The 2019-W Lowell National Historical Park Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in circulated condition to over $800 in high-grade mint state. As the first quarter in U.S. history to feature the “W” mint mark from the West Point Mint, this coin has become a modern treasure for everyday Americans.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated)	$10 – $25
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$30 – $60
Choice Uncirculated (MS65 – MS66)	$100 – $250
Gem Uncirculated (MS67+)	$500 – $850+

Why the 2019-W Lowell Quarter is a Modern Rarity

If you find a 2019 quarter in your pocket change, the first thing you should do is check the mint mark. Most quarters feature a “P” for Philadelphia or a “D” for Denver, but in 2019, the U.S. Mint began a special program. To spark interest in coin collecting, they released a limited number of “W” mint mark quarters directly into circulation. This was the first time in 227 years that the West Point Mint produced circulating coins. Because these were never sold in sets and only found in the wild, using a top coin identifier app can help you verify if you’ve found a genuine West Point strike.

The Lowell National Historical Park design was the first of five “W” quarters released in 2019. Each design had a mintage of only 2 million pieces. While that might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the hundreds of millions of regular quarters produced each year. Finding one in your change is like finding a golden ticket. Because these coins were intended for circulation, many are now scratched or worn. However, if you find one that still looks shiny and new, its value skyrockets. To get an accurate reading on current market trends, collectors often use CoinKnow to track auction results.

Identifying the Lowell Design and the W Mint Mark

The obverse (front) of the coin features the classic portrait of George Washington. To identify the 2019-W Lowell Quarter, look to the right of Washington’s ponytail. You will see a small “W” just below the “In God We Trust” motto. This “W” signifies its origin at the West Point Mint in New York. The reverse (back) of the coin depicts a mill girl working at a power loom with the Pawtucket Canal and a textile mill in the background. This design honors the industrial heritage of Lowell, Massachusetts.

It is important to note that the 2019-W quarters were mixed into bags of regular “P” and “D” quarters at random. This “Great American Coin Hunt” created a frenzy among collectors. If you aren’t sure if your coin has the correct mint mark or if it is a common strike, the CoinKnow app can provide instant identification. Many people mistake the standard strikes for the rare ones, but the 2019 quarter value for a “W” mint mark is significantly higher than its face value counterparts.

Mint Mark	Mintage Volume	Rarity Level
P (Philadelphia)	165,800,000	Common ($0.25)
D (Denver)	185,000,000	Common ($0.25)
W (West Point)	2,000,000	Rare ($10 – $800+)

Grading and Condition: How Quality Affects Price

When it comes to the 2019-W Lowell quarter, condition is everything. Because these coins were dropped into circulation, most have “bag marks” or small scratches from hitting other coins. A coin that is “Circulated” has been used in a vending machine or passed from hand to hand. These are generally worth between $10 and $25. However, if you are lucky enough to find one that was pulled from a roll early, it might be in “Mint State” (MS) condition.

Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. A 2019-W Lowell quarter in MS65 condition is considered “Gem Uncirculated” and can fetch over $100. High-end collectors are always looking for 2019-W Lowell quarter auction prices for coins graded MS67 or higher. At this level, even the tiniest scratch visible under a microscope can drop the price by hundreds of dollars. Many users rely on CoinKnow to understand these grading nuances before sending their coins to a professional service like PCGS or NGC.

Grade	Visual Description	Price Range
AU58	Slight wear on high points, mostly shiny.	$20 – $35
MS63	Uncirculated but with several marks.	$45 – $75
MS66	Very few marks, beautiful luster.	$150 – $250
MS67	Virtually perfect to the naked eye.	$500+

The Future Value of West Point Quarters

Is the 2019-W Lowell quarter a good investment? Most experts say yes. Unlike modern commemorative coins that you buy directly from the Mint in plastic cases, the “W” quarters were a true “circulation find.” This means their supply in perfect condition is naturally limited. As more of them are spent, lost, or damaged, the high-grade examples become even more valuable.

History shows that “firsts” in the coin world often hold their value well. Being the first “W” quarter in the series, the Lowell design has a special place in collectors’ hearts. Whether you are a casual hunter or a serious numismatist, keeping an eye on your change is worth the effort. The market for these coins remains liquid, meaning they are easy to sell on platforms like eBay or to local coin dealers. If you want to stay updated on how the market is moving, checking a valuation app regularly is a smart move for any hobbyist.

What to Do if You Find a 2019-W Lowell Quarter

If you believe you have found a 2019-W Lowell National Historical Park quarter, the first rule is: do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can create micro-abrasions that destroy its numismatic value. A “shiny” cleaned coin is worth much less than a dirty, original coin. Instead, handle the coin by its edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surface.

Place the coin in a protective holder, such as a cardboard 2×2 or a plastic flip. This prevents further scratches. Once protected, you can compare your coin to high-resolution photos in a gallery or through a mobile app. If your coin appears to be in exceptional, mark-free condition, it may be worth paying for professional grading. This process authenticates the coin and assigns it a grade that is recognized by buyers worldwide, often doubling or tripling its resale potential.

FAQ

Q: Why did the U.S. Mint put “W” quarters into circulation?

A: The U.S. Mint released the “W” quarters in 2019 as part of a campaign to encourage coin collecting among the general public. By placing a low-mintage rarity directly into change, they hoped to turn everyday Americans into treasure hunters.

Q: Are there any 2019-W Lowell quarters worth thousands of dollars?

A: While most “W” quarters sell for $15 to $200, extremely rare specimens graded MS68 by PCGS or NGC have sold for significantly more at auction. However, such grades are incredibly difficult to find in coins that have been pulled from circulation.

Q: Can I find these in bank rolls?

A: While it is much harder now than it was in 2019, it is still possible to find “W” quarters in bank rolls or change. Many collectors continue to search “original bank wrapped rolls” from 2019 in hopes of finding a pristine Lowell quarter.

Q: What is the difference between a Lowell quarter and a regular quarter?

A: On the front, it is the “W” mint mark. On the back, it is the specific design showing a girl at a loom. Common Lowell quarters have a “P” or “D” mint mark and are only worth face value if they are worn. Only the “W” versions are considered rare.