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Commemorative programs are probably among the most beloved initiatives, especially when they refer to influential figures with a legacy to honor and great stories to tell. The US Mint's American Women Quarters program is an outstanding example of how the government may pay tribute and promote the ideals raised in the past with grace.
In 2023, the next year after its launch, there was released a peculiar numismatic creation bearing a revolutionary figure in the American ballet – Maria Tallchief. The 2023 Maria Tallchief quarter is a coin that represents its title persona in the best possible way. But what does it look like? How to check coin value, and why do errors increase the worth for good?
Who Was Maria Tallchief?
Maria Tallchief was America’s first major Native American prima ballerina who redefined the concept of ballerina and facilitated the formation of a new school of the New York City Ballet. Having been a representative of the Osage Nation, Maria became a renowned figure praising her cultural heritage and the art of classical ballet in the American variation on the world stage.
The rise of her career takes us back to the 1940s and 1950s, when she was brought as the leading dancer to the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine. Their collaboration started, and there came the fame. Her exceptional technique, powerful presence, and emotional intensity – these created a distinctly American style of ballet, which aimed to get faster, more athletic, and expressive.
However, it was not only about dancing art. In fact, she brought her talent to other areas of performance, appearing in numerous musicals and films (e.g., the 1952 movie musical Million Dollar Mermaid). The public appreciation was immense! Besides, in the 1970s, she served as the director of ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and later in 1981, she co-founded the Chicago City Ballet, nurturing young talent and promoting ballet education throughout the Midwest.
It is no surprise that the US Mint chose to commemorate her – Maria Tallchief’s influence on American ballet and cultural history can be heard up to these days.
About the 2023 Quarter Maria Tallchief
The Maria Tallchief quarter was officially released on October 23, 2023 (soon after the launch of the quarter of Jovita Idar), as the fifth and final coin issued that year under the same American Women Quarters Program. Each coin in the series features a unique and thoughtfully crafted design, vividly expressing the legacy of the woman it honors – figures who devoted their lives to doing something vital for society.
Obverse: The obverse features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, originally created by Laura Gardin Fraser, with the inscriptions "LIBERTY" along the upper rim, "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of the profile, the year "2023" below Washington’s chin, and a mint mark beneath.
Reverse: The reverse, on its part, captures Maria Tallchief in her iconic role as The Firebird, in graceful motion, with her arms raised, perpetuated in “flight”. Apart from this, this side also bears the following inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the upper rim, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and “QUARTER DOLLAR” along the bottom rim, "MARIA TALLCHIEF" positioned right below the figure of the ballerina, and the initials of its creators, i.e., “BS*” and “JFM**”.
*Benjamin Sowards, the designer of the reverse
**Joseph F. Menna, the sculptor who engraved the design
The Main Features of the 25C Coin | |
Denomination | 25 cents |
Composition | Clad: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel 99.9% Silver (proof) |
Diameter | 24.26 mm |
Weight | 5.67 grams |
Thickness | 1.75 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Mint Marks | “P” for Philadelphia “D” for Denver “S” for San Francisco |
Designer (Reverse) | Benjamin Sowards |
Sculptor (Reverse) | Joseph Menna |
Designer (Obverse) | Laura Gardin Fraser (original, 1931) |
The Main Quarter Varieties by Mint
2023 P 25C
Produced by: Philadelphia Mint
Mintage: 185,800,000
Auction Record: $5 for MS66
As usual, the Philadelphia Mint was responsible for the production of the most common coin in the series – the one bearing the “P” mint mark. These are quite standard circulation coins, which are abundant, but higher-grade uncirculated examples may still attract collectors, especially those without long-standing experience.
2023 D 25C
Produced by: Denver Mint
Mintage: 184,800,000
Auction Record: $12 for MS65
A bit more expensive is the Denver version, i.e., the one with mass production meant for circulation. Mint state coins with sharp details and few contact marks can be considered decently valuable, but the grade and other special attributes make a difference.
2023 S 25C (Proof)
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 502,560
Auction Record: $60 for PR70DCAM
Proofs may be different, too. Struck with a special finish for collectors, these usually exhibit mirror-like fields and frosted devices, with perfect PR70DCAM examples (which are rather common) being the most valuable.
2023 S 25C (Silver Proof)
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 502,560 (total proof mintage; silver subset is smaller)
Auction Record: $33 for PR70DCAM
Nevertheless, there was released one more proof instance produced completely from silver. The silver proof version was struck for collectors using a .999 fine silver planchet, which might boast the added intrinsic value (not available to the rest of the coins). Its deep cameo contrast and perfect grade make it a premium collectible anyway.
2023 Maria Tallchief Quarter Error to Watch
"In Cod We Trust" Error
Estimated Value: $899
Among the first Maria Tallchief quarter errors is the "IN COD WE TRUST" misprint, which turns a regular phrase into a funny pun. To be more precise, it is an error where the word "God" in the motto appears as "Cod" due to a filled die or damage to the "G", making this one of the most sought-after novelty errors ever found on the auction platforms for numismatists and the like.
Die Chip Error
Estimated Value: $600
When it comes to relatively widespread but still rarely spotted deviations, one should pay attention to a die chip error. Its nature is obvious: a raised bump or blob of metal appears on the surface, usually around Tallchief’s head or feathers, caused by a chip in the die during striking.
Doubled Die (DD)
Estimated Value: $500
Another flaw comes down to the visible doubling of letters or design elements, particularly noticeable in the inscriptions or facial details on the reverse. This might happen on both sides of the coin, creating the most desirable error attributes, i.e., DDO (doubled die obverse) and DDR (doubled die reverse).
3rd Feather Error
Estimated Value: $50
Some US quarter Maria Tallchief coins might bear a peculiar deviation with an extra feather appearing because of the die wear or doubling in the headdress design. Although it may not be visible right away, high-resolution inspection reveals the error in a second.
Strike-Through Error
Estimated Value: $20
When foreign material (like grease or cloth) interferes with the strike, there appears a recessed or blurred area on the coin’s surface. This is how a strike-through (strike thru) deviation is born. Even though its value may not be overly impressive, it is still a decent option to look for.
Related article: The List of Quarter Errors by Year: Instances & Descriptions
How Much Is a Maria Tallchief Quarter Worth?
What is the 2023 Maria Tallchief quarter worth? This mainly depends on a few factors, namely the mint location, overall rarity, demand, and, most importantly, its grade. As a rule, coins are graded on a 70-point scale, with higher numbers reflecting better condition (and vice versa, for sure). Even among regular circulation coins, well-preserved examples with minimal wear or special attributes can be valuable. It is worth seeking.
Type | G–VF | MS63–MS65 | MS66–MS67+ | MS68–70 / PR70DCAM |
2023-P 25C | $0.25 | $1–$3 | $4–$5 | $5 (auction record) |
2023-D 25C | $0.25 | $1–$4 | $6–$10 | $12 (auction record) |
2023-S 25C (Clad) | — | — | — | $33–$60 (PR70DCAM) |
2023-S 25C (Silver) | — | — | — | $33–$60 (PR70DCAM) + silver melt value |
*Prices may fluctuate according to market demand, condition, collector interest, and melt values, too. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult reputable coin pricing guides like those provided by Coin ID Scanner, PCGS, or NGC grading services.
How to Check Your Quarter for Errors?
Use a Magnifying Glass or Loupe: Utilize a 10x jeweler’s loupe or magnifier to reveal subtle doubling, die chips, or small anomalies invisible to the naked eye.
Examine the Inscriptions and Dates: Look closely at "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", the date, and the mint mark. Any deviation from the norm may mean an error.
Weigh and Measure the Coin: Use a digital scale and caliper to weigh a coin and spot any alteration.
Compare to Certified Examples: Use online databases like PCGS or NGC to compare your coin to known varieties and graded examples.
Do not neglect coins that seem insignificant at first. Their potential may grow, and the coin stored in your collection may into a valuable asset overnight.
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