It is easy to assume that a coin minted just a few years ago is only worth the number printed on its face. After all, how could something so recent — and still in circulation — hold real value? But the world of coin collecting, or numismatics, isn’t just about ancient gold or Civil War-era pennies. Sometimes, even a humble quarter from your pocket change can surprise you.
One coin that’s caused quite a stir in recent years is the Anna May Wong quarter, released in 2022. Beautifully designed and rich in symbolism, it is now more than just another piece of loose change, but a tribute, a conversation starter, and for some collectors — a tiny jewel. But what is its value right now and is there more to it than meets the eye? Well, let us see the topic in detail.
What Makes the Anna May Wong Quarter So Special?
In October 2022, the U.S. Mint released the Anna May Wong quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program (2022–2025). The goal of the program is simple but long overdue: to honor women who’ve left a mark on American history in fields from science to politics to the arts.
Anna May Wong fits perfectly into that mission. She was the first Chinese-American movie star in Hollywood, a pioneer in an industry that often refused to notice her (let alone cast her in meaningful roles). Her legacy is now sealed in metal to remind anyone how far representation has come – and how far we still have to go.
Let’s break down the coin’s key features:
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date | October 2022 |
| Series | American Women Quarters Program |
| Material | Copper-nickel clad (for circulation) |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Reverse Designer | Emily Damstra |
| Engraver | John P. McGraw |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Mintages | P: ~300M, D: ~310M, S Proof: ~0.3–0.5M |
The “S” mint mark, found on Proof and uncirculated collector versions from San Francisco, is often a sign that you are holding something a little more special. Proof coins, in particular, shine with mirrored surfaces and sharper detail — making them favorites for display.
Collector’s Tip: The easiest way to spot a Proof version is to look for a mirror-like background and extra-crisp design features. You’ll usually find them in official Mint sets, not your average pocket change.
What Makes a Modern Coin Valuable?
Well, before you can realize if your coin can be valuable, you should have a common understanding of factors that can affect a coin’s value. Not every modern coin you find in your change jar will make you rich — but some might just surprise you. But in some cases even seemingly ordinary coins, like the 2022 Anna May Wong quarter, can sell for several dollars if certain conditions are met. So, what makes one coin worth $0.25 and another nearly $25? Let’s break it down.
Factors that can influence a coin’s price:
- Condition (Grade): Coins that are flawless or close to it (MS-67 and up) command the highest prices.
- Mint Mark: Proof and special uncirculated issues, especially those from San Francisco (“S”), tend to be more desirable.
- Mintage: Limited mintages or special editions often mean higher value.
- Rarity of Errors: Unintentional design or production mistakes can make a coin unique and valuable.
- Proof Coins: Proof coins are the premium version of standard circulating coins. Often sold in protective cases or government-issued proof sets, these coins are highly desirable to collectors.
- Collector Demand: If a coin gains popularity — through media attention, historical significance, or striking design — demand can drive up prices quickly.
- Cultural Significance: The Anna May Wong quarter is the first U.S. coin to feature an Asian American woman. That alone makes it a desirable and potentially long-term collectible.
Fun Fact: Some modern error coins or pristine examples of common issues have sold for $20 to $50 — or more. Not bad for a coin that started out worth just 25 cents.
Real Errors and Rare Varieties to Look For
While the condition of a coin always matters, it’s often the rare minting errors and quirky production mistakes that send collectors scrambling. These unexpected flaws — usually caused by worn dies or mechanical slip-ups — can transform an ordinary quarter into a sought-after piece worth many times its face value.
In the case of the Anna May Wong quarter, a few such errors have already surfaced, drawing strong interest from error coin lovers. Here are two of the most popular error types you can find on the coin — they’re not just valuable, but also pretty fascinating.
| Error Name | Description | Features & Estimated Value |
| “In Cod We Trust” | Caused by a die break or grease-filled die, the word “God” appears as “Cod.” | – Visibly distorted motto on obverse- Most examples found on P and D mint coins$30–$100+ |
| Die Chips (face or text) | Raised metal blobs caused by damaged dies, often seen on Anna’s facial features or text | – Common above the eyes, on fingers, or near the letters in “LIBERTY” or “WONG”$5–$30 |
Tip: These kinds of errors can be surprisingly subtle — many won’t catch your eye immediately. In most cases, you’ll need magnification and a careful inspection to notice them. But once spotted, these errors can significantly boost a coin’s appeal and resale value.
How to Identify a Valuable Example
So you’ve found a 2022 Anna May Wong quarter that looks… slightly off? Before you get too excited, let’s walk through a quick process to evaluate whether it might actually be a mint error or a valuable variety. Even small flaws can be important — but spotting them takes patience and the right tools.
- Examine under bright lighting with a 10x loupe – especially around the inscriptions, Anna’s facial features, and her fingers. That’s where die chips and distortions tend to hide.
- Look for raised bumps, missing details, or odd shapes – especially in the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “WONG.” If something looks a little too soft or strange, it could be a filled die or die chip.
- Compare your coin with reference images – check reliable sources like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to confirm if your coin’s features match known errors or varieties.
- Check the overall finish and strike quality – if it’s especially shiny, reflective, or has deep frosted elements, it could be a proof coin (usually minted in San Francisco with an “S” mark), which collectors value more highly.
Bonus Tip: Use the Coin ID Scanner app to snap a photo and instantly get details about your coin — including its mint mark, production stats, estimated market value, and historical background. It’s especially helpful if you are just starting out and want to build a well-organized collection without the guesswork.
Sell or Save the Coin
If you’ve found an Anna May Wong quarter in great shape — or one with an error — you might be wondering what to do next: cash in now or hold onto it? Here is the good news: certain versions of this coin already have real market demand.
- Proof versions and error coins are currently selling for $10–$50 online and at coin shows. That’s not bad for pocket change!
- High-grade coins (MS67 and up), especially those certified by NGC or PCGS, can reach even higher prices. These coins aren’t just shiny — they’re investment-worthy.
- Building a full American Women Quarters set — with all designs from 2022 to 2025 — could boost the value of each coin in the long run, especially for collectors aiming for completeness.
If you’re torn between selling now or keeping it, here’s a simple way to decide — just ask yourself:
-
Is your coin in pristine, uncirculated condition?
-
Does it have a known error (like die chips or the “In Cod We Trust” variation)?
-
Is it a proof version from the U.S. Mint set?
-
Are you considering starting a collection or selling coins later as a group?
If you answered “yes” to any of these — or even if you’re just not sure — it’s smart to hold onto the coin for now.
Tip: You don’t need to be a hardcore collector to appreciate a rare find. Even casual keepers should set aside coins with visible errors or in near-perfect shape. You might thank yourself later when the value grows.
How to Care for a Modern Coin
Let’s say you decide to keep your Anna May Wong quarter — great! But coins aren’t like regular clutter you toss in a drawer. If you want to preserve its value, you’ll need to handle it properly.
Below are some tips to protect your coin the smart way:
- Never clean your coin. Not with water, soap, toothpaste, or anything else. Even gentle cleaning can leave micro-scratches that destroy collectible value.
- Use gloves — preferably soft cotton or nitrile — or hold the coin only by the edges to avoid fingerprints or skin oils.
- Store in proper holders like coin capsules, 2×2 cardboard flips, or Mylar pockets. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid sunlight and temperature swings, which can discolor or damage the coin over time. A simple drawer or box in a temperature-controlled room works best.
Did you know? Even a small scratch can drop a coin’s grade from MS67 to MS64 — and that can cut its market value in half (or more).
Coins may seem tough, but for collectors, condition is everything. A $30 coin today might be worth $100 in a few years — if it stays pristine.
Finally: Is the Anna May Wong Quarter a Keeper?
The answer is yes — and not just for sentimental reasons. This coin is already turning heads in the collecting world thanks to its meaningful design, limited production quirks, and proof editions.
And if you are a serious collector or someone who just spotted something shiny in their change, this is one quarter worth holding onto. It may not become the next “1955 doubled die,” but it has something those classic rarities don’t — modern relevance and cultural impact. Add it to your collection, protect it well, and who knows? One day it might be the coin that sparks your whole collecting experience.
