Introduction
In the world of modern U.S. coinage, few issues have generated as much excitement among collectors as the 2019-W quarters. These special coins, bearing a "W" mint mark from the West Point Mint, were released into circulation in limited quantities, creating an instant rarity that has captivated numismatists nationwide.
As a seasoned coin collector and expert, I‘ve been following the 2019-W quarter closely since its release. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insights on what makes these coins so significant, their value and rarity, and what collectors need to know to acquire and preserve them. Whether you‘re a longtime collector or new to the hobby, the 2019-W quarters are a fascinating and rewarding addition to any numismatic portfolio.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Program
To fully appreciate the 2019-W quarters, it‘s important to understand their place within the broader context of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Launched in 2010, this ambitious initiative from the U.S. Mint aimed to honor the nation‘s national parks, forests, and monuments with a series of commemorative quarter designs.
From 2010 through 2021, the Mint released five new reverse designs each year, showcasing iconic sites from across the United States and its territories. The obverse of each coin featured the familiar portrait of George Washington, in use on quarters since 1932, with the addition of the "W" mint mark for the special 2019 West Point issues.
The program encompassed a total of 56 different designs, with the 2019 entries representing the 10th year of the series. The five 2019 quarters honored the following sites:
| Release | Site | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 2019 | Lowell National Historical Park | Massachusetts |
| April 2019 | American Memorial Park | Northern Mariana Islands |
| June 2019 | War in the Pacific National Historical Park | Guam |
| August 2019 | San Antonio Missions National Historical Park | Texas |
| November 2019 | Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness | Idaho |
Each design showcased a unique aspect or feature of the site, along with inscriptions of the location and year. The quarters quickly became popular collectibles, with many Americans eagerly collecting each new issue to complete the set.
The West Point Mint
While the America the Beautiful Quarters Program itself was noteworthy, what made the 2019 issues truly special was the inclusion of the "W" mint mark, indicating production at the West Point Mint facility. Established in 1937 near the U.S. Military Academy in New York, the West Point Mint has a unique history and role within the U.S. Mint system.
Prior to 2019, the West Point Mint primarily produced gold and silver bullion coins, commemorative issues, and other numismatic products not intended for general circulation. Coins struck at West Point bear the "W" mint mark, but these issues were typically sold directly to collectors and investors rather than released through banks and retailers like circulating coins from the Philadelphia or Denver Mints.
The 2019-W quarters thus represented a significant departure from the West Point Mint‘s usual output. For the first time, coins bearing the "W" mint mark would be intentionally released into circulation, giving collectors a chance to find them in their pocket change. This decision added an exciting new dimension to the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and created an instant modern rarity.
Mintage and Rarity
One of the key factors driving the popularity and value of the 2019-W quarters is their limited mintage. The U.S. Mint struck just 2 million examples of each design for circulation, a tiny fraction compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters typically produced by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints each year.
To put this in perspective, consider that the Philadelphia and Denver Mints each struck over 1.25 billion quarters across all five designs for circulation in 2019, according to mintage figures from the U.S. Mint. This means that just 1 in every 625 circulating quarters bear the "W" mint mark, making them a true rarity in the coinage supply.
On top of this, half of the supply (1 million quarters of each design) were released only through orders of special U.S. Mint annual coin sets, meaning just 1 million of each design made their way into circulation through Federal Reserve distribution channels. These mint set examples are especially appealing to collectors, as they have been preserved in pristine uncirculated condition.
Based on population reports from third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC, the total surviving populations of the 2019-W quarters are extremely low. As of September 2021, PCGS had graded fewer than 13,000 examples of each design in all grades, while NGC had graded around 7,000-8,000 of each issue. Even accounting for raw coins not yet submitted, the overall supply in collector hands is undoubtedly minuscule compared to demand.
Given these factors, it‘s easy to see why collectors have been so eager to acquire the 2019-W quarters. Whether searching rolls of coins or buying them individually, numismatists recognize the significance and rarity of these special issues. As more and more coins get taken out of circulation by collectors, the remaining supply will only get smaller, likely driving prices higher over time.
Collecting the 2019-W Quarters
For collectors interested in acquiring the 2019-W quarters, there are a few different approaches to consider. Examining bank rolls or bags of quarters offers the thrill of the hunt and the opportunity to find high-grade examples at face value, but it can also be time-consuming and competitive, with many other collectors having the same idea.
Purchasing individual coins or sets from dealers or other collectors is a more straightforward option, albeit at a premium over face value. Prices for uncirculated 2019-W quarters generally start around $20-$30 per coin, with certified examples in higher Mint State grades like MS-66 or MS-67 commanding significantly more. The 2019-W Frank Church River of No Return quarter has emerged as the scarcest issue in high grades, pushing prices for top examples into the hundreds of dollars.
When buying 2019-W quarters, it‘s important to purchase from reputable sources and carefully evaluate the condition of the coins. Look for examples with clean, mark-free surfaces, full luster, and sharp strike detail. Coins with appealing toning can also be desirable to collectors. High-grade certified examples offer assurance of quality and protection from counterfeits, though they also sell for the highest premiums.
For collectors assembling sets of 2019-W quarters, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to pursue a complete 25-coin set showcasing each design in the series from all three production mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and West Point). Another approach is to focus specifically on the five 2019-W issues, building either an uncirculated or proof set depending on one‘s collecting goals and budget.
Regardless of the path chosen, the 2019-W quarters offer a rewarding challenge and opportunity for collectors. As awareness of these coins continues to grow, competition for high-grade examples will likely intensify. In my opinion, assembling a well-matched set of these first-ever circulating "W" mint mark quarters is a smart move for any numismatist looking to add a significant modern rarity to their collection.
Numismatic Significance and Future Outlook
Beyond their instant appeal as a circulating rarity, the 2019-W quarters also hold a special place in the broader history of U.S. coinage. They represent a unique experiment from the U.S. Mint and a novel way to engage collectors and the general public alike.
The coins have proven so popular that they‘ve inspired subsequent "W" mint mark issues, including the 2020 "W" nickel and additional "W" quarters released solely through special U.S. Mint set offerings in 2020 and 2021. This ongoing series of "W" mint mark coins for circulation underscores the Mint‘s commitment to innovating and expanding the hobby.
In terms of long-term potential, I believe the 2019-W quarters have a bright future. They are historic, scarce, and highly coveted issues that will likely only become harder to find in high grades as more and more examples get absorbed into collections or lost to circulation. As the first circulating coins from the West Point Mint and key issues within the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, they have undeniable numismatic significance.
While it‘s impossible to predict exactly how the 2019-W quarters will perform on the market in the coming years, I expect demand and prices for these coins to remain robust. As one of the defining modern rarities of 21st-century U.S. coinage, they have the potential to appreciate significantly in value over time, especially for top-grade examples.
Whether you‘re a die-hard collector or simply appreciate the artistry and history of American coinage, the 2019-W quarters are a fascinating and worthwhile pursuit. By combining the craftsmanship of the West Point Mint with the iconic designs of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, these coins offer a tangible connection to the nation‘s heritage and a reminder of the enduring allure of numismatics.
Conclusion
The 2019-W quarters are a remarkable issue that has captivated collectors since their surprise release into circulation. By marrying the excitement of a new "W" mint mark with the popularity of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, the U.S. Mint created an instant modern classic.
With their low mintages, striking designs, and unique place in the annals of U.S. coinage, the 2019-W quarters have emerged as one of the most significant and desirable modern issues in recent memory. For collectors, they represent both a challenge and an opportunity, offering the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of owning a piece of numismatic history.
As an expert and longtime collector, I believe the 2019-W quarters are a key issue that every serious numismatist should consider for their collection. While acquiring them requires patience, persistence, and a discerning eye, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Whether you‘re fortunate enough to find one in your pocket change or acquire a pristine example from a dealer, each 2019-W quarter is a small piece of American heritage that will be cherished by collectors for generations to come. With their beauty, rarity, and historical significance, these coins are a testament to the enduring allure of numismatics and the rich tradition of U.S. coinage.
