Bat Quarters and Beyond: The Most Coveted Coins of 2020

Sometimes, it feels like human imagination has hit its limits, and any sphere, including numismatics, can no longer be unique and exceptionally creative. Nevertheless, the year 2020 surprised us in ways we could never have anticipated (even if we might not have wanted to). The US Mint, for example, released vivid and memorable quarters some of which were prophetic indeed. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

So as to identify these coins and successfully incorporate them into collections, one should be equipped with an appropriate level of knowledge and an innate interest, too. Today, we are planning to explore the main types of quarters presented that year, comprehend the 2020 quarters value, and learn how these might be connected to COVID-19. Have fun!

The 2020 Bat Quarter

During 2020, there dominated the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, i.e., the initiative promoted by the US Mint to honor the United States' cultural legacy and scenic beauty simultaneously. The 2020 Bat Quarter, the most prominent representative of the program, was issued under the name of this initiative, too. As such, the exquisite design of this quarter honors the Samoan fruit bat, a threatened species that is urgent to preserve. So, what does it look like? 

Design Features of a Coin

The appearance of this coin is overly peculiar and unique. The reverse side of the quarter, which was created by artist Phebe Hemphill, features a mother Samoan fruit bat holding her pup while hanging from a tree branch. Along with showcasing these bats' distinctive traits, which are quite obvious and straightforward, the picture also helps distribute the message about how endangered they are as a result of habitat destruction and environmental hazards. 

Numismatic traditions could not be missed at this point anyway. The obverse side, on its part, displays the profile of left-facing George Washington, which had been an integral feature on American quarters since 1932! This image is surrounded by key inscriptions, including "LIBERTY," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," with the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" at the bottom. 

Other notable quarters: 1999 Quarters Value.

Minting Information

Generally speaking, the US established a few mints responsible for the mass production of coins for the whole nation and beyond. This is why the 2020 Bat Quarter was created by the US Mint at multiple locations, including San Francisco (S), Denver (D), Philadelphia (P), and West Point (W). 

The most productive of them was the Philadelphia Mint with more than 286 million coins released. Notably, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the West Point Mint issued a limited edition of 2 million 2020 West Point quarters with a unique V75 privy mark.

Other Specifications

Not only is the 2020 Bat Quarter exceptional for its design, but its physical attributes also represent the standards that the US Mint upholds for modern circulation coins. These requirements guarantee stability, uniformity, and user-friendliness for collectors as well as regular transactions. 

The homogeneity necessary for practical use is further boosted by the fact that its weight and proportions are the same as those of other quarters created under the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Well, what about other members? What do they have to offer? 

Other Notable Quarters of 2020

The 2020 Bat Quarter was one of four special quarters released as part of the US Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters Program that year. To be more precise, each coin reflected the rich cultural legacy and varied landscapes of the United States and referred to different national parks or historical memorials. So, what might collectors and average coin lovers pay attention to? 

1. Weir Farm National Historic Site Quarter (Connecticut)

This coin honored the country's first arts-focused national park. On the reverse, there is displayed the famous Weir Farm, i.e., the residence of artist J. Alden Weir which was meant to emphasize his impact on American Impressionism.

2. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter (U.S. Virgin Islands)

What this coin included comes down to the park's coastal and marine ecosystem, including mangrove trees and coral reefs to be preserved.

Rarity and Value of Rare 2020 Quarters

As usual, the greatest part of quarters is worth its face value only. Nonetheless, however unfair it may be, some instances may fetch higher prices just because of a combination of factors (e.g., condition, scarcity, errors, etc.). Collectors' demand based on subjective opinion also matters. 

Factors That Affect the Value

2020 Error Quarters: ​​Coins with rare deviations, such as misprints, off-center strikes, or incorrect dies. 

Condition: The quality of a coin, from “circulated” to “mint state” or “proof” condition.

Limited Editions: Special editions, such as proof or uncirculated coins, or coins from low-mintage years.

Historical Significance: Coins tied to significant events or moments in history.

NB: Their value of quarters 2020 will probably keep increasing, especially for coins with rare varieties or in excellent condition. So as to keep up with the market trends, try innovative tools like Coin ID Scanner to learn more about your particular coin and predict its fate in the numismatic arena.

Identifying Authentic 2020 Quarters Worth Money: Quick Checklist

Not all 2020 quarters are the same. Each variety is individual, with its own stories to tell and traits to reveal. Anyway, your collecting trip can be more fulfilling if you know how to spot the most valuable instances. Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you decide if you have an authentic 2020 quarter that is worth more than face value for sure. 

1. Check the Design

As we have covered before, In 2020, the US Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters Program featured four unique designs. Keep an eye out for these particular quarters. Bat Quarter showcases a mother Samoan fruit bat and her pup. The Weir Farm Quarter in Connecticut features an artist painting at Weir Farm. The US Virgin Islands' Salt River Bay Quarter displays a river scene and mangrove vegetation. 

2. Look for Mint Marks

Locate the mint mark on the coin's obverse (front), directly beneath the words "IN GOD WE TRUST," to determine the quarter's minting location, i.e., Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints the P, D, and S mint marks, respectively.

3. Explore the Condition

The valuable rare 2020 quarters are usually characterized by higher grades (and relevant certificates provided). Hence, think of classifying your currency according to these categories:

Circulated: Worth face value; exhibits wear.

Uncirculated (Mint State 65 or higher): Worth at least $1 to $3; shows no signs of wear.

Proof: Exquisite collector coins with intricate, high-quality finishes that are valued at $10–$20 or more.

4. Search for Errors

It is an open secret that coins with minting mistakes are expensive and rare. Check for die cracks, off-center strikes, or double dies to obtain your unique numismatic creation. These errors can make your coin rather expensive like those from the most valuable dime list.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Coin Production

In 2020, coin manufacture and circulation in the United States were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. US Mint facilities' adherence to health and safety regulations resulted in a lack of workers, which temporarily delayed and slowed production.

Moreover, because of fewer cash transactions and company closures, coins were not recirculating at their usual rates, which led to widespread coin scarcity. In response, the US Mint increased production, generating 14.8 billion coins in 2020 as opposed to 11.9 billion in 2019.

It is interesting to note that the pandemic encouraged an increase in coin-collecting interest, with the 2020 Bat Quarter acquiring symbolic importance. The design, though, was created and confirmed in 2019, a year before the pandemic started. Such a weird coincidence to think of. The interruptions demonstrated how important physical currency remains despite the rise of digital payments and other forms of trading. 

The coins of 2020 are far from ordinary. These somehow ended up in the epicenter of the real historical events, and this is what makes the quarters so truly unique and remarkable.

Sources: 

1. https://www.usmint.gov/america-the-beautiful-quarters-2020-proof-set-20AP.html?srsltid=AfmBOorR1-d4czgrGGdrhIr-qIsk6JuuINZdyshs_557dUI3ByJD2hyx 

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2020-w-25c-american-samoa-np-v75/813458