The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade silver proof strikes. Whether you found one in a change jar or inherited a collection, understanding the difference between “S” mint marks is the key to unlocking its true market value.
| Coin Type | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-S Copper-Nickel Business Strike | Circulated / AU | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| 2013-S Copper-Nickel Business Strike | Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| 2013-S Clad Proof | PR69 Deep Cameo | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 2013-S Silver Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $45.00 – $65.00 |
Understanding the 2013-S Perry’s Victory Memorial Quarter
The 2013 Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial quarter is the 17th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. It honors the site in Ohio where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry won a decisive naval battle in the War of 1812. Most people find these coins in circulation, but those with the “S” mint mark are special because they weren’t intended for general use.
If you are unsure about the specific variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different compositions and finishes. The San Francisco Mint produced three distinct types for this release: business strikes, clad proofs, and silver proofs.
Collectors often turn to CoinKnow to manage their America the Beautiful series. Knowing which “S” version you hold—whether it’s the standard copper-nickel or the 90% silver version—will fundamentally change how you price it.
The Rarity of the 2013-S Business Strike Quarters
Unlike the quarters you see from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), the 2013-S “Business Strike” quarters were minted specifically for collectors. They were sold in bags and rolls at a premium by the US Mint and never released through banks. This makes them relatively scarce in today’s pocket change.
Because they were sold to collectors, many have remained in high grades. However, a small number have “escaped” into the wild. If you find one in your change with an “S” mark that looks like a regular dull coin, it is likely one of these 1.1 million coins.
When searching for accurate 2013 quarter auction realized prices, you’ll see that top-grade business strikes from San Francisco can fetch a surprisingly high premium.
| Mintage Type | Mintage Figure | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-P (Philadelphia) | 107,800,000 | Common |
| 2013-D (Denver) | 131,000,000 | Common |
| 2013-S (San Francisco) | 1,160,000 | Scarce |
Distinguishing the 2013-S Clad Proof vs. Silver Proof
One of the most common questions new collectors ask is whether their shiny San Francisco quarter is made of silver or just regular metal. Proof coins have a mirror-like background and frosty details, but they come in two compositions. The “Clad” version is made of the same copper-nickel alloy as standard pocket change, while the “Silver” version is 90% silver.
The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored stripe with no copper (orange) showing through, it is likely the silver proof. Another way is to weigh the coin; silver quarters are heavier (6.25 grams) than clad quarters (5.67 grams).
If you are tracking the current 2013-S silver proof value, remember that the price of silver bullion affects these coins. While they have numismatic value for their design, they also carry “melt value.”
Factors that Influence the Value of Your 2013 Quarter
The value of the 2013-S Perry’s Victory quarter is mostly determined by its grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A coin graded MS67 (Mint State 67) will be worth significantly more than a coin graded MS63.
Surface marks, scratches, and “bag marks” reduce the grade. Because the 2013-S business strikes were shipped in large bags, they often banged against each other, creating small nicks. Finding a “gem” specimen without these flaws is what every collector hopes for.
Using the CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This makes it easier to estimate if your coin is worth the cost of professional grading.
| Grade Level | Description | Market Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Shows wear from daily use | Face Value to $1 |
| MS63 – MS65 | Nice luster with some marks | $5 – $15 |
| MS67+ | Virtually flawless strike | $40+ |
Are There Any 2013-S Errors to Look For?
While the 2013-S Perry’s Victory quarters are known for their high quality, errors can still occur. Error collectors look for “doubled dies,” where the image appears shifted or doubled, particularly on the inscriptions or the monument itself. Other possibilities include “cuds” (die breaks) or “off-center strikes.”
Because the San Francisco Mint had a much lower production volume for these coins, quality control was generally tighter. However, this actually makes any discovered error more valuable to collectors. If you spot something unusual on your coin that doesn’t look like damage, don’t spend it!
To verify a potential error, CoinKnow can be a vital tool for identifying specific die varieties that have been recorded by experts. Even a minor error on an “S” mint quarter can triple its value.
Why You Should Keep Your 2013-S Quarters
The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter is a “low mintage” modern coin. As the years go by, coins in high condition become harder to find. Many collectors who missed the initial US Mint offering are now scouring the secondary market to complete their America the Beautiful sets.
Even if your coin isn’t worth hundreds of dollars today, it represents a unique era of US coinage where the Mint catered specifically to the “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation) market. These coins are a piece of history and a great entry point for a budding numismatist.
Always keep your 2013-S quarters in a protective holder. Even the oils from your fingers can damage the finish over time, reducing a high-grade coin to a lower value.
FAQ
Q: Why is there an “S” on my 2013 quarter?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 2013, this mint only produced coins for collectors, meaning these quarters were sold in special sets or rolls and were not released for general circulation in banks.
Q: How much silver is in a 2013-S Perry’s Victory quarter?
A: Only the “Silver Proof” version contains silver. These are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The “Clad” proof and “Business Strike” versions contain 0% silver and are made of a copper-nickel alloy.
Q: Is a 2013-S quarter rare?
A: Compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters struck in Philadelphia and Denver, yes. With only about 1.1 million business strikes produced, they are much harder to find in circulation.
Q: Where can I sell my 2013-S Perry’s Memorial quarter?
A: You can sell these at local coin shops, online through platforms like eBay, or at coin shows. If the coin is in perfect condition, you might consider having it professionally graded first to maximize its value.