The 2022 coin quarter holds a significant place in American numismatics as the inaugural release of the American Women Quarters Program. This multi-year initiative, spanning from 2022 to 2025, celebrates the profound contributions of women who have shaped the course of American history. Each 2022 coin quarter serves as a tribute to these influential figures, bringing their stories and accomplishments to a broad audience through everyday currency.
The American Women Quarters Program: An Overview
The American Women Quarters Program was established by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. Its purpose is to honor a diverse group of American women for their achievements and contributions in various fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The selection process for honorees involves consultation with the Smithsonian Institution’s American Women’s History Initiative and the National Women’s History Museum.
For 2022, five distinct 2022 coin quarter designs were released, each commemorating a woman who played a pivotal role in American society. This program follows the highly successful 50 State Quarters Program and the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, continuing the tradition of educational and historically significant coin series.
Designs of the 2022 Coin Quarter
Each of the five 2022 coin quarter designs features a unique reverse, while the obverse maintains a consistent design.
Obverse Design
The obverse of the 2022 coin quarter features a new depiction of George Washington. This portrait was sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1931 as a candidate for the 1932 quarter, which ultimately featured the John Flanagan design. The U.S. Mint opted for Fraser’s design for the American Women Quarters Program, providing a fresh perspective on the nation’s first president.
Reverse Designs: Honoring American Women
The reverse designs for the 2022 coin quarter showcase five remarkable women.
1. Maya Angelou
- Release Date: January 2022
- Design: The quarter features Maya Angelou with her arms uplifted, a bird in flight, and a rising sun behind her. These elements are inspired by her poetry and symbolic of the way she lived.
- Significance: Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was a celebrated American author, poet, and civil rights activist. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, brought her international acclaim. She was a prominent voice for racial equality and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2. Dr. Sally Ride
- Release Date: March 2022
- Design: The design depicts Dr. Sally Ride next to a window on the Space Shuttle, with the Earth visible in the background. Her name is prominently displayed.
- Significance: Dr. Sally Ride (1951–2012) was the first American woman in space. A physicist and astronaut, she broke barriers and inspired a generation. After her NASA career, she dedicated herself to promoting science education, particularly for girls and young women.
3. Wilma Mankiller
- Release Date: June 2022
- Design: This quarter features Wilma Mankiller wrapped in a traditional shawl, with the Cherokee Nation seal behind her. The stars on the shawl represent her journey.
- Significance: Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010) was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She was a tireless advocate for Native American rights, self-governance, and community development. Her leadership brought significant progress to the Cherokee Nation.
4. Nina Otero-Warren
- Release Date: August 2022
- Design: The design shows Nina Otero-Warren with the New Mexico state flower, the Yucca, and the words “VOTO PARA LA MUJER” (Vote for Women) inscribed, representing her work in the suffrage movement.
- Significance: Adelina “Nina” Otero-Warren (1881–1965) was a leading suffragist, educator, and politician. She played a crucial role in the women’s suffrage movement in New Mexico, ensuring that Spanish-speaking women were included in the fight for the right to vote. She was also the first Hispanic woman to run for U.S. Congress.
5. Anna May Wong
- Release Date: October 2022
- Design: The quarter features a striking close-up of Anna May Wong’s face, with her signature hairstyle and hands resting on her chin, evoking her iconic presence.
- Significance: Anna May Wong (1905–1961) was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. She overcame significant discrimination to achieve international recognition, starring in over 60 films. She used her platform to advocate for greater representation and challenge stereotypes in the film industry.
Value of the 2022 Coin Quarter
The value of a 2022 coin quarter can vary significantly based on several factors, primarily its condition, whether it is a standard issue or an error coin, and its mint mark.
Standard Circulated Quarters
For the average 2022 coin quarter found in circulation, its value is typically close to its face value.
- Circulated Condition: A 2022 coin quarter that has been in circulation and shows signs of wear is generally worth between $0.30 and $0.50. This slight premium above face value reflects a minimal collector interest or a dealer’s willingness to hold them for bulk sales.
Uncirculated and Proof Quarters
Collectors often seek 2022 coin quarter examples that have not been in circulation, known as uncirculated or “mint state” coins. These coins retain their original luster and show no signs of wear.
- Uncirculated Condition: Uncirculated 2022 coin quarter examples are readily available from coin dealers, online marketplaces, and directly from the U.S. Mint in collector sets. Their value is higher than circulated coins, often ranging from $1 to $5 or more, depending on their specific grade (e.g., MS-65, MS-67).
- Proof Quarters: The U.S. Mint also produces proof versions of the 2022 coin quarter. These coins are struck multiple times with specially prepared dies on polished planchets, resulting in a highly detailed, mirror-like finish. Proof quarters are typically sold in special sets and command higher prices, often starting from $10 to $25 or more, depending on the set and individual coin quality.
Mint Marks
The 2022 coin quarter was produced at multiple U.S. Mint facilities, each indicated by a mint mark:
- “P” Mint Mark: Philadelphia Mint
- “D” Mint Mark: Denver Mint
- “S” Mint Mark: San Francisco Mint (for proof and some uncirculated collector editions)
While the mint mark generally does not drastically alter the value of standard circulated coins, “S” mint mark coins (especially proofs) are produced in lower quantities and are specifically for collectors, thus holding higher value.
Error Coins
Error coins represent a fascinating and potentially lucrative segment of the numismatic market. These are coins that exhibit anomalies due to mistakes during the minting process. For the 2022 coin quarter, several types of errors have been identified, and their rarity can drive values significantly higher.
- Die Gouges and Cracks: These are common types of errors where the coin die itself is damaged, leaving raised lines or shapes on the struck coin.
- “Drooling George” Error: This error on some 2022 coin quarter examples of the Maya Angelou quarter shows a die crack or anomaly that makes it appear as if George Washington is “drooling” from his mouth. This specific error has garnered considerable attention.
- “Nesting Bird” Error: Another reported error on the Maya Angelou quarter involves a die imperfection that resembles a “nesting bird” on the reverse.
- “In God We Trust” Error: While less common than die cracks, errors affecting the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” can occur, such as partial strikes or unusual distortions.
- Other Die Errors: Collectors also look for 2022 coin quarter examples with:
- Doubled Dies: Where the design elements appear doubled due to a misalignment during the hubbing process.
- Off-Center Strikes: Where the coin blank is not perfectly centered when struck by the dies.
- Planchet Errors: Issues with the coin blank itself, such as lamination errors or incomplete planchets.
Value of Error Coins: The value of an error 2022 coin quarter is highly dependent on the type, prominence, and rarity of the error. Some minor die gouges might only add a small premium (a few dollars), while more dramatic and well-known errors like the “Drooling George” can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars on online marketplaces and through specialized coin dealers. Research and authentication by a reputable grading service are recommended for significant error finds.
Availability of the 2022 Coin Quarter
The 2022 coin quarter is widely available through various channels, catering to both casual collectors and serious numismatists.
General Circulation
The most common way to acquire a 2022 coin quarter is simply by finding it in everyday transactions. These quarters are minted in large quantities for general circulation and will eventually make their way into pockets and cash registers across the country. Patience is key for this method, as specific designs may take time to appear in your local area.
Coin Dealers
Professional coin dealers are an excellent resource for obtaining specific 2022 coin quarter designs, especially in uncirculated or higher grades. Dealers often have inventories of new releases, complete sets, and sometimes even error coins. They can also offer expert advice on grading and authenticity.
Online Marketplaces
E-commerce platforms and online auction sites are popular avenues for purchasing the 2022 coin quarter. Websites like eBay, Amazon, and specialized numismatic online stores offer a wide selection from various sellers. When buying online, it is important to:
- Check Seller Reputation: Look for sellers with high ratings and positive reviews.
- Review Product Descriptions: Ensure the condition and specific coin details are clearly stated.
- Examine Images: High-resolution images are crucial for assessing the coin’s condition and identifying potential errors.
Direct from the U.S. Mint
For collectors seeking pristine examples and special editions, purchasing directly from the United States Mint is the most reliable option. The U.S. Mint offers:
- Individual Rolls and Bags: Uncirculated rolls and bags of the 2022 coin quarter from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
- Proof Sets: Annual proof sets that include the 2022 coin quarter in brilliant proof finishes.
- Uncirculated Sets: Annual uncirculated sets containing the 2022 coin quarter from both Philadelphia and Denver.
- Subscriptions: Collectors can often subscribe to the American Women Quarters Program directly through the U.S. Mint, ensuring they receive each new release as it becomes available. This is a convenient way to build a complete collection of the 2022 coin quarter and subsequent years in the series.
Collecting the 2022 Coin Quarter
Collecting the 2022 coin quarter can be a rewarding hobby. Here are some tips for collectors:
- Start with Circulated Coins: Begin by collecting the various designs you find in circulation. This is an accessible and cost-effective way to get started.
- Consider Uncirculated Sets: If you want higher-quality examples, consider purchasing uncirculated rolls or sets from the U.S. Mint or reputable dealers.
- Look for Errors: Keep an eye out for potential error coins. While rare, finding one can be exciting and potentially valuable. Familiarize yourself with known errors for the 2022 coin quarter.
- Protect Your Collection: Store your 2022 coin quarter in appropriate coin holders, albums, or slabs to protect them from damage and preserve their condition.
- Research and Learn: Continually educate yourself about coin collecting, grading, and the history behind the coins. Numismatic resources, books, and online communities can provide valuable information.
The 2022 coin quarter series marks an important beginning for the American Women Quarters Program, bringing the stories of influential women to the forefront of American currency. Whether for historical appreciation, numismatic value, or simply the joy of collecting, the 2022 coin quarter offers something for everyone.
What is the error on the 2022 D Mankiller quarter?
I can help with that. In the 2022 series, the Wilma Mankiller quarter has the most minting errors. The retained die break at the obverse side corner of the rim is the most noticeable Wilma Mankiller quarter error. Retained Die Breakage: This error is caused by a tiny crack that leaves a hole in the die.