Have you considered adding 2019 America the Beautiful Quarters to your collection? Many collectors wonder about the potential value of these commemorative coins.
The 2019 series features five distinct designs, each honoring a significant natural or historical site:
- Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts)
- American Memorial Park (Northern Mariana Islands)
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam)
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas)
- Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho)
While circulated 2019 ATB quarters typically retain their face value of $0.25, their historical significance makes them popular among numismatists. Uncirculated specimens can command much higher prices, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, the real treasures in this series are the error coins, which can be extremely valuable to collectors.
This article aims to guide you through some of the most intriguing and valuable errors found in the 2019 ATB quarter series. By familiarizing yourself with these unique variations, you’ll be better equipped to spot potential gems in your own collection or during your coin hunting adventures.
Let’s explore the fascinating world of 2019 quarter errors and discover what makes them so special to collectors!
1. 2019 Frank Church River Of No Return Die Chip Error
One notable error found among the 2019 Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarters is the die chip error. This flaw is particularly noticeable on the coin’s reverse side, where a raised line can be observed at the point where the boat’s left flat surface meets the water’s waves.
Die chip errors occur during the minting process when a small fragment of the die breaks off, creating a tiny depression in its surface. If the Mint continues to use this damaged die, metal from the planchet flows into this depression during striking, resulting in a raised imperfection on the finished coin.
For collectors, these 2019 River of No Return quarters with die chip errors hold special appeal. Their value typically ranges from $5 to $10, with the exact price depending on the coin’s overall condition. As expected, specimens in mint state command higher premiums.
This type of error offers an intriguing glimpse into the minting process and adds an element of uniqueness to the coin. For enthusiasts focusing on the America the Beautiful series or error coins in general, these pieces can be fascinating additions to a collection, combining historical significance with numismatic intrigue.
2. 2019 Quarter Lowell With Obverse Struck Through Angel Wing Error
When examining 2019 Lowell National Historical Park quarters, be on the lookout for a particularly striking obverse error. Some specimens exhibit a large struck-through error resembling an angel’s wing across the portrait on the coin’s face.
This type of error, known as a struck-through or strike-through, occurs when a foreign object interferes with the minting process. Specifically, an unwanted item becomes lodged between the die and the planchet during striking, resulting in a partial or complete absence of design elements on the finished coin.
The value of these error coins can be substantial. For instance, a 2019-W Lowell quarter (from the West Point Mint) featuring this dramatic struck-through error sold for an impressive $1,500. This high price underscores the desirability of such pieces among collectors.
Struck-through errors are considered some of the most visually striking and intriguing minting mistakes. Their dramatic appearance and the insight they provide into the minting process make them highly sought after by numismatists.
For collectors focusing on the America the Beautiful series or those with a particular interest in error coins, a 2019 Lowell quarter with a significant struck-through error could be a centerpiece addition to their collection. These coins offer a unique combination of historical significance, numismatic interest, and potential value.
3. 2019 Massachusetts Lowell Quarter with Double Struck Error
Double-struck errors are among the most prevalent minting mistakes, and this is true for the 2019 ABT series as well.
As the name implies, this error happens when a coin is struck twice, causing the design from the second strike to land directly on top of the first, sometimes resulting in a slight or significant overlap of the two designs.
When collecting 2019 Lowell quarters, especially those with a D mint mark, watch for specimens with a double-struck error. This doubling is most noticeable on the devices on the obverse, including Washington’s portrait. Such an error coin can fetch up to $100, depending on its condition.
4. 2019 American Memorial Park Struck Through Quarter
The widely recognized struck-through error is also present on the 2019 American Memorial Park quarters. This error occurs on the reverse side of the coin, where a foreign object was struck into the coin, causing part of the date to be missing. Additionally, the impression of the foreign object can be observed on a portion of the woman’s forearm.
A notable instance of a 2019 American Memorial Park quarter with a struck-through error was sold for an impressive $85. Finding such an error coin can be a valuable addition to your collection.
5. 2019 San Antonio Missions Quarter Missing Clad Quarter Error
Another fascinating error to look out for is the missing clad error. America the Beautiful (ATB) quarters are composed of planchets with a copper core and a nickel outer layer on both sides.
Occasionally, the nickel layer fails to adhere properly to the core, resulting in peeling or the complete or partial absence of the nickel layer on one or both sides of the coin.
This error is visible on some 2019 San Antonio Missions quarters, where a small area on the ponytail and hair tie exposes the copper core. To spot this missing clad error, you might need to use a magnifier.
One uncirculated 2019 San Antonio Missions quarter with a dramatic missing clad error on the obverse sold for an astounding $1,500. While circulated examples may be more affordable, they still hold significant value and can be a notable addition to your collection. The rarity and uniqueness of these error coins make them highly sought after by collectors.
6. 2019 Lowell “Ghost In The Bell Tower” Error
One of the most frequently encountered errors in the 2019 Lowell National Historic Park quarters is the “ghost in the bell tower” error. This is actually a die chip that appears as a ghostly object near the tip of the tower.
A die chip error occurs when a small piece breaks off from the die’s face. During the striking process, the hole left by the missing piece fills with metal, resulting in a raised line or blob on the coin’s surface.
If you find a 2019 Lowell quarter with a die chip error next to the bell tower, it could be worth around $10 to $15, depending on the coin’s condition. Additionally, coins with more pronounced die chips or unique patterns can sometimes fetch higher prices from avid collectors, making them an intriguing find for those interested in error coins. Keep an eye out for these small but significant variations, as they add both historical and monetary value to your collection.
7. 2019 Guam War In The Pacific Quarter With a Die Chip Error
When collecting 2019 War in the Pacific quarters, keep an eye out for those with a die chip error on the obverse. Some of these coins exhibit a die chip error at the bottom of Washington’s profile or along his truncated neck.
The die chip error, though typically small, becomes more valuable the larger and more visible it is to the naked eye. In the case of the War in the Pacific quarters, this error resulted from a relatively large break on the die’s surface.
One 2019 Guam War in the Pacific quarter with a die chip error sold for $15. Uncirculated versions of this error coin can be worth significantly more. Furthermore, die chip errors that are more prominent or occur in unusual locations can attract higher bids from collectors, adding both interest and value to your collection. These unique imperfections make such coins particularly desirable for those specializing in error coins.
8. 2019 Lowell Washington Quarter With a Die Break “Earring” Error
The 2019 Lowell Quarter ATB series is known for numerous interesting and valuable errors, with the die break earring being one of the most notable. This particular error is highly sought after, with one example fetching an astounding $4,695.
A die break error occurs when a piece of the die’s surface breaks off, leaving a hole that fills with metal during the striking process. This results in a raised line or shape on the coin’s surface.
In the case of the “earring error” found on some 2019 Lowell quarters, the die break caused a raised blob on Washington’s earlobe, making it appear as though he is wearing an earring. This unique and visually striking error adds significant value to the coin, making it a prized find for collectors. Such distinctive errors not only enhance the coin’s aesthetic appeal but also its historical significance and market value, turning it into a treasure for numismatists.
9. 2019 San Antonio Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse, Missing Clad Error
Doubled die errors occur when the die strikes the coin twice at slightly different angles, resulting in visible doubling on the coin’s devices on both the obverse and reverse sides.
In the 2019 San Antonio quarter series, the doubled die obverse is a relatively common error, particularly in those quarters minted at the West Point facility. Careful examination reveals doubling on inscriptions such as UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR. On the reverse, doubling can often be seen on the date and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Additionally, some of these quarters may exhibit a missing clad error on the reverse. This error is typically found at the bottom edge near the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, where the nickel layer is absent, revealing the copper core beneath. This dual-error combination can significantly increase the coin’s value.
For collectors, quarters with both doubled die and missing clad errors are particularly prized. A 2019 San Antonio quarter with these errors can command a premium price, especially if in uncirculated condition. Such coins not only highlight the intricacies of the minting process but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the rare imperfections that can occur, making them a valuable addition to any collection. Keep an eye out for these unique errors, as their rarity and distinct features make them highly desirable among numismatists.
10. 2019 Guam War In The Pacific Quarter Die Break
When collecting War in the Pacific Washington quarters, be on the lookout for examples with a die break error where the letter “E” in “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the obverse has a significant cut.
This deep cut results from a die break error, which is relatively common. Besides the die break, this quarter may feature other minting errors such as a filled mint mark and cuds (raised areas on the coin caused by die damage). These additional errors add to the coin’s uniqueness and value.
For instance, a 2019 Guam War in the Pacific quarter exhibiting multiple errors, including a die break, off-center strike, and cuds, sold for $100. Quarters with several well-known minting errors tend to be more valuable. Collectors particularly prize coins with multiple errors as they showcase a range of minting anomalies, enhancing both their historical significance and market value. Finding such error coins can be a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the minting process and adding notable pieces to any collection.
11. 2019 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Off- Center Error
A noteworthy off-center error was recently identified on a 2019 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park quarter. This error is evident on the coin’s reverse side, where the cross appears noticeably shifted towards the left, leaving a disproportionately larger space on the right surface of the coin.
Off-center errors occur when there is a misalignment between the planchet (blank coin) and the dies during the striking process. This misalignment results in the design appearing skewed rather than centered on the coin. The value of an off-center error largely hinges on the percentage of the off-centering; the greater the deviation from center, the higher the value of the error.
For instance, a specific 2019 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park quarter with a 5% off-center error fetched an impressive $138 at auction. Off-center errors of this magnitude are sought after by collectors for their rarity and distinctive appearance, making them prized additions to numismatic collections.
Final Thoughts
Exploring our list of 2019 quarters errors reveals that beginning a collection of America the Beautiful coins doesn’t require significant investment. These quarters, featuring uncommon errors, can significantly enhance your collection’s value. Focus on acquiring uncirculated 2019 quarters, as these typically hold greater worth beyond their face value. Moreover, keep an eye out for ATB quarters showcasing multiple errors; such finds could potentially yield a handsome return.
