2023 Quarters: Trailblazing Women In US History
Ever rummaged through your pocket change and wondered if that quarter you just dismissed might actually be worth a small fortune? The U.S. Mint's American Women Quarters Program has been quietly minting potential treasures, celebrating the legacies of remarkable women and creating buzz in the numismatic world.
The United States Mint has been busy. Up until a few weeks ago, the Mint was releasing coins as part of its 2023 American Women Quarter Program. These aren't just your everyday coins; they're miniature celebrations of history, designed to honor the extraordinary contributions of women to American society. Collectors and casual observers alike are now turning their attention to these freshly minted pieces, searching for the next hidden gem. And with good reason: Some newer coins can be quite valuable, including quarters that you might very well have encountered in your daily transactions.
The American Women Quarters Program, which began in 2022 and will continue through 2025, features five notable female pioneers each year. These women have made significant impacts across various fields, including civil rights, arts and science, government, and women's suffrage. This initiative commemorates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, a crucial milestone in the fight for women's rights, and seeks to educate and inspire through the imagery of these remarkable figures.
The 2023 quarters commemorate several important women in history, the five coins that were released as part of the program that year feature: Bessie Coleman, Jovita Idar, Edith Kanakaole, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Maria Tallchief.
| Name | Born | Died | Known For | Brief Bio | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bessie Coleman | January 26, 1892 | April 30, 1926 | Pioneering Aviator | Bessie Coleman was the first African-American woman and first Native American to hold a pilot license. She overcame racial and gender barriers to pursue her dream of flying, inspiring generations. |  |
| Jovita Idar | September 7, 1885 | June 15, 1946 | Journalist, Activist, and Suffragist | Jovita Idar was a Mexican-American journalist and civil rights activist who championed the rights of Mexican Americans and advocated for women's suffrage. She used her voice to fight for equality and justice. |  |
| Edith Kanakaole | April 2, 1913 | December 3, 1979 | Hawaiian Scholar, Kumu Hula | Edith Kanakaole was a celebrated Hawaiian scholar, composer, and chanter. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions. |  |
| Eleanor Roosevelt | October 11, 1884 | November 7, 1962 | First Lady, Activist, and Diplomat | Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent figure in American and global politics, known for her humanitarian efforts, advocacy for human rights, and her work as a diplomat and writer. |  |
| Maria Tallchief | January 24, 1925 | April 11, 2013 | Prima Ballerina | Maria Tallchief was a pioneering Native American ballerina, recognized as one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century. She broke barriers and achieved international acclaim. |  |
Reference: United States Mint
The mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver are responsible for manufacturing these circulating quarters. Beyond the standard circulating coins used for everyday transactions (penny, nickel, dime, and quarter), the Mint also produces half dollars and $1 coins, typically as collectibles. The 2023 quarter designs are particularly exciting, continuing the American Women Quarters Program with fresh imagery and stories.
The release dates for these specific 2023 coins have been announced. March 27th marked a key date for the recognition of Edith Kanakaole. The Mint, however, has not yet released specific dates for collectible products featuring these coins. Keep an eye out for these announcements later this year. "The second coin of the 2023 American Women Quarters program honors the life and legacy of Edith Kanakaole," said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. "She was a renowned practitioner of, and an authority on, modern Hawaiian culture and language."
It's important to remember that the mintages presented in any available tables are always subject to change. The most current information available as of November 13, 2023, should be considered the most up-to-date. As with any collectible, understanding the market and potential value is key. This is where the detailed information about coin value prices, price charts, mintage figures, and metal composition come into play. These details help collectors assess the rarity and desirability of each coin.
Another aspect to consider is the possibility of errors. While rare, some of these quarters may contain mint errors that significantly increase their value. Collectors actively seek out these imperfections, which can include anything from off-center strikes to missing elements. These errors can elevate a seemingly ordinary quarter into a valuable find, turning a quick glance at pocket change into a moment of excitement.
The market for these quarters is dynamic. Keep in mind that some gem pieces could potentially sell for $30 or even more. Factors like the grade of the coin (MS grades indicating mint state condition, and Proofs, which have a special finish) are also important, as well as if the coin is a "First Strike" coin. This underlines the importance of staying informed on the latest prices, grades, certifications, and the mints from which the coins originated. Collecting quarters can be a fascinating hobby, and the American Women Quarters Program adds an extra layer of historical significance and potential financial reward.
For those interested in the financial aspects, understanding financial quarters is beneficial. Financial quarters are typically expressed as Q followed by the quartile number; Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, representing the four quarters of the year. Quarters may also be represented along with their relevant year, as in Q1 2023 or Q1/23. This is particularly important for understanding market data and analyzing company earnings and revenue trends, as analysts often combine quarterly data to make broader assessments.
You can also find resources online. "The quarters calculator has four (4) functionalities: it is used to get the number of quarters between two dates, add quarters, subtract quarters, and determine the fiscal quarter of a date." This is also important when youre looking to potentially add to your collection and analyze the value, as well as track the dates in the American Women Quarters Program.
So, the next time you receive a quarter in change, take a closer look. You might just be holding a piece of history, a tribute to extraordinary women, and perhaps, a valuable collectible. Adding 2023 quarters to your collection, or any of the preceding ones, could be a rewarding endeavor, both historically and financially.
Detail Author:
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