- Uncirculated coins with professional grades
- Proof versions
- Special strikes and variants
Understanding the 2022 Quarter Series
The 2022 quarter represents more than just a new design – it’s a groundbreaking moment in U.S. coinage history. For the first time, a coin series exclusively features influential American women, replacing the traditional reverse design of George Washington crossing the Delaware. The U.S. Mint produced these quarters at three facilities: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), with each location serving different purposes.
The Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced the circulation strikes, churning out millions of quarters for everyday transactions. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Mint focused on creating premium proof versions specifically for collectors. These proof coins feature enhanced striking techniques that result in frosted designs and mirror-like fields, making them particularly attractive to collectors.
Each quarter in the 2022 series was struck using standard specifications:
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.26mm
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Edge: Reeded with 119 reeds
The Five Women Featured on 2022 Quarters
Each 2022 quarter celebrates a woman who made significant contributions to American history. Let’s explore each design and its significance:
Maya Angelou Quarter (First Release)
The Maya Angelou quarter features the poet with outstretched arms, a rising sun, and a bird in flight – symbolizing her famous work “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” This quarter holds special significance as the first release in the series, typically commanding higher prices in pristine condition. Recent market data shows MS69 specimens selling for up to $1,999.95, while more common MS66 grades average $20-30.
Dr. Sally Ride Quarter (Second Release)
The design shows Dr. Ride next to a space shuttle window, commemorating her historic journey as America’s first woman in space. This quarter has shown strong market performance, with high-grade specimens (MS69) matching the Maya Angelou quarter in value. Collectors particularly prize examples with special designations like “First Strike” or “Early Releases.”
Wilma Mankiller Quarter (Third Release)
Featuring Wilma Mankiller wrapped in a traditional shawl with “Cherokee Nation” written in Cherokee syllabary, this quarter celebrates Native American leadership. High-grade examples (MS69) have sold for around $800, while proof versions in PR70 DCAM typically range from $30-50.
Nina Otero-Warren Quarter (Fourth Release)
The design incorporates “VOTO PARA LA MUJER” (Votes for Women) alongside three Yucca flowers, symbolizing Otero-Warren’s suffrage work in New Mexico. Market data shows MS68 specimens selling for $170-230, making them popular among mid-range collectors.
Anna May Wong Quarter (Fifth Release)
The final 2022 release features a close-up profile of Wong, capturing the essence of Hollywood’s first Chinese American film star. As the last coin in the series, it has attracted significant collector interest, with MS69 examples selling in the $150-200 range.
Current Market Values and Investment Potential
Based on extensive analysis of recent sales data, we’ve identified clear patterns in 2022 quarter values across different grades and varieties. The market shows particular strength in high-grade certified examples:
Grade/Type | Price Range | Market Trend |
---|---|---|
Circulation Strikes MS69 | $800-$2,000 | Strong demand, limited supply |
Proof PR70 DCAM | $20-$40 | Stable market, good entry point |
MS67-MS68 | $30-$300 | Growing collector interest |
First Strike/Early Release MS66 | $15-$30 | Popular with new collectors |
Collecting and Grading Insights
Understanding the grading process is crucial for collecting 2022 quarters. The two primary grading services, NGC and PCGS, evaluate coins based on several key factors:
Strike Quality
The sharpness and completeness of design details significantly impact grade. For the 2022 quarters, pay particular attention to:
- The facial features of the featured women
- Text clarity, especially in small letters
- Background detail preservation
- Edge reeding consistency
Surface Preservation
Higher grades require minimal contact marks or blemishes. Key areas to examine include:
- Fields (flat areas) should be clean and mark-free
- No significant scratches or nicks
- Original mint luster preservation
- Absence of cleaning or environmental damage
Tips for Building Your Collection
For collectors new to the 2022 quarter series, we recommend this strategic approach based on market analysis:
Start with proof versions from the San Francisco Mint. These offer excellent quality and eye appeal at reasonable prices, typically $15-40 for PR70 DCAM examples. They’re readily available and provide a great foundation for your collection.
Next, focus on circulation strikes in MS66-MS67 grades. These grades offer the best value proposition, combining high quality with reasonable prices. Look for examples with strong eye appeal and original mint luster.
As your collection grows, consider acquiring special varieties:
- First Strike designations often command 10-20% premiums
- Early Release specimens are popular with collectors
- PL (Proof-Like) examples of circulation strikes are particularly desirable
- First Day of Issue coins appeal to serious collectors
Preservation and Storage
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your 2022 quarters’ value. For uncertified coins, use:
Mylar flips or high-quality plastic holders designed specifically for quarters. Avoid PVC-containing materials, which can damage coins over time. Store your collection in a cool, dry environment away from extreme temperature changes. For certified coins, maintain the original holders in good condition, as damaged holders can affect resale value.
Future Outlook
The 2022 American Women Quarters represent the first year of a groundbreaking series that will continue through 2025. As the inaugural year, these coins hold special historical significance. Current market trends suggest growing collector interest, particularly in high-grade examples and complete sets.
For investors and collectors, the key to success with 2022 quarters lies in focusing on quality over quantity. High-grade certified examples, particularly those with special designations, are likely to see the strongest appreciation over time. The historical significance of this series, combined with its broad appeal to both numismatists and history enthusiasts, suggests a positive long-term outlook for well-chosen examples.
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