Mint Business Strike)	$1.50 – $3.00
Uncirculated MS65 (Clad)	$5.00 – $12.00
Proof-65 (Clad)	$6.00 – $15.00
Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (Clad)	$18.00 – $25.00
Fine Silver Proof (Raw)	$12.00 – $20.00
Silver Proof PR70 (Perfect Grade)	$125.00+

What to Look for: Errors and Special Features

Beyond the standard mint marks, collectors often hunt for “errors”—mistakes made during the minting process that make a coin unique. For the 2019-S quarters, look for “doubled dies,” where the lettering or the design looks like it was stamped twice, creating a blurry or “ghostly” effect. While rare on proof coins, these errors can increase the value by hundreds of dollars.

The design itself is rich in detail, featuring American forces landing at Asan Bay during the liberation of Guam. Any imperfection in the strike, such as a “die crack” (a raised line of metal) or a “planchet error” (a flaw in the metal disk itself), can turn a $5 coin into a $50 treasure. If you think you’ve found an error, the CoinKnow app can be a great resource to compare your coin against known error specimens.

FAQ about 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarters

Q: Was the 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter released into circulation?
A: Generally, no. San Francisco quarters are typically sold in annual proof sets or in rolls/bags directly from the US Mint at a premium. If you found one in circulation, someone likely spent a collector’s coin by accident.

Q: How can I tell if my “S” quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the weight and the edge. A clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams and has a copper stripe on the edge. A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams and has a solid silver-colored edge.

Q: Is the 2019-S quarter more valuable than the 2019-W quarter?
A: Usually, the 2019-W (West Point) is more valuable in “circulated” condition because they were hidden in bags of regular quarters. However, a perfect PR70 Silver “S” Proof can be more valuable than a low-grade “W” quarter.

Q: Where is the mint mark on the War in the Pacific quarter?
A: The mint mark is on the obverse (front) of the coin, located to the right of George Washington’s neck, just below the “In God We Trust” motto.