2022 Dr Sally Ride Quarters: Types, Errors, and Rare Finds

2022 Dr Sally Ride Quarters: Types, Errors, and Rare Finds

The place of women in American history is often underappreciated, though recent trends finally celebrate the contributions made by the most prominent female representatives of our society. In 2022, the US Mint released a groundbreaking initiative to honor American women, and Dr Sally Ride was among the first icons to be numismatically depicted.

The place of women in American history is often underappreciated, though recent trends finally celebrate the contributions made by the most prominent female representatives of our society. In 2022, the US Mint released a groundbreaking initiative to honor American women, and Dr Sally Ride was among the first icons to be numismatically depicted. 

Do you want to reach for the stars? Dr Sally Ride not only aspired to do so but also achieved it! In this material, we are discussing the impact reflected via the quarters, the 2022 Sally Ride quarter worth, and the main characteristics of the coin. Know traits to identify coins and introduce them into collections with ease. 

A picture of the 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter, showcasing the reverse side featuring Dr. Ride in front of a window in space.

Legislative Origins of the Program

The Dr Sally Ride Quarter was one of the first coins to be launched via the American Women Quarters Program. Delving into the legislation, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, introduced by Senators Deb Fischer and Catherine Cortez Masto and signed on January 13, 2021, required that the US circulating quarters be redesigned to commemorate women who pioneered a variety of disciplines. And this program was seen as a response to this action for sure. 

According to the Act, the national Mint is to produce up to five new designs annually between 2022 and 2025, each of which should feature an influential female figure (who has broken down barriers, improved civil rights, or made great contributions to the arts, education, science, etc.) on the coin's reverse side. But what exactly has she done, and what is the 2022 Sally Ride quarter value then? 

Related article: 1967 Quarter Value Guide.

Who is Dr Sally Ride? 

A portrait of Dr. Sally Ride, depicting her in a NASA uniform with a confident expression, symbolizing her legacy as the first American woman in space.

Dr Sally Ride was a renowned scientist, astronaut, educator, and, what is more important, the first American woman to travel to space. Ride, who was born in Los Angeles on May 26, 1951, showed an early interest in science and sports. She graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in Physics and English, a master's degree, and a doctorate in Physics with a focus on Astrophysics.

In 1978, Ride was chosen to be a member of NASA's first female astronaut class, and in 1983, she successfully launched into orbit on the Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the STS-7 mission. Beyond that, she took part in a second space mission in 1984 and performed important duties for NASA, including investigating the Challenger and Columbia shuttle tragedies. It was she who still encourages young girls to pursue STEM careers and get into relevant institutions.

Coin Minting Details: General Overview 

A picture of a 2022-P Dr. Sally Ride Quarter graded MS-67 by PCGS, securely encased in a transparent coin slab with visible certification details.

2022 Dr Sally Ride quarter value cannot be debated without an understanding of its characteristics. Honoring this outstanding figure, the first American woman in space, it was struck in 2022 and received a design that emphasizes her groundbreaking contributions. So, what does this coin look like? 


The Main Characteristics of the Coin 

Year of Issue

2022

Obverse Design

George Washington (by Laura Gardin Fraser)

Reverse Design

Dr. Sally Ride in a uniform looking out of a spacecraft window

Composition

91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel

Diameter

24.26 mm

Thickness

1.75 mm

Weight

5.67 grams

Mint Marks

“P” for Philadelphia 

“D” for Denver

“S” for San Francisco

Type

Circulating and Proof Coins


As such, these coins were produced by three major US Mint sites, i.e., the San Francisco Mint generated limited proof versions, while Philadelphia and Denver issued normal circulation coins with relevant mint marks. What is more, it was not immune to the 2022 Sally Ride quarter errors, which made these numismatic creations even more sought-after and valuable.

2022 Sally Ride Quarter Error List

A picture of a 2022-P Dr. Sally Ride Quarter featuring the error nicknamed “Ghosted Comet and Washington Drool,” showing unusual die marks near Washington’s mouth and a faint comet-like streak.

Just like any other coin, the 2022 Dr Sally Ride quarters cannot avoid getting minting errors for good. These imperfections, which collectors intentionally pursue, include a variety of die clashes, chips, and anomalies that raise the Dr Sally Ride quarter worth well above face value. Here is a quick 2022 Dr Sally Ride quarter error list for one to explore.


Error Name

Description

Value Range

Ghost Comet

A “trail” near Dr Ride’s image on the reverse (caused by a die clash)

$200–$500

Drooling George

A die chip near Washington’s mouth on the obverse

$100–$300

Vomit Comet

A die clash that blends the elements of the obverse and reverse designs

$2,000–$10,000+

Black Eye

A die clash which resulted in a “black eye” mark on Washington’s cheek

$500–$1,000


Errors like "Ghost Comet" and "Drooling George" are among the easiest for novice collectors to obtain, while rarer types like "Vomit Comet" may boast higher prices because of their rarity and distinctive look. Anyway, any error is invaluable, however unusual or severe it may seem.

Coin Valuation per Type 

With the help of one of the most reputable sources of numismatic knowledge, i.e., the Coin ID Scanner app, we would like to introduce the idea of how the pricing is formed and what the main valuation trends for each coin type are. Well, how much is a Dr Sally Ride Quarter worth? 

2022-P 25C Dr. Sally Ride

A picture of a 2022-P Dr. Sally Ride quarter, showing the obverse with George Washington’s portrait and the reverse honoring astronaut Dr. Sally Ride.

Produced by: Philadelphia Mint

Mintage: Not officially reported; widely circulated

Auction Record: $1,149 for MS67+

Coins issued at the Philadelphia Mint are often found in circulation, and the majority of them are valued at about face value, or between $0.30 and $0.40 per one. Uncirculated samples that are rated around MS65, however, can sell for around $10. Once, a coin classed MS67+ was purchased for a record of $1,149, though general high-quality specimens graded MS67 and higher can fetch only $30.


Grade

Estimated Value

Circulated

$0.30 – $0.40

MS65

$10

MS67

$30

MS67+

$1,149 (Auction Record)


2022-D 25C Dr. Sally Ride

A picture of a 2022-D Dr. Sally Ride quarter, featuring the Denver Mint mark and the reverse design celebrating Dr. Sally Ride’s contribution to space exploration.

Produced by: Denver Mint

Mintage: Not officially reported; widely circulated

Auction Record: $995 for MS68

The Denver Mint also distributes its quarters extensively. In circulating condition, they are worth between $0.30 and $0.40, just like their Philadelphia counterparts. MS60 to MS65 grades of uncirculated coins are also available, and they usually cost about $10. By the way, for an MS68 coin of this type, the highest reported sale was $995.


Grade

Estimated Value

Circulated

$0.30 – $0.40

MS65

$10

MS68

$995 (Auction Record)


2022-S 25C Dr. Sally Ride

A picture of a 2022-S Dr. Sally Ride quarter, struck at the San Francisco Mint, showcasing a sharp and detailed reverse honoring America’s first woman in space.

Produced by: San Francisco Mint

Mintage: Limited

Auction Record: $100 for MS67

On its part, San Francisco strikes regular and proof versions of the Dr. Sally Ride quarters. Circulated samples of the regular strike coins are worth between $0.30 and $0.60, yet higher-quality MS67 coins may fetch up to $35. Surprisingly enough, the 2022-S proof coins, which are minted especially for collectors, are valued at about $15 for coins with the grade PF69 or more.


Grade

Estimated Value

Circulated

$0.30 – $0.60

MS67

$35 (Auction Record)


2022-S 25C Dr. Sally Ride-Silver, DCAM (Proof)

A picture of a 2022-S Dr. Sally Ride Silver Proof Quarter, featuring a deep cameo (DCAM) finish, with the reverse design highlighting Dr. Sally Ride’s legacy in space exploration.

Produced by: San Francisco Mint

Mintage: Limited; collector-focused

Auction Record: $55 for PR70DCAM

Here is another unique type minted by the San Francisco Mint. It is an extremely rare edition designed for collectors with 90% silver content. As such, these coins are often worth at least $18, though the grade (silver costs) may cause values to increase.


Grade

Estimated Value

PF69+

$18+

PR70DCAM

$55


If you are interested in other coins, we recommend that you read useful numismatic information about the 1970 Quarter Value

All in All, What to Collect? 

Should you like rare error coins, proof versions, or common circulation instances, your collecting path will be determined by what is most important to YOU. Indeed, proof and silver proof versions from San Francisco can enhance your collection, but do you truly like them? Error coins are always an intriguing option, but is it what you are looking for?

And do you remember the Coin ID Scanner app we mentioned earlier? It is a fantastic tool to help you recognize and assess the value of coins you come across while learning about numismatics on the spot. Every new coin is a step toward creating a valuable, precious collection, regardless of the route you should take.


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