The 2019-S American Memorial (War in the Pacific) Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade proof condition. While most quarters found in your pocket change are only worth face value, certain “S” mint marks and special finishes from 2019 can be a hidden treasure for everyday collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25 – $0.50
Uncirculated (MS65)	$1.00 – $3.00
Clad Proof (S Mint)	$5.00 – $12.00
Silver Proof (S Mint)	$25.00 – $55.00

Identifying the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter

If you have discovered a 2019 quarter featuring the War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam) design, the first thing you should do is check the mint mark. This coin is part of the “America the Beautiful” series, which honors national sites across the United States.

To determine if your coin is the specific San Francisco “S” version, look at the right side of George Washington’s portrait on the front (obverse). If you see a small “S,” you have a coin that was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the common “P” or “D” versions, these were generally not intended for general circulation.

If you are unsure whether your find is a rare variety, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a collector’s proof. For beginners, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool to quickly scan your change and identify key dates.

The War in the Pacific design depicts American soldiers landing at Asan Bay, honoring the bravery shown during the Pacific Theater of WWII. Identifying the specific finish—whether it is shiny and mirror-like or dull and matte—is the next step in establishing the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter value.

The Difference Between Clad and Silver 2019-S Quarters

The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of quarters in 2019: the Copper-Nickel Clad Proof and the 99.9% Fine Silver Proof. This distinction is crucial because it significantly impacts the price.

A clad proof quarter is made of the same materials as your everyday pocket change but is struck with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish. These are usually found in United States Mint sets and are valued by collectors for their aesthetic beauty rather than their metal content.

On the other hand, the silver version is highly sought after because of its precious metal purity. Starting in 2019, the Mint switched from 90% silver to 99.9% silver for its annual proof sets. This makes the silver 2019-S War in the Pacific quarter more valuable as a bullion investment.

To tell them apart, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe, it is likely the silver version. If you see a copper-colored ring around the edge, it is a clad coin. You can find detailed 2019 American Memorial Quarter price charts that track the fluctuations in these silver values.

Current Market Value of the 2019-S Quarter

When evaluating your 2019-S American Memorial Quarter, you must look at its condition and rarity. Because these were mostly sold in sets, finding one in your change is rare, but when they do appear, they are often slightly scratched or “impaired.”

An impaired proof—one that has been spent and circulated—is typically only worth a small premium over its face value. However, a “Gem” quality specimen that has never been touched by human hands can command a much higher price at auction or in a coin shop.

Mint Type	Grade	Market Price
2019-S Clad Proof	PR69 (Deep Cameo)	$8 – $12
2019-S Clad Proof	PR70 (Perfect)	$30 – $45
2019-S Silver Proof	PR69 (Deep Cameo)	$28 – $35
2019-S Silver Proof	PR70 (Perfect)	$60 – $85

For those managing a large collection, the CoinKnow app provides real-time updates on market trends. It is important to remember that professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC can cost $20-$40 per coin, so only the most perfect “S” quarters are worth sending in for certification.

Comparing the 2019-S to the Elusive 2019-W Quarter

While searching for the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter, you might stumble upon an even rarer find: the 2019-W quarter. In 2019, the West Point Mint intentionally released millions of quarters with a “W” mint mark into general circulation to encourage the hobby of coin collecting.

The “W” mint mark quarters are significantly more valuable than the “S” quarters found in change because they were never sold in sets—they had to be found “in the wild.” A circulated 2019-W War in the Pacific quarter usually sells for $10 to $20, while high-grade examples can fetch over $100.

The 2019-S quarters, by comparison, are “non-circulating legal tender” (NCLT) when they come from proof sets. If you find one in a vending machine, someone likely broke open a collector set to spend it. This makes the “S” mark a unique find, even if it isn’t always as valuable as the “W.” Check out our 2019 quarter value guide to see how the W, S, P, and D mint marks compare side-by-side.

Why Condition and “Deep Cameo” Status Matters

Collectors specifically look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation when buying the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter. This term refers to the visual contrast between the frosted design elements and the highly mirrored background fields of the coin.

If your “S” quarter looks like a mirror, it is likely a proof. However, over time, these mirrors can get scratched (hairlines) or the frosting can wear off if the coin is handled. A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo coin is one that shows zero imperfections under 5x magnification.

Condition Detail	How to Identify	Impact on Value
Cameo	Good contrast on one side	Moderate Premium
Deep Cameo	Heavy frosting, black mirrors	High Premium
Impaired Proof	Scratches and fingerprints	Low Value

When you use the CoinKnow app, you can compare photos of your coin to these different grades to see where yours fits. Most “S” quarters found in pocket change will be considered impaired, meaning they might only be worth $1 to $2 to a casual collector looking to fill a hole in their album.

Final Tips for Quarter Hunters and Collectors

If you are just starting your journey into coin collecting, the 2019-S American Memorial Quarter is a fantastic entry point. It represents a significant moment in history and offers a glimpse into how the U.S. Mint produces specialty items for collectors.

Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid leaving permanent oily fingerprints on the surface, especially with proof coins. Even a single fingerprint can reduce the value of a 2019-S silver quarter significantly. Store your finds in PVC-free plastic holders or “flips” to keep them safe from moisture and scratches.

Remember that while rare errors exist, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes, they are extremely rare for the 2019-S series because of the high quality-control standards for proof coins. Focus on finding high-grade specimens and the elusive “W” mint marks for the biggest returns on your “change hunting” time.

FAQ

Q: Is a 2019-S quarter made of real silver?

A: It depends. The San Francisco Mint produced both a Copper-Nickel “Clad” version and a 99.9% “Silver” version. Check the edge of the coin; if it has a copper stripe, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is likely the silver version.

Q: How many 2019-S American Memorial Quarters were made?

A: The mintage for these coins is relatively low compared to the hundreds of millions of P and D quarters. Usually, around 600,000 to 1 million of each proof type are produced annually, making them much harder to find.

Q: Can I find a 2019-S quarter in circulation?

A: Yes, but it is rare. Since these were originally sold in collector sets, they only enter circulation if someone accidentally spends them or a collection is broken up. Collectors call these “Impaired Proofs.”

Q: What is the most valuable 2019 quarter?

A: Generally, the 2019-W (West Point) quarters are the most valuable circulated coins, often selling for $10-$20 even in used condition. However, a perfect PR70 2019-S Silver Proof can sell for $60 or more.

Q: Should I get my 2019-S quarter graded?

A: Only if the coin is in perfect, mirror-like condition. Grading costs can be expensive, so it is usually only worth it for the Silver Proof versions or coins that appear to be a perfect 70 grade.