The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 in typical proof condition, with some deep cameo examples selling for $10 or more to dedicated collectors. If you found one in a coin collection or inherited a set, this guide will help you understand exactly what you’re holding.
What Is the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter?
The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which ran from 2010 to 2021. This particular coin honors Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay, Ohio — a monument built to commemorate the U.S. victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The “S” mintmark on this coin is important. It tells you the coin was made in San Francisco specifically for collector proof sets, not for general circulation. That alone makes it different from the quarters you’d normally find in your change. If you’re unsure how to identify a coin’s mintmark or verify what you have, a good coin identification app can walk you through the details in seconds using your phone’s camera. Tools like CoinKnow are especially helpful for beginners who want fast, accurate results without digging through books.
Understanding Proof Coins and Why the S Mint Matters
Not all quarters are created equal. The 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter was produced using a special die-striking process that results in sharp, mirror-like fields and frosted raised designs. These are called proof coins, and they’re never meant for everyday spending — they go directly into collector sets. The San Francisco Mint is famous for producing some of the highest-quality proof coins in U.S. history, and 2013 was no exception. Mintage for the 2013-S proof quarter was relatively modest compared to circulation strikes, which helps support collector interest. Coins graded PR-69 or PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) by a professional service like PCGS or NGC command premiums far above face value. The “Deep Cameo” designation refers to the dramatic contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background — it’s visually stunning and highly sought after by proof collectors.
2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter Value Chart
Here’s a general breakdown of what these coins are worth depending on their condition and grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Proof, minor blemishes | $1 – $3 |
| PR-67 | Proof, nearly perfect | $3 – $6 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Deep Cameo, exceptional | $8 – $15 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Perfect grade, Deep Cameo | $20 – $50+ |
For a more complete breakdown of 2013 quarter values across different grades and mint conditions, you can check out this detailed 2013 quarter value guide that covers all five America the Beautiful designs from that year.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Worth More
Several factors influence the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter value beyond just the grade. Eye appeal matters enormously in the proof coin market. Even within the same numerical grade, a coin with no spots, no haze, and strong cameo contrast will fetch more from collectors. Coins that have been stored properly in original government packaging tend to maintain their quality better over time. Original mint packaging, like the silver proof set box it came in, adds presentation value but doesn’t necessarily increase the coin’s raw worth. However, it can make it easier to sell. If you want to get a quick estimate before paying for professional grading, CoinKnow offers an easy-to-use platform where you can look up values and compare recent sales data right from your phone. It’s a great first step before deciding whether to send a coin off to PCGS or NGC.
Comparing the 2013-S to Other America the Beautiful Proof Quarters
The 2013-S series included five different designs: White Mountain, Perry’s Victory, Great Basin, Fort McHenry, and Mount Rushmore. All were struck at San Francisco in proof format. Among these, Perry’s Victory tends to hold its own in collector circles due to the meaningful historical subject matter. If you’re curious how the Perry’s Memorial design stacks up against others in the series, you can explore current pricing data for the 2013 White Mountain quarter to see how values compare across the program. Collectors who build complete America the Beautiful sets often need all five 2013-S proof coins, which keeps demand steady for the Perry’s Victory quarter even years after its release.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter rare?
A: It’s not rare in an absolute sense, but it’s a collector-only coin that wasn’t made for circulation. With a limited proof mintage and strong collector demand for high-grade examples, it’s certainly more special than a typical pocket change quarter.
Q: Can I find the 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter in circulation?
A: Almost certainly not. These were sold directly to collectors through the U.S. Mint in silver or clad proof sets. If you have one, it most likely came from an inherited collection or a purchased set.
Q: Should I clean my 2013-S Perry’s Memorial Quarter before selling it?
A: Never clean a proof coin. Cleaning destroys the original surface and can reduce its value dramatically. Even light polishing can drop a PR-69 coin to a much lower grade. Keep it as-is and store it in a safe, dry place. Apps like CoinKnow can help you assess current value before you make any decisions about selling.
