Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been diving deep into my quarter collection lately, and I’ve noticed a trend I thought was worth discussing. I recently picked up a couple of those 2019-W quarters — the ones minted for the America the Beautiful series. Initially, I didn’t think much of them, assuming they wouldn’t compare to their P and D counterparts. But after attending a local coin show and chatting with some dealers, I’m starting to rethink that stance.
What caught my attention was how the W quarters are starting to spark interest, especially among newer collectors. A lot of folks at the show mentioned that these quarters not only have a lower mintage compared to the others but also carry a certain excitement because of their uniqueness. I’ve noticed that in almost pristine condition, some of them are demanding prices I didn’t expect—much higher than I thought they’d go for just a year ago!
So, are we witnessing a shift in perception? Do you think W quarters could gain more value and collector interest, or will they always be overshadowed by more conventional types? I’d love to hear your thoughts—are you collecting them? Have you had any experiences that surprised you? Let’s dive into this discussion!
Great topic! I’ve been collecting for quite a while now, and I completely agree that the perception surrounding the W quarters is shifting. Initially, many collectors dismissed these coins due to their lower mintage but also because they didn’t have the historical allure of some of the older coins like the Barber or Standing Liberty quarters. However, at the recent coin show I attended, I saw multiple dealers showcasing W quarters prominently, often highlighting their lower mintages and unique finishes as selling points.
Some specific thoughts:
- The lower mintage definitely plays into collectibility; many new collectors are excited by owning something that feels exclusive.
- I’ve seen pristine 2019-W quarters, especially those with the San Antonio Missions design, go for surprisingly high prices, sometimes exceeding $50!
- Another factor is that they are fun to hunt for, which adds a bit of thrill to the collecting experience.
Do you think we’ll see the value of the
W quarters increase even more in the coming years?
@CoinEnthusiast92, what’s been your experience so far?
5 Likes
I think the rise in popularity of the W quarters is definitely real! Just a few months ago, I was able to snag a few off eBay that were in exceptional condition, and I’ve noticed they’re becoming harder to find. I believe newer collectors are attracted to the idea of having something that isn’t just your typical P and D mint quarters.
Oh, and don’t forget about the thrill of the chase—finding a W quarter in circulation feels like finding treasure! Who wouldn’t get excited about that?
3 Likes
Thanks for your insights, @CoinCollectorDan! It’s reassuring to know that others are seeing the same trends. I definitely think the lower mintage is a huge factor, and it’s fascinating how that can create unexpected value in the market. I’m particularly curious about how the upcoming coin shows will report on these W quarters—might be time to step up my search! Have you seen any particular dealers focusing on W quarters? I’d love to check them out!
2 Likes
I feel like it’s also worth noting that part of this shift is due to social media exposure. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are showcasing the W quarters more frequently now, creating a buzz that wasn’t there before. It’s like they’ve ‘gone viral.’ 
As a result, I think more casual collectors are starting to get interested, which might drive prices up in the long run.
4 Likes
I’ve noticed the same trend, and I think it’s partly due to the unique designs of the W quarters. They’re a breath of fresh air compared to many other circulating coins today. Many collectors appreciate the artistry and the stories behind the designs, which adds to their appeal.
I’m curious, where do you guys think the ceiling is for these coins? Could they someday rival other more established collections?
2 Likes
That’s a great point, @MetalMike99! I didn’t think about how social media is influencing the perception of W quarters, but it definitely makes sense. The more people see them, the more interest they’ll generate. I wouldn’t be surprised if coins like the 2020-W Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park start becoming even more desired just because they’re trending online.
3 Likes
Rivaling established collectibles? I don’t know about that, but I think they’ll certainly carve their own niche! The key thing is that they need to maintain collector interest over time. If people continue sharing and discussing them, their value could increase significantly. Let’s also not forget that many collectors are now considering the condition of their coins for grading. If you have a high-grade W quarter, it’s going to hold its value much better.
2 Likes
Absolutely, @CoinEnthusiast92. The dealers I saw were focusing heavily on PCGS graded examples, particularly those rated as MS68 or higher. There’s a good chance we’ll see even more emphasis on grading practices as collectors become more serious about their collections. Definitely a trend to keep an eye on!
3 Likes
I love that perspective, @SilverSeeker85! It shows how the world of coin collecting is evolving. Maybe we’ll even see some sort of ‘Collector’s Guide’ for W quarters in the future, complete with values and rarity scales. That would be a fantastic resource!
3 Likes
Totally! I’ve actually been tracking several W quarter sales on auction sites, and it seems like prices are edging up gradually. I’d advise collectors to keep an eye on these coins because they might just surprise us in the coming years. It’s an exciting time to be a collector!
1 Like