Is the Bessie Coleman Quarter Worth Anything?

The Bessie Coleman quarter, released as part of the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, honors the pioneering aviator who was the first African American and Native American woman to hold an international pilot’s license. Many people encounter these coins in daily transactions and often wonder if their Bessie Coleman quarter holds value beyond its face denomination.

Key Factors Influencing Coin Value

A coin’s market value is primarily shaped by its condition, mint mark, and the presence of any manufacturing errors or varieties. The physical state of a coin, often referred to as its grade, is critical. Coins range from heavily circulated, showing significant wear, to uncirculated, appearing as they did when first minted. Professional grading services assign numerical grades, such as MS-65 or MS-70, to uncirculated coins, with higher grades indicating greater preservation and commanding higher prices.

The mint mark on a coin indicates where it was produced. Quarters typically bear a “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. For modern circulating quarters, mint marks typically have less impact on value, unless they are from special collector issues. Certain mint marks, particularly “S” mint marks found on coins from proof sets, denote a higher quality strike and lower mintage, which can increase their appeal and value to collectors.

Manufacturing anomalies, known as errors and varieties, can significantly increase a coin’s value. Errors occur during the minting process, such as a “doubled die” where the design appears misaligned or a “die crack” which results from a flaw in the coin die. Varieties refer to minor but consistent deviations in the coin’s design, often due to changes in the dies. Discovering such imperfections can transform a common coin into a highly sought-after collectible.

Applying Value Factors to the Bessie Coleman Quarter

Most Bessie Coleman quarters found in circulation are worth their face value of $0.25, or slightly more ($0.30 to $0.40 for circulated examples). This is due to the substantial quantities produced by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints in the hundreds of millions. However, certain characteristics can elevate a Bessie Coleman quarter’s worth beyond its face value.

Quarters in exceptional, uncirculated condition, particularly those graded at MS-67 or higher, can fetch a premium. Collectors often seek coins that exhibit full luster and sharp details, reflecting their original mint state. The “S” mint mark quarters, which are primarily issued in special proof sets or uncirculated sets, are produced in much smaller quantities and with higher quality finishes, making them more valuable than their circulating counterparts.

Several specific errors and varieties have been noted for the Bessie Coleman quarter. Some Philadelphia-minted (P) quarters have been observed with a large die crack on the reverse, near the airplane and the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” motto. Other known errors include a die chip on the top right wing of the airplane or a doubled die error, sometimes appearing on the word “DOLLAR” or the designer’s initials. Unusual findings such as a “cud on George’s nose” or a “spitting Bessie” (a die crack from her mouth to her elbow) have also been reported.

Steps to Determine Your Quarter’s Worth

If you believe your Bessie Coleman quarter has potential value, you can assess its worth. A preliminary step involves consulting reputable online coin price guides and numismatic websites. These resources often provide current market values for various coin grades and known error varieties, showing what similar coins have sold for.

For a more informed opinion, visiting a local coin dealer is a practical option. Many dealers offer informal assessments and can provide expert insights into your coin’s condition and any potential errors. While they may not offer a formal appraisal, they can guide you on whether further evaluation is warranted.

For coins suspected of having significant value due to their exceptional condition or a rare error, professional grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can authenticate and grade your coin. These services involve a membership fee, which can range from $25 to $69 annually, and a per-coin grading fee that varies based on the coin’s value and the desired turnaround time. For common coins, grading fees start around $22 to $23, but they can increase for more valuable pieces. Professional grading is recommended only for coins with high potential value.