There are more and more numismatics enthusiasts who, like Indiana Jones, search for valuable coins. Numismatics is the study or collection of coins and related objects, such as banknotes, securities, and medals. It encompasses the study of currency and payment systems, bearing witness to human economic, commercial, and political history. Numismatics as a discipline and hobby emerged in the 19th century and is connected to epigraphy, paleography, semiology, and art. It is considered an auxiliary science of archaeology and history. Below, we’ll delve into the story of the 25-cent coin, the treasure that collectors dream of.
What is the story behind the 25-cent coin?
To avoid keeping the reader in suspense, we’ll reveal the mystery. It’s a 2019 25-cent coin from the “San Antonio Missions” series. This coin is part of a commemorative series launched by the U.S. Mint on September 10, 2019. It was created in honor of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a site that preserves four of the five Spanish missions that were pivotal in the development of the city of San Antonio, Texas, during the 18th century. Its current market value is $75,000, an extraordinary amount for a coin minted so recently.
One of the features that makes it so desirable is its design. It is inspired by the Spanish Colonial Real coin, faithfully reflecting the cultural and religious legacy the missions left in the region. On the reverse, you can see four symbols within a cross. The wheat represents agriculture, the arches and the bell symbolize community, the lion reflects Spanish cultural heritage, and the San Antonio River refers to the irrigation systems of that era.
It’s worth noting that not all coins of this type have the same value. Millions of them were minted, but only a few hold “collectible” status. A key feature that can increase the value of this coin is the mint mark “W,” indicating it was minted at the West Point Mint. Of course, it’s important for the coin to remain in optimal condition. And last but not least, minting errors can increase its value due to the rarity of the coin itself.
What was the last one sold?
You don’t have to look far back in time; in May of this year, 2024, a similar specimen with an MS68 rating was sold. The transaction cost was $1,260 in an auction held by Heritage Auctions. The data provided here is for reference and current as of today, as the value of coins in the numismatic market fluctuates constantly.
