Finding a 2019 quarter in your pocket change might net you more than 25 cents. That year marked a pivotal moment in modern American coinage when the United States Mint released special West Point quarters into circulation for the first time in history. These coins, along with standard Philadelphia and Denver strikes, plus proof versions from San Francisco, created a treasure hunt that continues to excite collectors today. Understanding which mint marks to seek and what errors command premium prices can turn spare change into serious profit.

The Revolutionary West Point Release Program

In 2019, the United States Mint launched an unprecedented initiative to revitalize coin collecting among everyday Americans. They struck two million quarters of each America the Beautiful design at the West Point Mint in New York, marking them with a distinctive “W” mint mark positioned to the right of George Washington’s ponytail on the obverse.

Unlike typical West Point products sold directly to collectors, these quarters entered regular commerce through the Federal Reserve banking system. The mint shipped these special strikes to Philadelphia and Denver facilities, where workers mixed them randomly into bulk quarter shipments. This distribution method meant anyone could potentially receive a West Point quarter as change at their local grocery store or bank.

The program represented the first time in the mint’s 220-year history that circulation-quality West Point quarters existed. Previous West Point coinage consisted exclusively of commemoratives, bullion products, and collector sets sold at premium prices. This strategic shift aimed to recapture the excitement that surrounded the 50 State Quarters Program, which successfully brought millions of new collectors into the hobby between 1999 and 2008.

2019 Quarter Values by Mint Mark

Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark)

Philadelphia produced standard business strikes without a mint mark, continuing the tradition established in 1793. These quarters feature smooth edges, copper-nickel clad composition, and standard 5.67-gram weight.

Circulation grades (G-4 to AU-58): Face value to $0.50
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $1.50 to $3.00
Premium uncirculated (MS-64 to MS-65): $4.00 to $8.00
Gem quality (MS-66 to MS-67): $12.00 to $35.00

The Philadelphia facility struck approximately 430 million quarters across the five 2019 America the Beautiful designs: Lowell National Historical Park, American Memorial Park, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. These high mintage figures keep most examples affordable for beginning collectors.

Denver Mint (D Mint Mark)

Denver quarters display a small “D” to the right of Washington’s ponytail. Production volumes roughly matched Philadelphia output, with similar mintages ranging from 210 million to 265 million per design.

Circulation grades: Face value to $0.50
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $1.50 to $3.00
Premium uncirculated (MS-64 to MS-65): $4.00 to $8.00
Gem quality (MS-66 to MS-67): $12.00 to $35.00

Denver and Philadelphia strikes typically trade at equivalent prices unless significant die varieties or errors exist. Collectors building complete sets need both mint marks for each design, creating consistent demand.

San Francisco Mint (S Mint Mark)

San Francisco exclusively produces proof quarters for collector sets, not circulation. The 2019-S quarters came in standard proof sets, silver proof sets, and reverse proof sets, with prices varying based on format.

Standard proof (PR-65 to PR-68): $3.00 to $6.00 per coin
Deep cameo proof (PR-69 DCAM): $8.00 to $15.00
Perfect proof (PR-70 DCAM): $25.00 to $65.00
Silver proof (PR-69): $12.00 to $20.00
Silver proof (PR-70): $35.00 to $85.00

The San Francisco facility struck approximately 1.5 million standard proof sets and 600,000 silver proof sets in 2019. These controlled mintages and superior strike quality make San Francisco quarters consistently valuable, especially in top grades certified by Professional Coin Grading Service or Numismatic Guaranty Company.

West Point Mint (W Mint Mark)

Here’s where values escalate dramatically. Each 2019 America the Beautiful design received a two-million-coin West Point mintage, representing less than 0.5% of total quarter production that year.

Circulated condition (G-4 to AU-58): $8.00 to $15.00
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $18.00 to $30.00
Premium uncirculated (MS-64 to MS-65): $35.00 to $65.00
Gem quality (MS-66 to MS-67): $85.00 to $200.00
Superb gem (MS-68): $350.00 to $650.00
Near-perfect (MS-69): $1,200.00 to $2,500.00

The Lowell National Historical Park quarter with “W” mint mark commanded the highest initial prices, reaching $600 for MS-67 examples shortly after discovery. As more specimens entered the market through 2019 and 2020, prices stabilized but remain significantly higher than standard strikes.

Heritage Auctions sold an MS-69 graded 2019-W Lowell quarter for $2,280 in January 2023, demonstrating sustained collector interest four years after release. The same auction house moved an MS-68 example for $840 in the same sale.

Critical Error Types and Their Values

Die Cracks and Cuds

Die cracks occur when mint dies develop fractures from repeated striking pressure. Metal flows into these cracks, creating raised lines on finished coins. Cuds represent advanced die breaks where chunks separate from the die edge, producing blank raised areas on coins.

A dramatic die crack running through George Washington’s face on 2019-P Lowell quarters sold for $125 in MS-64 condition at Great Collections in April 2023. Major cuds affecting 20% or more of the coin’s surface can reach $200 to $400 depending on size and location.

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Doubled die errors happen during hub and die creation when slight misalignments cause design elements to appear twice. The 2019-P American Memorial Park quarter exhibits notable doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date, with strong examples trading between $75 and $185 in uncirculated grades.

Identification requires 10x magnification to spot the separation between doubled elements. The strongest doubling appears on “LIBERTY” where each letter shows distinct dual outlines. Professional grading services authenticate and grade significant doubled dies, adding value and confidence.

Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

Reverse doubled dies affect the America the Beautiful designs rather than Washington’s portrait. The 2019-D War in the Pacific quarter shows doubling on palm tree fronds and the inscription “WAR IN THE PACIFIC,” with certified MS-65 examples reaching $95 at auction.

Unlike obverse doubling that affects every design, reverse doubled dies remain specific to individual America the Beautiful scenes, making them rarer and more challenging to locate.

Off-Center Strikes

Off-center errors occur when blank planchets feed incorrectly into striking chambers, causing dies to strike partially outside the intended area. Value increases with the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible.

5% to 10% off-center with full date: $25 to $45
15% to 25% off-center with full date: $65 to $150
30% to 50% off-center with full date: $200 to $450
50%+ off-center with full date: $500 to $1,200

A 2019-P San Antonio Missions quarter struck 35% off-center sold for $385 through eBay in August 2023, showing strong collector demand for dramatic misalignments.

Wrong Planchet Errors

Wrong planchet errors happen when quarters strike on blanks intended for other denominations. The most valuable involve quarters struck on dime planchets, weighing 2.27 grams instead of the correct 5.67 grams.

A 2019-D quarter struck on a dime planchet achieved $1,450 at Heritage Auctions in March 2023, graded MS-64. These errors pass through multiple quality control checkpoints, making them exceptionally rare in modern production.

Clipped Planchets

Clipped planchet errors result from improper blank punching where metal strips overlap during the blanking process. Clips can be straight, curved, or irregular depending on how strips overlapped.

Small clips (5% to 10% missing): $15 to $35
Medium clips (15% to 25% missing): $45 to $95
Large clips (30%+ missing): $125 to $300

Curved clips from overlapping round punches typically command lower prices than straight clips from the initial punch row, which are scarcer.

Broadstrikes

Broadstrikes occur when the collar die that contains planchet expansion during striking fails to engage properly. The resulting quarter spreads beyond normal diameter, measuring 25-26mm instead of the standard 24.26mm, with a smooth unformed edge.

Full broadstrikes where no collar containment occurred trade between $40 and $120 depending on diameter expansion. Partial broadstrikes showing some collar contact on one side sell for $25 to $65.

Grading Impact on 2019 Quarter Values

Understanding the Sheldon grading scale proves essential for accurate valuation. This 70-point system ranges from Poor-1 (barely identifiable) to Perfect Mint State-70 (absolute flawlessness).

Circulated Grades

Good (G-4): Heavy wear flattens major details; date and mint mark remain readable
Fine (F-12): Moderate wear with some detail visible in hair and feathers
Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear on highest points; most design elements sharp
About Uncirculated (AU-58): Slight wear on Washington’s cheek and highest hair points

For standard Philadelphia and Denver quarters, circulated grades rarely exceed face value unless errors exist. West Point quarters maintain $8 to $15 premiums even in worn condition due to scarcity.

Uncirculated Grades

MS-60 to MS-62: No wear but numerous contact marks, possible discoloration
MS-63 to MS-64: Moderate contact marks, good luster, minor distractions
MS-65 to MS-66: Few contact marks, strong luster, eye appeal
MS-67 to MS-69: Minimal imperfections, exceptional luster, superior eye appeal
MS-70: Perfect coin under 5x magnification, no marks or flaws

Third-party grading from Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) costs $20 to $35 per coin but adds authentication and often increases resale value. For West Point quarters or significant errors, professional grading proves worthwhile. Standard strikes rarely justify grading costs unless they appear to grade MS-67 or higher.

Authentication Methods for West Point Quarters

Counterfeit West Point quarters entered circulation within months of the program’s announcement, making authentication crucial before paying premiums.

Mint Mark Examination

Genuine “W” mint marks measure approximately 1.5mm tall with consistent depth and sharp edges. Counterfeiters often add “W” mint marks to common Philadelphia quarters using stamps or engraving, creating several telltale signs:

Inconsistent depth compared to surrounding lettering, irregular edges on the “W” where tools slipped, and metal displacement visible under 10x magnification around the mint mark indicate alterations. Authentic mint marks integrate seamlessly with the coin’s surface, showing identical wear patterns to surrounding design elements.

Weight Verification

All genuine 2019 quarters weigh 5.67 grams regardless of mint mark. Digital scales accurate to 0.01 grams cost under $20 and provide immediate verification. Weights deviating more than 0.05 grams warrant suspicion.

Magnetic Testing

Genuine quarters contain no ferromagnetic materials and show zero magnetic attraction. Counterfeits occasionally use steel cores with copper-nickel plating, which magnets detect immediately. This simple test eliminates crude fakes instantly.

Sound Testing

Striking genuine quarters produces a clear, sustained ring lasting 2-3 seconds. Counterfeits often produce dull thuds or shorter-duration sounds due to different metal compositions. While not definitive alone, sound testing combined with other methods increases confidence.

Where to Search for Valuable 2019 Quarters

Bank Quarter Hunting

Order customer-wrapped quarter rolls from local banks, ideally $500 boxes containing 2,000 quarters. Banks typically don’t charge customers for ordering coins, though policies vary. Customer-wrapped rolls (paper wrappers) offer better odds than machine-rolled coins since collectors likely searched machine rolls previously.

Between March and September 2019, serious hunters reported West Point quarter finds in approximately one per 15,000 to 25,000 quarters searched. By late 2020, those odds dropped to roughly one per 40,000 to 60,000 as circulation dispersed the limited mintages nationwide.

Retail Change

Cashiers handle thousands of quarters weekly, making retail transactions productive hunting grounds. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants with high customer volumes cycle quarters rapidly. Politely explaining your collecting interest to friendly cashiers sometimes yields opportunities to check their till before it goes to the bank.

Coin Shows and Dealers

Local coin shows provide direct access to dealers specializing in modern errors and varieties. Dealers often price coins more competitively than online auctions, and face-to-face transactions allow thorough examination before purchase. Monthly shows in major metropolitan areas regularly feature modern coin specialists.

Online Marketplaces

eBay, Great Collections, and Heritage Auctions offer vast selections but require careful seller evaluation. Check feedback ratings, read previous buyer reviews, and examine photograph quality before bidding. Established sellers with thousands of positive reviews and detailed images generally provide reliable products.

Auction platforms charge buyer’s premiums ranging from 10% to 20%, affecting total costs. Factor these fees when comparing prices across platforms.

Storage and Preservation Best Practices

Proper storage preserves coin values and prevents damage that drops grades rapidly.

Holders and Cases

2×2 cardboard holders with Mylar windows: Budget-friendly at $0.10 each, adequate for circulated coins
Rigid plastic capsules (Airtite brand): $0.75 to $1.50 each, excellent protection for uncirculated quarters
Certified holder slabs: Included with professional grading, maximum protection and tamper-evidence

Avoid PVC-containing vinyl flips, which emit chemicals that cause green corrosion over time. If holders smell like shower curtains, they contain PVC.

Environmental Factors

Store coins in stable environments between 65-70°F with 30-50% relative humidity. Extreme temperature fluctuations cause metal expansion and contraction that can crack plating or create spots. Basements prone to dampness and attics experiencing temperature swings both pose risks.

Handling Techniques

Hold coins by edges only, never touching faces where fingerprints deposit oils and acids. Wash hands thoroughly before handling uncirculated specimens, or wear cotton gloves for maximum protection. Work over soft surfaces so dropped coins land gently rather than striking hard floors.

Building a Complete 2019 Quarter Collection

Assembling all 2019 America the Beautiful quarters across four mint marks creates a focused collecting goal requiring 20 different coins (five designs × four mints).

Budget Approach

Focus on circulated and lower uncirculated grades (AU-58 to MS-63) for Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco strikes while accepting circulated West Point examples. This strategy keeps costs under $150 total:

Philadelphia and Denver (10 coins): Face value if found, $1-2 each if purchased
San Francisco proofs (5 coins): $15-25 for a complete set of five
West Point circulation strikes (5 coins): $40-75 total for all five designs

Search pocket change and bank rolls for common strikes, reserving purchased coins for West Point examples that rarely appear in circulation.

Premium Collection

Target MS-65 or better grades for Philadelphia and Denver, PR-69 DCAM for San Francisco, and MS-65+ for West Point quarters. Professional grading adds authentication and resale value for this approach:

Philadelphia and Denver MS-65 (10 coins): $40-80 graded
San Francisco PR-69 DCAM (5 coins): $40-75 graded
West Point MS-65 (5 coins): $175-325 graded

Total investment ranges from $800 to $1,500 but creates a museum-quality set maintaining strong value retention.

Error Specialty Collection

Rather than pursuing every mint mark, some collectors focus exclusively on 2019 error quarters. This approach yields more dramatic specimens at comparable costs to complete mint mark sets. Target one example of each major error type: die crack, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, off-center strike, wrong planchet, clipped planchet, and broadstrike.

Budget $400 to $800 for seven quality error examples, selecting clear, photographable specimens that showcase each error type effectively.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The 2019 West Point quarter program achieved its goal of renewing mainstream interest in coin collecting. The United States Mint released additional West Point quarters in 2020, adding V75 privy marks commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II’s end. These 2020 issues feature even lower effective availability since the COVID-19 pandemic reduced circulation velocity significantly during their release period.

Prices for 2019 West Point quarters stabilized after initial discovery excitement pushed values to unsustainable levels. The MS-67 Lowell quarters that briefly touched $600 in late 2019 now trade between $185 and $250, representing market maturation rather than value decline. Long-term prospects remain positive given the permanent scarcity created by just two million coins per design entering a nation with 330 million residents.

Error values follow similar patterns, with initial discovery premiums settling into sustainable ranges based on rarity and visual impact. Dramatic errors like wrong planchets and major off-centers maintain strong demand, while minor die cracks saw prices decline as more examples surfaced.

The numismatic market historically rewards patience. Collectors who purchased complete mint mark sets in 2019 for $200-300 now hold sets worth $400-600, demonstrating 15-20% annual appreciation. This trend likely continues as older collectors exit the market and circulated examples suffer wear or loss, permanently reducing the survivor population of high-grade specimens.

Resources for Expanding Your Knowledge

Several organizations and publications provide ongoing education and market information for modern quarter collectors.

The American Numismatic Association offers membership at $46 annually, including access to The Numismatist magazine, educational webinars, and authentication services. Their website features free articles covering error identification, grading fundamentals, and market trends.

The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) CoinFacts database provides free population reports showing how many coins achieved each grade level, helping assess rarity. Their PhotoGrade feature displays images of quarters at each grade level, training collectors to evaluate their own specimens accurately.

The Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) offers similar population reports and their Coin Explorer database with historical auction prices, mintage figures, and variety attributions.

Online forums including CoinTalk.com and the Collectors Universe message boards connect collectors for identification help, market discussions, and trading opportunities. These communities respond quickly to questions and freely share expertise.

Making Your First Valuable Discovery

Start your 2019 quarter search today by checking pocket change for “W” mint marks and examining each coin for error characteristics. Order quarter rolls from your bank, search them thoroughly using 10x magnification, and return unwanted coins for new rolls. Document finds with photographs and research comparable sales before selling or trading.

The thrill of discovering a $50 West Point quarter or $100 error in everyday change creates lasting excitement that connects you to America’s rich numismatic tradition. Whether building complete sets, hunting errors, or simply checking pocket change, 2019 quarters offer accessible entry into modern coin collecting with genuine profit potential and educational rewards that extend far beyond monetary values.