The U.S. Mint’s American Women’s Quarters Program, launched in 2022, introduced a fresh take on the classic Washington Quarter. This program celebrates influential American women and provides numismatists with exciting opportunities for collecting, investing, and error hunting. The detailed artistry, combined with the sheer volume of these new designs, has led to an array of error coins, some of which have already proven valuable.
This editorial will explore the series’ aesthetic appeal, notable errors that have emerged, and tips for collectors looking to find valuable errors in circulation—including the sought-after 2023 quarter errors that are making waves in the numismatic community.
Aesthetic Appeal of the Women’s Quarters Series
The Women’s Quarters program runs from 2022 to 2025, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to honor historically significant American women who have shaped the nation in various fields, including activism, science, civil rights, and the arts.
1. Distinctive Design Elements
Unlike traditional Washington Quarters, the Women’s Quarters feature:
- Sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser designed a new obverse portrait of George Washington. It was initially intended for the 1932 quarter but passed over in favor of the John Flanagan design.
- Dynamic reverse designs, each uniquely crafted to showcase the honoree’s contributions.
- Sharper, more detailed engraving techniques give the series a modern look while staying true to classical American coinage traditions.
2. Commemorative Themes and Cultural Impact
Each coin in the series tells a compelling story, featuring figures such as:
- Maya Angelou (2022) – Celebrated poet and civil rights activist.
- Sally Ride (2022) – The first American woman in space.
- Eleanor Roosevelt (2023) – Former First Lady and human rights champion.
- Bessie Coleman (2023) – First African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license.
These designs have sparked public interest in numismatics and created a demand for high-quality examples and error coins.
Error Coins in the Women’s Quarters Series
With billions of quarters struck for circulation, minting errors are inevitable. These mistakes add a layer of excitement for collectors and can significantly increase a coin’s value.
1. Common Types of Errors in the Women’s Quarters Series
Some of the most notable errors found in circulation and unsearched rolls include:
Doubled Die Errors
- Occurs when the die used to strike the coin shifts between impressions, causing a doubling in the design elements.
- Example: A 2022-P Maya Angelou doubled die obverse quarter shows doubling in the lettering and facial features, making it a valuable find.
Misaligned & Off-Center Strikes
- These occur when the coin blank (planchet) isn’t perfectly centered during striking.
- The more off-center the strike, the higher the coin’s potential value.
- Some 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt quarters have been found with off-center errors, making them sought after by collectors.
Clashed Dies
- Caused when the dies strike each other without a coin between them, leaving ghost-like impressions on subsequent coins.
- Examples of die clashes have been spotted in 2022 and 2023 Women’s Quarters, often visible around the edges of the obverse portrait.
Struck-Through Errors
- Occur when a foreign object (grease, wire, or cloth) gets between the die and the planchet, leaving an imprint or weakly struck areas.
- Some 2023 quarters have been found with missing or weak design elements due to grease-filled dies.
Dropped Letter & Missing Mintmark Errors
- A dropped letter error happens when a fragment of a letter or number breaks off a die and impresses onto another coin.
- Missing mintmark errors—while rare—can occur due to die wear or polishing.
Women’s Quarter Errors: Notable Discoveries
The 2023 quarters have already produced several error varieties that collectors should watch for:
1. 2023-P Eleanor Roosevelt Quarter Errors
- Probably the most famous 2023 error quarter because of the dramatic die cracks, also known as “cuds,” where raised blobs of metal appear due to die breakage.
- Value: Depending on the size and placement, these can fetch $50 to $300.
2. 2023-D Bessie Coleman Quarter Struck-Through Error
- Some quarters appear to be missing details due to grease or debris obstructing the die during striking.
- These are less common but can be valuable, ranging from $30 to $100+.
3. 2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter Off-Center Strikes
- Off-center strikes above 10% off are rare and command premiums.
- 15%-30% off-center examples can be worth $150 to $400.
Get Coins Graded
If you find a significant error, sending it to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading can increase its value.
Conclusion: The Women’s Quarters Series Offers Exciting Error Coins for Collectors
The Women’s Quarters Program is more than just a commemorative series—it’s an opportunity for collectors to uncover rare and valuable error coins. With striking new designs, evolving minting techniques, and high production volumes, these quarters are prime candidates for minting mistakes.
For collectors, now is the time to search through change, bankrolls, and coin dealers’ inventories. Whether you’re after a doubled die variety, an off-center strike, or a die clash error, these coins provide a fun and profitable collecting opportunity.
With a few simple tools, research, and patience, you might find an error quarter worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Would you like help identifying a possible error coin from your collection? Share clear photos, and I’ll help analyze them for you!