The 2019-S War in the Pacific National Park Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to $10 or more in pristine proof-like grades — and certain certified specimens can climb even higher depending on eye appeal and strike quality. If you found one of these coins in your collection or tucked away in a drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
Before we dig into values, here’s a quick tip: if you want to identify and value your coins instantly, a free coin identifier app can save you a lot of guesswork. Tools like CoinKnow let you scan any coin with your phone camera and get an instant estimate of what it’s worth — no coin catalog needed.
What Is the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter?
The 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a U.S. Mint series that ran from 2010 to 2021. Each year, five national parks or historic sites were featured on the reverse of the Washington quarter. In 2019, one of those sites was the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam — a moving tribute to those who fought and sacrificed during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
The “S” mint mark tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is known for producing special collector editions rather than coins for everyday circulation. The San Francisco Mint made two versions of the 2019-S quarter: a clad proof and a silver proof. Both were sold directly to collectors and were never released into general circulation.
That makes the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter a true collector’s coin — not something you’d typically find in your change at the grocery store.
2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter Value by Grade and Type
The value of this coin depends on whether you have the clad proof version or the silver proof version, and what condition it’s in. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Version | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | PR65 | $2 – $4 |
| Clad Proof | PR69 DCAM | $6 – $10 |
| Silver Proof | PR65 | $8 – $12 |
| Silver Proof | PR69 DCAM | $15 – $25 |
| Silver Proof | PR70 DCAM | $30 – $60+ |
“DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo — that beautiful frosted design against a mirror-like background that makes proof coins so visually striking. The higher the grade and the stronger the cameo contrast, the more valuable the coin.
For up-to-date pricing data on similar 2019 quarters from different mints, you can browse detailed market price records for 2019 America the Beautiful Quarters to get a sense of how these coins are trading right now.
Silver vs. Clad: Does It Make a Difference?
Yes — it makes a noticeable difference in value. The silver proof version of the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter is made from 90% silver, giving it real intrinsic metal value in addition to its numismatic appeal. With silver trading around $25–$30 per troy ounce in recent years, even a common silver proof quarter carries about $4–$5 in melt value alone.
The clad version is made of the same copper-nickel sandwich used in regular circulation coins. It has no precious metal content, so its value is almost entirely collector-driven.
If you’re not sure which version you have, look at the edge of the coin. A silver proof will show a solid silver edge with no copper stripe. A clad coin will have a faint orange-copper stripe running along the rim. You can also check the original packaging — silver proof coins were typically sold in separate sets labeled “Silver Proof Set.”
How Many Were Minted and Why Does It Matter?
Mintage numbers matter a lot in coin collecting. The lower the mintage, the rarer the coin tends to be — and rarity often drives value.
For the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter, the U.S. Mint produced approximately 1.1 million clad proof sets and around 440,000 silver proof sets. While these aren’t super-rare numbers, they’re significantly lower than the hundreds of millions of coins struck at Philadelphia and Denver for regular circulation.
Most of these proof coins went directly into collector hands and were stored carefully, so finding high-grade examples isn’t too difficult. That keeps the price ceiling moderate for most grades — but pristine PR70 coins with certification from PCGS or NGC can still fetch premium prices from dedicated collectors.
For a broader look at 2019 quarter values across all mint marks and conditions, it’s worth reviewing current trends before buying or selling.
Should You Get It Graded?
If your coin is still in its original U.S. Mint packaging and looks flawless — no fingerprints, no hairlines, sharp cameo contrast — it might be worth sending it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. A PR70 DCAM designation from either service can significantly increase resale value, especially for the silver proof version.
However, if your coin shows any handling marks or has been removed from its original holder, the cost of grading ($30–$50 per coin) may not be worth it for a coin that grades PR67 or lower. In that case, selling it raw to a collector or through an online marketplace is probably the smarter move.
Not sure where to start? CoinKnow is a handy app that helps everyday people assess their coins before deciding whether professional grading makes financial sense. It’s a great first step before you spend money on third-party services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare by strict numismatic standards, but it was never circulated and was only sold in proof sets directly by the U.S. Mint. With mintages under 1.5 million combined across clad and silver versions, it’s far less common than regular circulation quarters.
Q: How can I tell if my 2019-S quarter is silver or clad?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver proof will have a solid silver-white edge with no color stripe. A clad coin will show a thin copper-colored band along the rim. Original Mint packaging will also indicate whether it came from a standard proof set or a silver proof set.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2019-S War in the Pacific Quarter?
A: eBay is one of the most active markets for proof quarters, especially in certified holders. Coin shows, local coin shops, and online dealer platforms are also good options. If you want a quick value estimate before selling, CoinKnow can give you a ballpark figure right from your phone so you don’t leave money on the table.