The 2019-S Lowell Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade silver proof specimens. Whether you found one in your change or inherited a collection, understanding the “S” mint mark is the key to determining if your coin is a common find or a hidden treasure.

Condition / Type	Estimated Value
Circulated (Clad)	$0.25 – $0.50
Uncirculated (NIFC Clad)	$3.00 – $10.00
Proof (Clad)	$5.00 – $15.00
Silver Proof (Deep Cameo)	$25.00 – $100.00+

History and Background of the 2019 Lowell Quarter

The 2019 Lowell National Historical Park quarter was the first release of the year in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. This specific design honors the industrial heritage of Lowell, Massachusetts, featuring a mill girl working at a power loom with the iconic Boott Mill clock tower in the background. If you are unsure exactly which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes instantly.

For most Americans, quarters are just pocket change, but the 2019-S is special because it was not intended for general circulation. While the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced millions for daily use, the San Francisco (S) mint focused on collector editions. Many collectors use CoinKnow to track these specific mintages, as the scarcity of the “S” mark often drives the price higher than your average pocket change.

Understanding the historical context is vital for collectors. The 2019 series marked a turning point where the Mint began experimenting with lower mintages and special releases, including the famous West Point “W” quarters. While the “S” quarters aren’t as rare as the “W” versions, they occupy a premium niche in the market.

Grading and 2019-S Lowell Quarter Value

When determining the price of any coin, professional grading is the most significant factor. A 2019-S Lowell Quarter in “Proof” condition will naturally command a higher price than a “Business Strike” that was pulled from a collector roll. For those looking for precise market data, checking the current Lowell quarter auction results can provide a realistic view of what buyers are actually paying today.

Most “S” mint quarters from 2019 come in two varieties: Clad and Silver. The Clad versions are made of copper-nickel, while the Silver versions are 99.9% fine silver. This was a change from previous years when silver quarters were 90% silver. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has a “mirror-like” finish, it is likely a Proof coin from a prestige set.

Because these coins are relatively modern, they are expected to be in near-perfect condition. Even a tiny scratch or fingerprint can drop the value from $20 down to $3. Professional collectors often use the CoinKnow app to compare their coin’s luster and strike quality against high-resolution photos of top-tier graded specimens.

Grade (Sheldon Scale)	Clad Value	Silver Value
PR/MS 65	$4.50	$28.00
PR/MS 67	$12.00	$45.00
PR/MS 69	$22.00	$65.00
PR 70 (Perfect)	$45.00	$150.00+

Distinguishing the 2019-S Lowell Silver vs. Clad

If you find a 2019-S Lowell quarter, the first thing you must do is determine its metal composition. In 2019, the San Francisco Mint produced both “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation) business strikes and Proof coins. The Proof coins were sold in annual sets and come in two distinct metal types. The silver version is highly sought after for its precious metal content and its lower mintage.

To tell the difference, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a copper stripe, it is a standard clad quarter. If the edge is solid silver/white, you likely have the 99.9% silver version. You can find more details on identifying 2019 quarter varieties including mintage figures and weight specifications to confirm your find.

Silver Proofs from 2019 are particularly notable because they were the first quarters to transition to the .999 silver purity. Previously, silver quarters were .900 fine. This makes the 2019-S Lowell Silver Quarter a landmark coin for “type” collectors who want one example of every silver purity the US Mint has produced.

Why the 2019-S Lowell Mint Mark Matters

The San Francisco “S” mint mark has historically been synonymous with quality. Unlike the Philadelphia and Denver mints, which churn out billions of coins for commerce, the “S” mint is the boutique arm of the US treasury. Finding a 2019-S Lowell Quarter in circulation is rare because these were sold directly to collectors in rolls or bags.

If you happen to find an “S” mint quarter in your change, it’s often called a “released” or “circulated” collector coin. This happens when someone breaks open a mint set to spend it. Even in circulated condition, these coins carry a premium over face value. CoinKnow users often report finding these in “Coinstar” machines or bank rolls, where their slightly different luster stands out.

Because the production numbers for the S-mint business strikes (the ones that look like regular quarters) were significantly lower than the P or D mints, they are considered “semi-key” dates for the America the Beautiful series. Collectors trying to finish their albums will often pay $5 to $10 for a single uncirculated 2019-S Lowell quarter to fill that specific hole.

Mint Mintage (Approx)	Demand Level
Lowell S-Mint (Clad)	~800,000 – 1,000,000
Lowell S-Mint (Proof)	~600,000
Lowell S-Mint (Silver)	~400,000

Collecting the Entire 2019 Quarter Set

The Lowell quarter was just the beginning of a very exciting year for coin enthusiasts. In addition to the Lowell design, 2019 featured the American Memorial Park, War in the Pacific, San Antonio Missions, and Frank Church River of No Return quarters. Collectors often seek the “S” mint version of all five designs to create a complete year set.

Many people who start with a single 2019-S Lowell eventually branch out to the 2019-W (West Point) quarters. While the S-mint coins are scarce, the W-mint coins were mixed into circulation intentionally by the mint to spur interest in the hobby. If you find a Lowell quarter with a “W” mint mark, its value could instantly jump to $15-$30 even in worn condition.

Using a tool like CoinKnow helps enthusiasts organize their collection by year and mint mark. Keeping a digital inventory is essential for modern quarters, as the variety of “P”, “D”, “S”, and “W” marks can become confusing. The 2019-S Lowell remains a favorite because of its intricate design, which is highly resistant to wear compared to some of the other ATB designs.

Are There Any Errors on 2019-S Lowell Quarters?

While the San Francisco Mint has extremely high quality control, errors do occasionally occur. On the 2019-S Lowell Quarter, collectors look for “Doubled Die” varieties, where parts of the design appear twice. The most common areas to check are the letters in “Lowell” and the details of the power loom.

Another thing to look for is “Die Chips.” These occur when a small piece of the metal die breaks off, resulting in an extra bump of metal on the coin. On the Lowell design, these often appear near the clock tower or on the mill girl’s clothing. While small die chips only add a few dollars to the value, a significant error can make a 2019-S Lowell Quarter worth hundreds.

Always inspect your coins under a 10x jeweler’s loupe. What looks like a scratch might actually be a rare mint error. For the casual collector, identifying these nuances is part of the fun of the hobby, and finding one can turn a standard $5 coin into a centerpiece for your collection.

FAQ

Q: How many 2019-S Lowell Quarters were made?

A: The San Francisco Mint produced roughly 800,000 to 1,000,000 clad business strikes, approximately 600,000 clad proofs, and around 400,000 silver proofs. These figures are much lower than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia or Denver.

Q: How can I tell if my Lowell quarter is silver?

A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver quarter will have a solid silver-colored edge with no copper streak. Additionally, a silver 2019-S Lowell quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while the common clad version weighs 5.67 grams.

Q: Is the 2019-S Lowell Quarter rare?

A: It is considered “scarce” rather than rare. While you won’t find many in your everyday change, they are readily available through coin dealers. However, finding one in higher grades (MS68 or higher) is quite difficult and highly valuable.

Q: Where can I sell my 2019-S Lowell Quarter?

A: You can sell your quarter to local coin shops, through online auction sites, or at coin shows. For high-value silver proofs or coins you suspect are “Perfect 70” grades, it is often worth having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC before selling.