Have you ever found a quarter that made you pause? The Maya Angelou quarter, released in 2022, isn’t just another piece of change. It’s a cultural statement, a historical milestone, and for many collectors, a potential gem hidden in plain sight.
This unique coin is the first in the American Women Quarters Program—and the first U.S. coin to feature a Black woman. That distinction alone sets it apart in the eyes of collectors, historians, and socially conscious citizens alike, making the Maya Angelou quarter worth outstanding.
Why the Maya Angelou Quarter Matters
Behind every coin lies a story, and this one is a tribute to resilience, beauty, and the indomitable human spirit. Maya Angelou—renowned for her groundbreaking autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and poems like “Still I Rise”—is immortalized on the reverse of this quarter with arms lifted toward the sky. Behind her, a bird soars and the sun rises, symbolizing freedom and hope—recurring themes in Angelou’s work.
This isn’t merely design for design’s sake. The artwork, crafted by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Craig Campbell, captures Angelou’s powerful voice and vision. It brings cultural literacy into the hands of millions who may never read her work but will unknowingly carry her message.
- Release Year: 2022
- Program: American Women Quarters
- Obverse: George Washington (Laura Gardin Fraser’s 1931 design)
- Reverse: Maya Angelou, arms uplifted, bird and rising sun in background
Angelou’s coin has sparked a surge of interest not only among numismatists but also teachers, students, and casual hobbyists inspired by what this coin represents. It’s a piece of progressive history embedded in metal—a rare instance where design, message, and timing align perfectly.
A Cultural Landmark in Your Pocket
For years, U.S. currency has struggled with diversity. While presidents, statesmen, and monuments dominate the landscape, the Maya Angelou quarter breaks that tradition, leading the way for others like Sally Ride, Anna May Wong, and Wilma Mankiller in the same series. Angelou’s appearance isn’t just symbolic—it’s revolutionary.
And this cultural relevance boosts collector appeal. Even people who never intended to collect coins are now tucking away these quarters, knowing they represent more than monetary value. They’re preserving a moment.
Where to Find the Maya Angelou Quarter
The coin was minted in three facilities:
- Philadelphia (P)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S) – used primarily for proof coins and collector sets
Circulated versions are widely available, but if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a high-grade or error version that’s worth significantly more than 25 cents. Coin roll hunters and change-checkers alike are keeping their eyes peeled.
The Three Key Value Factors
To understand why some Maya Angelou quarters are worth $10, $100, or even more, let’s break down the primary drivers of their value:
1. Condition and Grading
Coins in pristine, uncirculated (UNC) or proof condition are far more valuable than those that have been in circulation. Numismatic grading (typically by PCGS or NGC) uses a 70-point scale to determine quality.
- MS65–MS67 quarters can fetch $15–$45 on average.
- MS68 or higher, especially from the Philadelphia Mint, have achieved impressive auction records.
Top Sale: A 2022-P Maya Angelou quarter graded MS67+ sold for a record $2,375.
2. Mint Marks and Limited Production
Each mint has its own distribution characteristics:
| Mint Mark | Location | Typical UNC Value | Top Auction Price |
| 2022-P | Philadelphia | $10–$35 | $2,375 |
| 2022-D | Denver | $12–$30 | [Data limited] |
| 2022-S | San Francisco (proof only) | $8–$30 | $199 |
- Philadelphia (P): Often features higher-value coins when graded high.
- Denver (D): Slightly less valuable but still collectible in MS condition.
- San Francisco (S): Proof-only, issued in sets, appealing for presentation and rarity.
Collectors often seek complete sets from all three mints, pushing demand further.
3. Rare Errors and Misstrikes
Error coins—those with anomalies from the minting process—are the wildcards of value. A Maya Angelou quarter with visible die cracks, off-center strikes, or doubling on the text or imagery can drastically increase its appeal.
Some currently tracked errors include:
- Die Chips: Minor lumps of metal, often visible near lettering
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Doubling in Washington’s profile or inscriptions
- Off-Center Strikes: When the design is misaligned on the planchet
Tip: Always examine both sides under magnification. Even subtle flaws can elevate a coin’s value into the hundreds.
Why Recent Coins Still Hold Value
Unlike most modern quarters that get tossed into change jars and vending machines, the Maya Angelou edition has seen early recognition for its artistic and cultural relevance. That means many examples remain in excellent condition, especially those kept by collectors or pulled from rolls shortly after release.
Even without an error or top grade, these coins hold historical and emotional value, with the real potential for appreciation over time—especially if the series continues to gain traction.
How Coin ID Scanner Elevates Your Collecting Experience
Whether you’re picking through change, browsing flea markets, or cataloging inherited coins, Coin ID Scanner is built to help you spot the valuable ones fast. Here’s what it offers:
Coin Identification by Photo
Snap a picture—get instant results. The app’s AI recognizes coins from over 150,000 global entries, including modern U.S. issues like the Maya Angelou quarter. You’ll receive:
- Year, mint mark, denomination
- Country of origin
- Metal composition, diameter, weight
- Current market value estimates
- Rarity and historical background
This makes it ideal for casual travelers, garage-sale hunters, and serious collectors alike.
Digital Collection Management
Tired of scribbling down coin notes or losing track of what’s in your stash?
With Coin ID Scanner, you can:
- Save high-resolution images of your coins
- Organize them by category (e.g., quarters, error coins, commemoratives)
- Track real-time values
- Add custom notes for context, condition, or provenance
It’s like a digital vault that travels with you.
Smart Filters and AI Assistant
Want to find only silver coins? Or search for quarters minted between 2000–2023 with high MS ratings? The smart filters in the premium plan make that effortless.
Plus, the integrated AI Coin Helper acts like your personal coin expert—answering questions, guiding your next steps, and even flagging potential rarities based on your collection.
Why This Matters for Maya Angelou Quarter Owners
Using Coin ID Scanner can help you:
- Verify if your quarter is worth more than face value (and by how much)
- Spot elusive errors or rare mintmarks even pros sometimes miss
- Keep it protected in digital form for insurance, resale, or showcasing
- Avoid undervaluing or overpaying in trades or online purchases
Whether you’re a beginner who just found a shiny 2022-P in your pocket or a seasoned collector curating a historical set, this app keeps you informed, organized, and ahead of the curve.
The Maya Angelou quarter is living proof that modern coins can be both meaningful and monetarily valuable. It commemorates a literary legend, reflects a shift toward inclusivity, and—under the right conditions—can even enhance your collection’s value.
But its true potential is unlocked only by those who pay attention.
So check your pockets. Scan your change. And don’t underestimate what’s in your palm.
With tools like Coin ID Scanner, anyone can go from curious collector to confident numismatist—one coin at a time.
