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Minting errors do happen, though advancements in modern technologies have made them increasingly rare. Spotting one feels like striking gold – this is what collectors are saying about the 2023 quarters. And the more peculiar the error is, the more valuable it can be in the end.
In fact, 2023 offered quite a few magnificent coins that are meant to commemorate outstanding female figures in American history: Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanakaʻole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idar, and Maria Tallchief in particular. But what types of 2023 quarter errors do they exhibit? How valuable are they? And what identifies these coins as rare and unique?
Quarters Released In 2023
In 2023, the US Mint continued the American Women Quarters Program to praise and commemorate exceptional women whose contributions cannot be overestimated. Each design is unique and illustrative, as it should reflect the essence of the titled female and her achievements with the obverse staying the same (George Washington’s profile at its best). Here is a quick list of figures who adorned the coins.
Bessie Coleman
Release Date: January 3, 2023
This features Bessie Coleman, the first African American and first Native American woman to hold an international pilot’s license. The design shows Coleman in flight gear, reflecting her pioneering role in aviation.
Edith Kanakaʻole
Release Date: March 27, 2023
The Edith Kanakaʻole quarter honors a Native Hawaiian composer, chanter, and teacher who took a major part in preserving Hawaiian culture and language. The design focuses on the portrait of Edith whose hair and lei poʻo is blending into a Hawaiian landscape.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Release Date: June 5, 2023
The Eleanor Roosevelt 25C coin highlights her influence as a humanitarian, diplomat, and First Lady who reshaped the role into one of global impact. This numismatic creation displays Mrs Roosevelt standing next to the scales of justice right in front of the globe. Such a symbolic representation!
Jovita Idar
Release Date: August 14, 2023
In August, the US Mint released a coin devoted to Jovita Idar, featuring the Mexican American journalist known for her fierce advocacy for education and civil rights. She is standing in a gown composed of inscriptions that refer to her achievements and contributions.
Maria Tallchief
Release Date: October 23, 2023
The most artistic coin was released in October and referred to Maria Tallchief, America’s First Prima Ballerina and the first Native American who broke barriers in classical ballet to become an international star.
The List of the 2023 US Quarter Errors to Look For
As long as minting flaws are rather rare, it is a miracle to spot some of them, especially when it comes to the coins like quarters released within the same American Women series. Since these instances were issued not long ago, some deviations may still remain unknown. Let us focus on those that have been revealed or are seen as the most peculiar ones.
Related article: State Quarter Errors You Should Know
2023 Bessie Coleman Quarter Error (Die Chip)
Description: Though not directly connected with the notable reverse design, numismatists report that they managed to find a small die chip appearing on the tip of George Washington’s nose, giving the illusion of a raised bump – earning it the nickname “Pimple Nose” or “Pierced Nose” among collectors.
How It Happens: This might be caused by a small break or flaw in the die used to strike the coin. When the metal flows into that flawed area, it creates a raised bump on the finished surface.
What to Look For:
A tiny raised blob on the very tip of Washington’s nose
Noticeable to the naked eye
Can vary in size and shape
Value: $3 to $10
2023 Edith Kanaka'ole Quarter Error (IN COD WE TRUST)
Description: One of the most popular flaws within the series is the misprint where the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” turns into “IN COD WE TRUST” instead. A pun out of nowhere.
How It Happens: It typically appears because of die deterioration, grease-filled dies, or slight misalignments that may distort the letters. In this case, the “G” in “GOD” can appear filled in or partially missing, making it resemble a “C” in the end.
What to Look For:
Take a look at the “G” in GOD – does it look like a “C”?
The rest of the motto may appear weaker than usual
Some are clear to the naked eye
Value: $5 to $20
2023 Eleanor Roosevelt Quarter Error (DDR)
Description: Some of Eleanor Roosevelt quarters exhibit doubling on the reverse side (obvious around her mouth and nearby letters). This is a true doubled die error, where the design was doubled on the die itself before, not on the coin (with the latter being caused by misalignment in general.
How It Happens: A doubled die comes up during the hubbing process when successive imprints are slightly misaligned. This causes sections of the coin to seem "doubled".
What to Look For:
Doubling around Eleanor’s lips and/or mouth area
Slight spread or shadowing on reverse text (especially near the motto or name)
Value: $20+
2023 Jovita Idar Quarter Error (Struck Thru Both Sides)
Description: This happens if a foreign object (e.g., cloth, thread, grease, etc.) comes between the die and the blank planchet during striking. In this particular case, the Jovita Idar 25C was struck through on both sides, which resulted in visible impressions and surface texture variations on both the obverse and reverse.
What to Look For:
Indentations, blurred texture, or missing details.
Grainy, smeared, or flattened areas
At first, it may appear to be surface damage, but closer examination should reveal no post-mint impact.
Value: $150+
2023 Maria Tallchief Quarter Error (Die Crack)
Description: Some 25C coins have been found with die cracks on the reverse side, i.e., thin, raised lines caused by a fracture in the Mint die used to strike the coin. These cracks can vary in size and location, but they typically run through the intricate design elements or along the lettering (e.g., below the ballerina).
How It Happens: Over time, mint dies undergo extreme pressure. As soon as the die develops small cracks on it, it transfers that flaw to every coin it strikes.
What to Look For:
A thin line running across the reverse
Common spots: through the lettering, near the ballerina, or along the edge
Unlike damage, a die crack is raised, not indented
Value: $15 to $20
How to Check Your Change for Flaws
2023 error quarters can be not as valuable as other instances, but their potential may be uncovered soon. To identify an error, you do not have to be a professional numismatist – all you need is a sharp eye and the right tools in your hands.
Quick Tips for Spotting Errors
Inspect fine details with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe with 5x to 10x magnification (this is easy when you follow the guides).
Examine inscriptions, faces, and other design elements for evidence of doubling, cracks, or chips.
Look for textural changes, smudges, or elevated blobs that do not match the design.
Errors can exist on both sides, including the obverse, reverse, and rim as well.
Use Coin ID Scanner
Apart from casual but essential instruments, one may also want to employ digital assistants like Coin ID Scanner. Coin ID Scanner is your personal coin expert supported by volumes of data and features for quick analysis:
Scan any coin, including the latest 2024 American Eagle Gold Coin, to identify and instantly check for known errors
Compare your coin to real error examples with side-by-side visuals
Get value estimates based on condition and market trends
Explore guides and blog posts that may help you on your numismatic journey
Store your valuables in the digital collection to manage it any time
Do not miss out on valuable finds – just scan before you spend!
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