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The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter is worth anywhere from $12 in circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade Proof 70 deep cameo state. This special coin commemorates the bravery of forces in the Pacific Theater during WWII and is a favorite among modern collectors.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Silver Content) | $10.00 – $14.00 |
| PR65 (Proof) | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $35.00 – $55.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $100.00 – $165.00 |
Understanding the 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter
The 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter is part of the America the Beautiful (ATB) Quarters Program, representing Guam. Unlike the standard quarters you find in your pocket change, the “S” mint mark version was produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. Some versions were struck in base metal, but the most valuable are the silver proof versions.
If you have found one of these in a collection, you can use a top coin identifier app to instantly confirm if your coin has the “S” mint mark and the distinct silver luster. Determining the exact 2019-S War in the Pacific silver quarter value depends heavily on its “Proof” finish.
Proof coins are struck twice using polished dies, giving the background a mirror-like shine and the design a frosted appearance. Because these were never intended for circulation, they almost always carry a premium over their face value of 25 cents. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a standard proof and the highly coveted Deep Cameo finish.
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Silver Composition and Purity Details
One of the most important factors for the 1944 War in the Pacific silver quarter’s price is its metal content. In 2019, the U.S. Mint made a significant change. Previously, silver quarters were 90% silver. Starting in 2019, the Mint increased the purity to .999 fine silver.
This means your 2019-S quarter contains slightly more pure silver than silver quarters from previous years. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth its “melt value,” which fluctuates with the global price of silver. Most collectors, however, pay much more than the silver price for a well-preserved specimen.
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To get a better idea of how this fits into the broader market, you can check the current price trends for 2019 ATB quarters. Knowing the purity is the first step in ensuring you don’t accidentally spend a coin worth ten times its face value.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 99.9% Fine Silver |
| Weight | 6.34 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
Identifying the S Mint Mark and Design Features
The obverse (heads side) of the coin features the familiar portrait of George Washington, but to the right of his ponytail, you will see a small capital letter “S.” This confirms it was minted in San Francisco. The reverse (tails side) depicts American forces landing at Asan Bay, honoring the liberation of Guam during World War II.
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter design is intricate, showing the soldiers, palm trees, and the ocean. High-quality strikes will show clear details in the soldiers’ uniforms and the textures of the sand and water. If these details are blurry, the coin might be a lower-grade specimen.
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If you are unsure whether your coin is the silver version or the copper-nickel clad version, look at the edge. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge, while a clad quarter will show a brown copper stripe. You can also consult an expert or use CoinKnow to get an instant appraisal of your coin’s exterior condition.
The Impact of Proof Grading on Value
Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC can significantly increase the 2019-S Guam silver quarter worth. These services assign a grade from 1 to 70. A grade of PR70 (Proof 70) is considered “perfect” and represents a coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
For most casual hunters, your coin will likely fall into the PR68 or PR69 category. The difference in price between a PR69 and a PR70 can be over $100, as collectors are willing to pay a massive premium for perfection. High-grade coins often feature a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast, where the portrait looks white and snowy against a black-mirror background.
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To see how these grades affect the market, review the current value of 2019-S silver quarters. The demand for these coins remains high because they are the first year of the .999 fine silver transition, making them a “first-year” type coin for modern silver sets.
| Grade Designation | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Proof 67 | Few minor imperfections | $15 – $20 |
| Proof 69 DCAM | Nearly perfect, strong contrast | $40 – $60 |
| Proof 70 DCAM | Flawless under magnification | $120 – $175 |
How to Store and Protect Your Silver Quarter
Since the 2019-S War in the Pacific silver quarter is made of .999 pure silver, it is much softer than standard quarters. Even a light wipe with a cloth can leave “hairline” scratches that destroy its value as a proof coin. Never clean your coins or rub them with your fingers on the flat surfaces (the fields).
Instead, hold the coin only by its edges. The best way to preserve the 2019-S silver quarter value is to keep it in a hard plastic capsule or the original U.S. Mint lens it came in. Exposure to air can cause “toning,” a chemical reaction that changes the color of the silver. While some collectors like “rainbow toning,” most prefer a brilliant, white silver look for modern proofs.
Before you put your coin into long-term storage, it is a good idea to document it. Using CoinKnow allows you to keep a digital record of your collection, including photos and current market valuations, so you can track how your investment grows over time as silver prices and collector interest shift.
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Where to Sell Your 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter
If you decide you want to turn your coin into cash, you have several options. For common silver proofs, local coin shops are the fastest route, though they will typically offer you 60-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit. They are mostly interested in the silver content unless the coin is a high-grade slabbed specimen.
For high-grade coins (PR69 or PR70), eBay or specialized auction houses are better choices. These platforms allow you to reach serious collectors who are looking for that specific coin to complete their America the Beautiful set. Online marketplaces often yield the highest 2019-S War in the Pacific Silver Quarter value, but be sure to account for seller fees and shipping costs.
Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. This gives you a realistic view of what people are actually paying. Modern silver quarters are very liquid assets, meaning they are easy to sell quickly because of their underlying silver value combined with their numismatic appeal.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 2019-S silver quarter more valuable than a regular 2019 quarter?
A: Regular 2019 quarters found in change are made of copper and nickel and are only worth 25 cents. The “S” silver version contains 99.9% pure silver and was produced in much lower quantities specifically for collectors, giving it both intrinsic and rarity value.
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Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If it is solid silver in color without a copper stripe, it is likely silver. Additionally, the silver version weighs 6.34 grams, while the copper-nickel clad version weighs only 5.67 grams.
Q: Was the War in the Pacific quarter only minted in San Francisco?
A: No, it was also minted in Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and West Point (W). The P and D versions are common for circulation. The W versions are rare “circulated” finds, and the S versions are primarily for collectors in Proof or Silver Proof sets.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2019-S Silver Quarter graded?
A: It is generally only worth the grading fee (approx. $30-$50) if the coin appears to be in perfect condition (PR70). If the coin has any visible scratches or has been handled, it will likely grade PR69 or lower, where the market value might be less than the cost of the grading itself.