Bessie Coleman Quarter Worth: Mint Marks & Errors Explained

The American Women Quarters series was launched in 2022, after the America the Beautiful program, and it has become legendary soon. Its issues turn into valuable pieces that fit any collection, however diverse or, vice versa, homogeneous it may be. 

Bessie Coleman quarter is a fine example of how the United States Mint commemorates the heroes of its nation, though its worth may be subject to speculation. To dispel rumors about its significance (yet it should be obvious), we are to explore features that identify this coin as a real treasure, study its variations, and define its current value on the market.  

What Is the 2023 Bessie Coleman Quarter? 

Bessie Coleman 2023 quarter is a commemorative 25-cent coin released by the United States Mint as part of the American Women Quarters Program. As such, it praises and proclaims the achievements of the first African American and first Native American woman to hold an international pilot license. It was about equality in every sense – no more discrimination, but respect for those who move the country. 

Design of Bessie Coleman Quarter 2023

Obverse: The front of the coin features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, along with inscriptions such as "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", the year "2023", and a mint mark (either D, P, or S). 

Reverse: The reverse showcases Bessie Coleman in her pilot uniform looking skyward, aircraft in the background, and inscriptions “BESSIE COLEMAN”, “QUARTER DOLLAR”, “6.15.1921”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the rim. 

Mint Marks: Facts and Figures

Coin mint marks are small letters located on the obverse that indicate the origin of the coin. As such, the titled coin was released by three major mints in the US, located in Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, respectively. Here is the rule: the fewer coins were produced, the more valuable they should be. Let us take a look. 

• D – Denver Mint

The Denver Mint produced the highest number of 25-cent coins in 2023, with a total mintage of approximately 317,200,000 coins. 

• P – Philadelphia Mint

The Philadelphia Mint struck around 302,000,000 of these quarters, marked with a “P” letter. While slightly lower than Denver’s output, these coins are still widely available in circulation.

• S – San Francisco Mint

The San Francisco Mint released a limited run of just 500,360 quarters, all intended for proof sets rather than general circulation. 

Common and Rare Errors to Look For

Although perfection is the goal, Mints cannot produce flawless instances all the time. This is why rare, literally exclusive errors occur. Some of them might be quite common when compared to other deviations, and they usually cost just above their face value. Yet, rare issues are highly desirable, and spotting one may bring you wealth the whole collection may not be. So, what about the 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter errors? 

“In Cod We Trust” Error

Value: $399.99+ 

This funny yet genuine mint error is a variation of the motto "In God We Trust", in which die deterioration or damage causes the letter G to look as if it were a C, resulting in the phrase "In Cod We Trust". The same problem is identified within the entire American Women Quarters series, though. 

Die Polish on Obverse & Double Initials on Reverse

Value: $999.00+

These are subtle but collectible errors that may go together:

Die Polish (Obverse): Fine lines or abrasions appear on Washington's portrait as a result of the mint's attempt to clean or refresh the die. 

Double Initials (Reverse): A double imprint of the designer's initials may also be visible on the reverse, which is a type of double die error.

Collar Clash, Misalignment & Off-Center Strikes

Value: $100.00+

When multiple errors appear on the coin, this boosts its value for good. Especially if it is a fine combination of several peculiar deviations: 

Collar Clash: When the die strikes without a coin properly positioned, it can damage the collar and leave a ridge around the rim.

Die Misalignment: This might occur when the obverse and reverse dies are not aligned. This may cause one side to appear slightly dislocated (when compared to "normal" issues).

Off-Center Strike: A spectacular error in which the coin is struck outside of its intended center, leaving an area of the design missing. The more off-center the design (particularly over 50%), the more valuable it is.

Related articles: 2023 Bessie Coleman Quarter Errors

How Much Is a Bessie Coleman Quarter Worth? 

While the major part of the modern quarters can be sold for their face value only, the 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter worth can go a little bit higher. Coins without errors but in Almost Uncirculated (AU) or Mint State (MS) condition are typically more desirable, particularly when professionally graded. This is what can be inferred from the auction houses websites and price guides: 

2023-D 25 C

Typical Value (AU/MS60–MS65): $0.50 – $3

Auction Record: $60 for an MS67, sold on February 20, 2023, via eBay

These Denver-minted coins are common (as per mintage figures indicated above), but coins grading MS66 or higher become increasingly scarce and more valuable.

2023-S 25C (Proof Only)

Typical Value (Proof): up to $8, depending on condition and cameo designation

Auction Record: $205 for an MS68 Proof, sold on April 1, 2023, via eBay

Since the San Francisco Mint only released around 500,000 of these for proof sets, they are inherently more collectible. Ultra Cameo (DCAM) examples in top condition bring the highest prices anyway. 

2023-P 25C

Typical Value (AU/MS): $0.50 to $2 

Auction Record: No significant auction records have been published yet, but high-grade Philadelphia issues (MS67+) are still worth watching. 

Value Is Not Limited to Coins… 

While some quarters might be worth a few dollars (or even a few hundred), the real value lies in the knowledge that helps you find them. And what better tool to recommend than the Coin ID Scanner app? 

Coin ID Scanner is an innovative numismatic assistant that helps one identify, store, and trade coins under the same digital roof. Everything starts with one snap… 

• Instantly recognize a coin’s type, mint mark, country of origin, and issue year just by taking a photo.

• Detect possible errors such as doubling, off-center strikes, collar clashes, and more.

• Learn about the coin’s historical context, mintage numbers, and key facts that give it meaning and value.

• Digitally catalog and tag your coins, add condition notes, and track values over time

• Safely connect with other collectors for secure trades and sales, and collaboration in general. 

Ready to uncover the value in your pocket change? Download Coin ID Scanner and start exploring today.