The 2019-W Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Value and Significance

In the world of coin collecting, some coins stand out for their rarity, historical significance, or unique features. The 2019-W quarter is one such coin that has captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Minted at the West Point Mint, this quarter bears a distinctive "W" mint mark and was released in limited quantities, making it a highly sought-after piece. In this article, we‘ll delve into the history, value, and significance of the 2019-W quarter, providing you with a comprehensive guide to this fascinating coin.

The History and Background of the 2019-W Quarter

The 2019-W quarter was minted as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which began in 2010 and features designs depicting national parks and other notable sites from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The program is set to conclude in 2021, with the final coin being released in February of that year.

What makes the 2019-W quarter unique is that it was the first quarter to bear the "W" mint mark, indicating that it was minted at the West Point Mint in New York. This mint is known for producing gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins, as well as commemorative coins. The decision to mint quarters at West Point was made to add an element of excitement and rarity to the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

The Role of the West Point Mint

The West Point Mint, located in West Point, New York, has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Originally established as a bullion depository, the West Point Mint began producing coins in 1973. Over the years, the mint has gained a reputation for producing high-quality bullion and commemorative coins, including the American Eagle and American Buffalo series.

The decision to mint the 2019-W quarters at the West Point Mint was a significant moment in numismatic history. It marked the first time that a circulating quarter had been produced at the facility, and it added an element of excitement and rarity to the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

Mint Director David J. Ryder commented on the decision, stating, "The West Point Mint produces some of the nation‘s most beautiful and sought-after coins, and we are thrilled to add the 2019-W quarters to that impressive lineup. These coins are sure to become treasured keepsakes for collectors and enthusiasts alike."

Design Features and Artists

The 2019-W quarters feature five unique designs, each showcasing a different national park or historic site:

Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts) – Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this design features a mill girl working at a power loom with the Boott Mill clock tower in the background.
American Memorial Park (Northern Mariana Islands) – Designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this design depicts a young Chamorro woman in traditional dress at the front of the Flag Circle and Court of Honor.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam) – Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, this design showcases American forces coming ashore at Asan Bay, strengthening the number of troops on the island in the fight for Guam and its eventual liberation.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas) – Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Joseph Menna, this design features elements of the Spanish Colonial Real coin to pay tribute to the missions. Within the quadrants are symbols of the missions: wheat symbolizes farming, the arches and bell symbolize community, a lion represents Spanish cultural heritage, and a symbol of the San Antonio River represents irrigation methods and life-sustaining resources.
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho) – Designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Renata Gordon, this design features a piloted drift boat on the rushing river encompassed by the trees and rock formations of the Wilderness.

Each design showcases the unique beauty, history, and cultural significance of these national treasures, making the 2019-W quarters not only valuable from a collector‘s perspective but also as a means of celebrating and preserving America‘s natural and historical heritage.

Mintage Figures and Rarity

The 2019-W quarter was minted in limited quantities, with only 2 million coins produced for each of the five designs released that year. These designs featured the Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts, the American Memorial Park in the Northern Mariana Islands, the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho.

To put the rarity of the 2019-W quarter into perspective, consider that in 2019, the Philadelphia and Denver mints each produced over 1 billion quarters for circulation. The 2 million 2019-W quarters minted for each design represent a tiny fraction of the total production, making them significantly scarcer than their Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.

Coin	Mintage	Mint Mark
2019-W Lowell	2,000,000	W
2019-W American Memorial	2,000,000	W
2019-W War in the Pacific	2,000,000	W
2019-W San Antonio Missions	2,000,000	W
2019-W Frank Church	2,000,000	W
2019-P Lowell	286,600,000	P
2019-D Lowell	275,200,000	D
2019-S Lowell (Proof)	1,253,780	S

As demonstrated in the table above, the mintage figures for the 2019-W quarters are significantly lower than their Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) counterparts. This limited production, combined with the novelty of the "W" mint mark, has made these coins highly sought-after by collectors.

Current Market Value and Trends

The value of a 2019-W quarter depends on several factors, including its condition, the specific design, and the demand among collectors. Generally, these quarters are worth more than their face value of $0.25 due to their rarity and collectibility.

As of 2023, the value of a 2019-W quarter in circulated condition ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the design and the coin‘s overall condition. Quarters in uncirculated condition, which show no signs of wear, can fetch significantly higher prices. In 2020, a 2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter graded MS68 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) sold at auction for $4,800, demonstrating the potential value of these coins in top condition.

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current market value for 2019-W quarters, let‘s analyze some recent auction results:

In January 2023, a 2019-W Lowell quarter graded MS67 by PCGS sold for $102.
In February 2023, a 2019-W American Memorial Park quarter graded MS68 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) sold for $960.
In March 2023, a 2019-W War in the Pacific quarter graded MS67 by PCGS sold for $85.
In April 2023, a 2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter graded MS68 by PCGS sold for $2,880.
In May 2023, a 2019-W Frank Church quarter graded MS67 by NGC sold for $76.

These results demonstrate the wide range of values for 2019-W quarters based on their condition and design. The San Antonio Missions design, in particular, has consistently commanded higher prices due to its popularity among collectors.

It‘s worth noting that the value of 2019-W quarters can fluctuate over time based on market conditions and collector demand. As more collectors become aware of these coins and their significance, demand may increase, potentially driving prices higher. However, as with any collectible, it‘s essential to stay informed about current trends and values when buying or selling these coins.

Factors Influencing Value

Several factors can impact the value of a 2019-W quarter, including:

Rarity: With only 2 million coins minted for each design, the 2019-W quarter is significantly rarer than quarters produced for circulation at the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
Condition: As with most collectible coins, the condition of a 2019-W quarter plays a significant role in its value. Coins that are well-preserved and show minimal signs of wear will command higher prices than those with more extensive wear or damage.
Demand: The popularity of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and the novelty of the "W" mint mark have driven demand for these coins among collectors. As more people become aware of the 2019-W quarter and its significance, demand may increase, potentially leading to higher values.
Specific Design: Some designs in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program are more popular among collectors than others. For example, the 2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter has proven to be particularly desirable, with high-grade examples selling for significant premiums.

Noted coin expert and author Q. David Bowers commented on the factors influencing the value of 2019-W quarters in a recent interview: "The 2019-W quarters are a fascinating case study in how rarity, condition, and demand can intersect to create significant value in modern coins. The limited mintage, combined with the excitement generated by the ‘W‘ mint mark, has made these coins highly sought-after by collectors. As more people enter the hobby and discover the significance of these coins, I expect demand and values to continue to rise, particularly for high-grade examples of the most popular designs."

Tips for Collectors

For collectors looking to add 2019-W quarters to their collections, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

Focus on condition: When purchasing 2019-W quarters, prioritize coins that are well-preserved and have minimal signs of wear. Coins in higher grades (MS66 or above) will typically command higher prices but may also have greater potential for long-term value appreciation.
Consider professional grading: If you have a 2019-W quarter that you believe to be in exceptional condition, consider having it professionally graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC. Graded coins often sell for higher prices and are more easily marketable to other collectors.
Be patient: While it can be tempting to rush into purchases, take the time to research prices, compare options, and wait for the right opportunity. Avoid overpaying for coins by setting a budget and sticking to it.
Build relationships: Develop connections with reputable coin dealers, fellow collectors, and experts in the field. These relationships can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and support as you grow your collection.
Stay informed: Keep up with the latest news, trends, and developments in the coin collecting world. Attend shows, join collector clubs, and read publications to continually expand your knowledge and expertise.

Renowned collector and author Eric P. Newman once said, "The joy of collecting is not just in the acquisition, but in the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of that knowledge with others." By following these tips and adopting a patient, informed approach to collecting, you can build a meaningful and valuable collection of 2019-W quarters and other numismatic treasures.

The Significance of the 2019-W Quarter

The release of the 2019-W quarter marked a significant moment in numismatic history for several reasons:

First "W" mint mark quarter: The 2019-W quarter was the first circulating quarter to bear the "W" mint mark, representing the West Point Mint. This unique feature adds to the coin‘s historical significance and collectibility.
Increased accessibility: By releasing the 2019-W quarters into circulation, the United States Mint made these rare coins more accessible to the general public. This decision helped to generate excitement and interest in coin collecting among a wider audience.
Boosting interest in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program: The inclusion of the "W" mint mark and the limited mintage of the 2019-W quarters brought renewed attention to the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This increased interest may help to ensure the program‘s long-term success and popularity among collectors.
Numismatic innovation: The release of the 2019-W quarter demonstrates the United States Mint‘s commitment to innovation and creativity in numismatic product offerings. By introducing new and exciting elements to circulating coins, the Mint helps to maintain the vibrancy and relevance of the coin collecting hobby.

Coin expert and author Kenneth Bressett shared his thoughts on the significance of the 2019-W quarter in a recent article: "The 2019-W quarter represents a watershed moment in modern U.S. coinage. By bringing the ‘W‘ mint mark to a circulating coin and limiting production, the United States Mint has created a new collecting paradigm that combines rarity, accessibility, and historical significance. This coin will undoubtedly be remembered as a key issue in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and a milestone in 21st-century numismatics."

Conclusion

The 2019-W quarter is a remarkable coin that combines rarity, historical significance, and unique design elements. Its limited mintage, distinctive "W" mint mark, and role in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program make it a highly sought-after piece among collectors and enthusiasts.

By understanding the factors that influence the value of 2019-W quarters, such as condition, design, and demand, collectors can make informed decisions when buying, selling, or trading these coins. The insights and tips provided by expert collectors and authors underscore the importance of knowledge, patience, and community in the pursuit of numismatic excellence.

As the coin collecting hobby continues to evolve and attract new enthusiasts, the 2019-W quarter serves as an example of the exciting opportunities and challenges that await collectors in the modern era. By embracing innovation, seeking knowledge, and fostering connections within the numismatic community, collectors can build meaningful, valuable, and historically significant collections that will be cherished for generations to come.