Is the Wilma Mankiller Quarter Rare?
Evaluate your Wilma Mankiller quarter's rarity. Understand the factors that influence its value and how to determine its current market worth.
The American Women Quarters Program, a four-year initiative launched by the United States Mint in 2022, celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of prominent women who have shaped American history and development. The Wilma Mankiller quarter specifically honors Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, recognizing her significant impact as an activist for Native American and women’s rights.
Understanding the Wilma Mankiller Quarter
The American Women Quarters Program, authorized by Public Law 116-330, issues up to five new quarter designs each year from 2022 through 2025. The goal is to feature women from diverse backgrounds who have made contributions in various fields, including civil rights, abolition, government, and the arts. The Wilma Mankiller quarter was the third coin released in this series in 2022.
The obverse, or “heads” side, of the Wilma Mankiller quarter features a new portrait of George Washington. This design includes the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “2022” along with the mint mark. The reverse, or “tails” side, depicts Wilma Mankiller with a resolute gaze, wrapped in a traditional shawl, with the Cherokee Nation star to her left. This side also includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “WILMA MANKILLER,” “PRINCIPAL CHIEF,” and the Cherokee Nation name in its syllabary.
Key Factors Influencing Coin Rarity
A coin’s rarity and value are determined by several factors, including its mint mark, overall condition, the presence of errors or varieties, and its mintage figures. These elements collectively influence how sought-after a coin becomes among collectors.
Mint marks indicate where a coin was produced, with common marks being “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. The presence or absence of a specific mint mark, or its location, can sometimes denote a lower production number or different striking qualities, impacting a coin’s rarity. For instance, “S” mint mark coins are often produced in lower quantities, especially proof versions, and are generally intended for collectors rather than general circulation.
The condition, or grade, of a coin is a significant determinant of its value, with uncirculated coins typically fetching higher prices than circulated ones. Coins free from wear, scratches, and other damage, and those retaining their original luster, are considered to be in better condition. Professional grading services assess a coin’s condition, assigning a numerical grade that can substantially influence its market value.
Errors and varieties occur during the coin production process and can significantly increase a coin’s rarity and value. Errors are mistakes that happen during minting, such such as off-center strikes or double dies. Varieties involve minor design modifications or anomalies that are consistent across a production run, like die clashes or retained cuds.
Mintage figures, representing the total number of coins produced by a mint, directly influence a coin’s inherent rarity. A lower mintage generally correlates with higher rarity, as fewer coins mean a smaller supply for collectors. However, high mintage coins can still be valuable if demand is strong or if they possess rare errors.
Evaluating Your Wilma Mankiller Quarter
To assess your Wilma Mankiller quarter, begin by locating the mint mark, which is found on the obverse side, just below the year “2022”. Next, visually inspect the coin’s condition by examining its surfaces for signs of wear, such as flattened details on Mankiller’s shawl or George Washington’s hair. Look for any scratches, dings, or discoloration that might detract from its appearance. Coins that show minimal signs of handling and retain their original shine are more desirable to collectors.
Carefully examine both sides of the quarter for any anomalies that might indicate an error or variety. For instance, look for doubling in the lettering or design elements, which could suggest a double die error. Also, inspect the edges and surfaces for signs of die cracks, which appear as raised lines, or die chips, which are small raised bumps. Some Wilma Mankiller quarters have been noted for die clash errors, where ghost images from the opposite side appear on the coin.
Wilma Mankiller quarters from Philadelphia and Denver mints were produced in very high numbers for general circulation. While San Francisco mintages for circulating quarters are much lower, these coins are still generally accessible. Most Wilma Mankiller quarters will be worth their face value unless they exhibit a significant minting error or are in exceptionally high, uncirculated condition.
Determining Current Market Value
To determine the market value of a Wilma Mankiller quarter, consult reputable online price guides from established numismatic organizations, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). These platforms often provide pricing based on graded coins and can give a general indication of value across different conditions.
Reviewing completed auction listings on online marketplaces can also offer insights into what collectors are currently paying for these quarters. Prices can fluctuate based on specific coin characteristics and buyer interest.
Most Wilma Mankiller quarters found in circulation will only be worth their face value. Professional grading can authenticate rare and high-condition coins, but it is generally not cost-effective for typical circulating examples.