You've probably seen it while digging for laundry change: a stoic figure standing tall with a massive column in the background. That's Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry. If you’re holding one and wondering about perry's victory quarter worth, you aren't alone. Most people think "old" or "commemorative" automatically equals "jackpot."
Kinda. But not really.
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The 2013 Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial quarter—the 17th release in the America the Beautiful series—is a weird beast in the coin world. It commemorates a battle from the War of 1812 where Perry famously told his superiors, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." Today, his quarter is a staple in many collections, but its actual market price fluctuates based on things most casual observers completely miss.
What is Perry's Victory Quarter Worth Right Now?
Let's get the blunt truth out of the way. If you found it in a vending machine coin return, it's worth 25 cents. Honestly. These were minted by the hundreds of millions. Specifically, the Philadelphia mint churned out 107.8 million, while Denver produced 131.6 million.
Because they were released into general circulation, most of them are beat up. Scratched. Dirty. Dull. Collectors don't pay premiums for "pocket change" unless there's a glaring mistake on it.
However, the story changes once you look at uncirculated or "Mint State" (MS) versions. A Denver (D) or Philadelphia (P) mint quarter that looks like it just rolled off the press can fetch between $1 and $5. If you happen to have a high-grade specimen, say an MS-67, you might be looking at $15 to $20. It sounds small, but that's a massive percentage increase over face value.
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The San Francisco "S" Factor
This is where it gets interesting. The San Francisco mint produced three distinct versions of the Perry's Victory quarter:
- Business Strike (S): These weren't meant for your wallet. They were sold in bags and rolls directly to collectors. Because the mintage was relatively low—around 1.4 million—they usually sell for $2.50 to $3.50 even in basic uncirculated condition.
- Clad Proof (S): These have that mirror-like finish. They usually go for $10 to $15.
- Silver Proof (S): Struck in 90% silver. These are the heavy hitters. Given current silver spot prices in early 2026, the melt value alone is significant, but collectors often pay $40 to $55 for a pristine Choice Proof.
The Error Hunt: Where the Real Money Hides
If you want to find a quarter worth a car payment, you have to look for the "whoops" moments. The U.S. Mint is usually efficient, but they aren't perfect. Errors on the Perry's Victory quarter are rare, which makes them expensive.
Doubled Dies are the most sought-after. Look at the lettering "PERRY’S VICTORY" or the date "2013." If you see a faint "shadow" or secondary outline of the letters, you might have found a doubled die. These have sold on sites like eBay for $200 or more depending on how obvious the doubling is.
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Check the rim too. Broadstrikes happen when the coin is struck without being properly held by the collar. The result is a coin that looks slightly "pushed out" or flatter and wider than a normal quarter. These are visual stunners and can easily command $50 to $100 from error specialists.
Then there are the "Grease Strikes." Sometimes, machinery grease gets into the die and fills in the tiny crevices of the design. This leads to coins where parts of the image or text are "faint" or missing entirely. While common on some 2013 quarters, a significant grease error on a Perry's Victory quarter still pulls a premium.
Why Grading Changes Everything
You'll hear people talk about "MS-65" or "PF-70." Basically, these are grades given by professional services like PCGS or NGC.
A "70" is a perfect coin. No flaws under 5x magnification. For a 2013 Perry's Victory quarter, a certified MS-70 or PF-70 is extremely rare. We are talking about the difference between a $1 coin and a $100 coin just because of a microscopic scratch you can't even see with the naked eye.
Is it worth grading yours? Probably not if it's from circulation. The cost of grading (often $20–$50 per coin plus shipping) usually outweighs the value of the coin itself. Unless it looks absolutely flawless or has a confirmed major error, keep it in a simple cardboard flip.
Market Trends in 2026
The numismatic market has shifted. We're seeing a lot of younger collectors entering the space, and they love the "America the Beautiful" series because it's approachable. Perry's Victory is a favorite because of the dramatic design—the statue of Perry is very "heroic" compared to some of the landscape-only quarters.
This demand keeps the floor price for silver proofs stable. While the common clad quarters won't make you rich, the silver versions have seen a steady 5-10% climb in value over the last couple of years as silver bullion remains volatile.
Actionable Insights for Collectors
If you're sitting on a pile of these, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Mint Mark: Look for the small "P," "D," or "S" next to Washington's ponytail. If it's an "S," it's automatically worth more than 25 cents.
- The "Tissue Test" for Silver: If you suspect you have a silver proof but aren't sure, put a piece of single-ply tissue over it and a normal quarter. The silver one will look white/bright through the tissue, while the clad one will look grey or dark.
- Focus on the Reverse: Most errors occur on the reverse (the side with Perry). Use a jeweler's loupe to inspect the Peace Memorial column in the background for any "die chips" or weird bumps that shouldn't be there.
- Store Properly: If you find a nice uncirculated one, don't touch the face of the coin with your fingers. The oils from your skin will eventually cause "toning" or spots that lower the value. Use PVC-free plastic holders.
Knowing perry's victory quarter worth isn't just about the price tag; it's about knowing which version you actually have in your hand. Most are just quarters. A few are treasures.
Start by sorting your coins by mint mark. Use a 10x magnifying glass to look for doubling on the letters "OHIO" and "2013." If you find a coin that looks exceptionally shiny with a crisp "S" mark, set it aside in a protective sleeve immediately to preserve its surface from scratches.