Are you curious about the potential value of 2022 Washington quarters? While these recent coins are generally worth their face value, certain minting errors can make them unexpectedly valuable. This guide will help you identify these rare errors and understand their worth in the collector’s market.
Although 2022 quarters are relatively new and their commemorative status doesn’t typically increase their value, some error coins from this year can be worth hundreds of dollars. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these specimens, you might have a small fortune in your hands.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore various 2022 quarter errors and their values, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about collecting or selling these coins. Let’s dive into the world of 2022 quarter errors and discover what makes them valuable.
History of the 2022 Quarter
The 2022 quarter is part of an exciting new series: the American Women Quarters Program. This four-year initiative succeeded the America the Beautiful quarters and the Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter.
Established by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, this program aims to honor women who have made significant contributions to United States history across various fields. The U.S. Mint is authorized to issue five different designs each year, celebrating women who have excelled in areas such as space exploration, science, government, arts, and culture.
Originally, Representatives Anthony Gonzales and Barbara Lee proposed striking 56 quarters to honor an impactful woman from each state and territory. However, Congress decided to shorten the program to make way for the semi-quincentennial coins planned for 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The 2022 quarters, the first in this series, honor five pioneering women:
- Maya Angelou – Celebrated author, poet, and civil rights activist.
- Dr. Sally Ride – The first American woman in space.
- Wilma Mankiller – The first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- Nina Otero-Warren – A leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement.
- Anna May Wong – The first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.
These designs not only celebrate these remarkable women but also represent a significant shift in U.S. coinage, moving away from the long-standing tradition of featuring primarily male historical figures.
In addition to the regular circulating 2022 quarters, the U.S. Mint also produced silver proof examples for collectors, adding another dimension to the collectability of these coins.
Understanding the historical context and significance of these quarters adds depth to the pursuit of error coins from this year. As we explore the various errors found in 2022 quarters, keep in mind that these mistakes occurred during the production of coins that themselves represent a historic moment in American numismatics.
Features of the 2022 Quarter
The 2022 quarter marks a significant departure from previous Washington quarters, featuring both familiar elements and exciting new designs. Let’s explore the obverse and reverse features in detail.
Obverse Design of 2022 Quarter
The obverse of the 2022 quarter showcases a right-facing portrait of President George Washington, designed by renowned sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932. This design has an interesting history:
- Originally created for the 1932 quarter, Fraser’s design was passed over in favor of John Flanagan’s left-facing portrait by then-Mint Director Charles Mellon.
- The United States Mint first used Fraser’s design in 1999 for a gold commemorative coin marking the bicentennial of Washington’s death.
- Its inclusion on the 2022 quarter represents a long-overdue recognition of Fraser’s work.
The obverse design elements include:
- “LIBERTY” arched along the top of the coin’s inner rim
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left side of the portrait
- The year “2022” and mint mark on the right, in front of Washington’s portrait
Reverse Designs of 2022 Quarter
The reverse side features one of five designs, each honoring a pioneering woman in American history:
- Maya Angelou – Celebrated writer and social activist
- Sally Ride – Astronaut, physicist, and first American woman in space
- Wilma Mankiller – First female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
- Nina Otero-Warren – First female superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools and suffrage leader
- Anna May Wong – First Chinese American Hollywood film star
Each reverse design includes:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arched at the top
- The name of the honored woman on the right side
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the left side
- “QUARTER DOLLAR” at the base along the inner rim
Other Specifications of the 2022 Quarter
- Composition: Cupro-nickel (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
- Edge: Reeded with 119 reeds
- Diameter: 24.26 millimeters
- Thickness: 1.755 millimeters
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Mint marks: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, Proof quarters do not have a mint mark.
2022 Quarter Error Value Guides
According to the Numismatic Guaranty Company:
- Circulated condition: $0.30 to $0.50
- Uncirculated condition: Around $20 for a gem-quality MS67 grade
While most 2022 quarters are currently worth close to face value due to their abundance and recent minting, certain error coins from this series can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These errors represent the best opportunity for significant value in the 2022 quarter series.
In the following sections, we’ll explore each of the five quarter designs and their associated valuable errors, providing collectors and enthusiasts with the knowledge to identify potentially valuable specimens in their collections or everyday change.
2022 Maya Angelou Quarter Errors Value
The Maya Angelou quarter, the first in the American Women Quarters series, was struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints in 2022. The San Francisco mint also produced silver proof coins, adding to the collectability of this historic issue.
Maya Angelou was a renowned writer, poet, and social activist whose work significantly impacted American literature and culture. Her achievements include:
- Publishing over 30 bestselling titles, including her groundbreaking autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”.
- Becoming the first African-American woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration (Bill Clinton’s in 1992).
- Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2010
- Being awarded the Literarian Award in 2013 for her contributions to the literary community.
While all 2022 Maya Angelou quarters are sought after for their historical significance, those with minting errors are particularly valuable. Here are some of the most notable errors:
- Drooling Washington or Drooling George Error
- Cause: A die gouge created what appears to be drool on Washington’s chin
- Value: Up to $1,900 for high-grade specimens
- Wart on the Nose or Cold Sore Error
- Description: Die marks appear on Washington’s face, most prominently on his nose
- Value: Varies depending on the severity of the error and coin condition
- Nesting Bird Quarter Error
- Description: A die crack on the reverse resembles a twig being carried by an eagle
- Value:
- Circulated condition: Up to $480
- Uncirculated condition: Up to $1,000 or more
Remember that the value of error coins can fluctuate based on market demand and the discovery of additional specimens. It’s always advisable to consult with a professional numismatist or coin grading service to authenticate and value significant errors.
2022 Dr. Sally Ride Quarter Errors Value
The Dr. Sally Ride quarter is the second in the series. In 1983, Ride became the first American woman and the youngest American (age 32) to blast off to space. She used a robotic arm to retrieve a satellite in space.
Ride was instrumental in popularizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among girls after she saw the significant gender disparity in these careers. Through the Sally Ride Science organization, boys and girls from all backgrounds can access STEM education and get access to mentors and models for their future careers.
As a physicist, educator, and astronaut, Ride received numerous awards and was even inducted into the Aviation, Astronaut, and National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Sally Ride 2022 quarters have a prominent error on the reverse, popularly known as the Ghost Comet Tail error. This error appears as a line behind Ride’s neck and shoulder and can also be seen next to the Earth.
The Ghost Comet Tail error occurred when the President’s face on the obverse shows through the coin, and the imprint appears on the reverse. These valuable error coins sell for between $300 and $500, but a collector paid $1,250 for an uncirculated Dr. Sally Ride 2022 quarter with the error.
2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter Errors Value
The Wilma Mankiller quarter is the third in the American Women Quarters series. Raised in a background punctuated by racism and poverty, Mankiller rose through the ranks to become a renowned women and children’s rights activist and the first woman to be elected as the president of the Cherokee Nation.
In her role as the principal chief, she greatly improved community life in northeast Oklahoma, where she built new schools, housing and health facilities and introduced innovative children’s welfare programs.
She received the 1998 Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
The Wilma Mankiller quarter has the most minting errors in the 2022 series. The most prominent is the retained die break at the corner of the rim on the obverse side.
A retained die break occurs when a small part breaks, leaving a hole in the die. When the die continues to strike the planchet, metal fills the hole, resulting in a raised portion of the coin due to the metal accumulation in the die.
The reverse side of the coin also features a prominent vertical die crack error down. Such a crack occurs the same way—when a crack in the die fills up with metal, which is then impressed onto the planchet, appearing like a raised line on the coin’s surface.
A 2022 Wilma Mankiller quarter with die breaks on the obverse and reverse can fetch as much as $1,200, but some examples are being sold for as much as $1,500, depending on the coin’s condition.
Another prominent error found in the 2022 Wilma Mankiller quarters is the so-called Scarface and Deformed C error. On the reverse, you will notice die marks on Mankiller’s face, specifically her cheek, from where the name Scarface is derived.
The C in the Native American writing underneath the phrase PRINCIPAL CHIEF also appears deformed or filled in, which might result from a filled-in die crack that was impressed on the planchet.
Collectors will pay up to $1,500 for a 2022 Wilma Mankiller quarter with Scarface and Deformed error. On the other hand, a 2022 D Quarter Wilma Mankiller Quarter with a Misprint in the Star can sell for as much as $1,000.
2002 Nina Otero Quarter Errors Value
The fourth quarter in the series is the Nina Otero-Warren quarter, which honors a vivacious suffrage movement leader in New Mexico and Santa Fe’s public schools’ first female superintendent.
Intentionally concerned about including the minority in the country’s democracy, Otero-Warren fought to have Spanish as an official political language. She was also at the forefront of lobbying for the ratification of the 19th Amendment in New Mexico.
There are only a few known 2022 Nina Otero-Warren quarter errors so far, but this is expected, given how recent this coin series is.
The three notable mint errors you will come across on Nina Otero-Warren quarters include:
- The usual Drooling George error, which sells for between $300 and $400 depending on the coin’s condition.
- The Drooling George with Flowers in Hair error, which will fetch up to $500 for uncirculated pieces.
- The Nose Scars error on the reverse portrait, which sells for as much as $350.
A Nina Otero-Warren 2022 quarter priced at $8,300 on eBay broke the record. This particular coin has two die cracks, one on the obverse and the other on the reverse.
2002 Anna May Wong Quarter Errors Value
In 2022, the United States Mint released the Anna May Wong quarter as part of its American Women Quarters Program. This coin honors a pioneering figure in American cinema who broke barriers for Asian American performers.
Anna May Wong’s illustrious career began in her teens and spanned more than five decades. She made history as the first Chinese American to land a leading role in a Hollywood film with her performance in “The Toll of the Sea” (1922). Wong’s talents weren’t limited to the silver screen; she also graced the stage and small screen, becoming the first Asian American to headline a U.S. television series with “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong” in 1951.
In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Wong received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, just a year before her passing. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of performers and filmmakers.
While the Anna May Wong quarter has been generally well-received, coin enthusiasts have identified one minor variation. Some 2022-P quarters feature a small die chip on Wong’s right cheek, resembling a teardrop. This subtle difference has caught the attention of collectors, with these “Teardrop” variants fetching between $90 and $100, depending on their condition.
Where to Sell Your 2022 Quarter?
For those interested in numismatics or looking to sell their 2022 quarter, it’s worth exploring reputable online platforms. Many websites specialize in coin sales, each offering unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Researching these options can help you find the best outlet for your numismatic treasures. We also have a dedicated guide on how to sell coins online.
FAQS on 2022 Quarters
What is a 2022 Women’s Quarter?
The 2022 Women’s Quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, which honors women who have made significant contributions to the United States. Each quarter in the series features a unique design that celebrates the achievements and contributions of a notable American woman.
What Is The Voto Para La Mujer Quarter 2022?
The Voto Para La Mujer Quarter 2022 is a coin from the American Women Quarters Program that honors the suffragist and activist Adelina Otero-Warren. The design features the words “Voto Para La Mujer” (Vote for Women) to commemorate her efforts in the fight for women’s voting rights.
What Changes were Made in 2022 Quarter?
The 2022 quarters feature designs from the American Women Quarters Program, celebrating the achievements of notable American women. The obverse (front) of the coin was updated with a new portrait of George Washington, while the reverse (back) showcases different designs honoring women such as Maya Angelou and Dr. Sally Ride.
Final Thoughts
Collecting rare coin errors can be an exciting and potentially rewarding hobby for numismatists and casual collectors alike. The 2022 quarter errors we’ve explored offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of coin production and the unique characteristics that can make seemingly ordinary coins valuable.
While major errors are relatively uncommon, keeping an eye out for these variations can add an element of treasure hunting to your everyday transactions.
Remember that the condition of the coin plays a crucial role in its value, so handle any potential finds with care. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, staying informed about these rare errors can enhance your appreciation for the art of coin minting and potentially lead to some valuable discoveries in your pocket change or coin rolls.