The 2022-S Anna May Wong Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 for circulated copies to over $40 in high-grade Proof condition. While most of these coins found in your change are only worth face value, certain San Francisco mintages and high-quality specimens carry a significant premium for collectors today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Pocket Change) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| S-Mint Business Strike (NIFC) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| S-Mint Proof (PR69 – PR70) | $15.00 – $45.00 |
History of the 2022-S Anna May Wong Quarter
The 2022 Anna May Wong quarter is a historic release, marking the first time an Asian American has been featured on U.S. currency. As part of the American Women Quarters Program, this coin honors the legendary film star who overcame systemic racism in early Hollywood to become an international icon. Many Americans are now searching their pockets for this specific design, wondering if they’ve struck gold. If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the common Philadelphia coins and the rarer San Francisco “S” mint marks.
Most people recognize the stunning reverse design by Emily Damstra, which depicts Anna May Wong resting her cheek on her hand, surrounded by the bright lights of a movie marquee. Because these were released recently, many remain in excellent condition. However, the value of a 2022-S Anna May Wong quarter depends heavily on its “strike” type. Unlike the quarters made in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for everyday use, “S” quarters from San Francisco were specifically produced for collectors and are much harder to find in the wild.
If you are a casual hunter, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool to keep in your pocket. It allows you to quickly scan any coin and compare it against a database of recent auction sales, ensuring you never accidentally spend a coin that might be worth five or ten times its face value. Given the cultural significance of Anna May Wong, demand for these quarters remains high among both numismatists and film history buffs.
Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Production Types
When looking at the value of this coin, you must first identify the mint mark. The mint mark is a tiny letter located on the obverse (the side with George Washington) near the date. A “P” stands for Philadelphia, a “D” for Denver, and an “S” for San Francisco. In 2022, the San Francisco mint produced two distinct types of Anna May Wong quarters: Business Strikes (intended for collector rolls, not general circulation) and Proofs (shiny, mirror-like coins sold in sets).
Because “S” mint business strikes were not released into general circulation through banks, finding one in your pocket change is rare. These were sold by the U.S. Mint in bags and rolls at a premium. Consequently, even a “circulated” 2022-S quarter is worth more than twenty-five cents because someone had to pay extra to get it from the government in the first place. You can check current 2022 Anna May Wong quarter market prices to see how these collector-only strikes are trending compared to the common ones.
| Mint Mark | Type | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | Very Common |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | Very Common |
| S (San Francisco) | Business Strike (NIFC) | Scarce |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof CLAD | Collector Only |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof SILVER | High Value |
Value of 2022-S Anna May Wong Proof Quarters
The most valuable versions of the 2022-S Anna May Wong quarters are the Proof editions. Proof coins are struck using special dies and polished blanks, resulting in a “cameo” effect where the portrait appears frosted and the background looks like a dark mirror. There are two types of Proofs: the standard Cupro-Nickel (clad) version and the 99.9% fine Silver version.
If you have a Silver Proof Anna May Wong quarter, its value is dictated by both its numismatic rarity and the current spot price of silver. Even in average condition, these coins are worth significantly more than their face value. For those who aren’t experts in metallurgy, using CoinKnow to identify the luster and edge of the coin can help determine if you have a silver version or a standard clad proof. Collectors pay a massive premium for silver sets, especially if they are still in the original U.S. Mint packaging.
| Proof Type | Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Est. Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | PR67 DCAM | $7.00 |
| Clad Proof | PR70 DCAM (Perfect) | $35.00 |
| Silver Proof | PR69 DCAM | $25.00 |
| Silver Proof | PR70 DCAM (Perfect) | $75.00+ |
Grading and Condition: Why Perfection Matters
In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. For the 2022-S Anna May Wong quarter value to reach its peak, the coin must be in “Mint State” (uncirculated). Because millions of these were produced (even in the collector-specific S-mint variety), only coins that are flawless receive high valuations. The scale goes from 1 to 70. A coin with a grade of MS70 or PR70 is considered perfectly struck with no visible scratches even under magnification.
If you find a 2022-S quarter that looks particularly shiny, be careful how you handle it. Touching the surface with your bare hands can leave oils that degrade the metal over time. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC charge fees to certify these coins. For a standard 2022-S business strike, it’s usually only worth “slabbing” (grading) if you believe it will score an MS67 or higher. If you’re unsure if your coin is worth the grading fee, checking a mobile app like CoinKnow can provide recent “Sold” prices from eBay to help you make an informed decision.
Common Errors to Look For in 2022 Quarters
While the 2022-S Anna May Wong Women Quarter is mostly valued for its rarity and silver content, many collectors search for “Errors.” Errors occur during the minting process and can turn a regular quarter into a thousand-dollar prize. While no major “mega-errors” have been widely publicized for the Anna May Wong design yet, several minor variations have been spotted by diligent hunters.
Common errors to look for include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the metal die breaks off, leaving a raised bump of extra metal on the coin’s surface. On the Anna May Wong design, these often appear around her hair or the movie marquee. There are also “Double Dies,” where the design appears slightly blurred or doubled in certain areas. Always examine the text “ANNA MAY WONG” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” closely. If you see distinct doubling, your coin’s value could skyrocket far beyond the standard price tables.
How to Sell Your 2022 Anna May Wong Quarter
Once you’ve identified that your 2022-S Anna May Wong quarter is worth more than twenty-five cents, you need to know where to sell it. For common uncirculated “P” or “D” quarters, the profit margins are slim, and they are best kept as part of a personal set. However, for “S” mint marks, silver proofs, or error coins, you have several options.
Selling on platforms like eBay is the most common route for everyday Americans. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos of both the front and back of the coin. If you have a certified (graded) coin, you will likely get a much higher price because the buyer has a guarantee of the coin’s condition. Local coin shops are also an option, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices so they can resell the coin for a profit later. Knowing the exact value before you walk into a shop is vital, so do your homework!
FAQ
Q: Is the 2022 Anna May Wong quarter rare?
A: The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) versions are not rare, with hundreds of millions produced. However, the San Francisco (S) mint versions are much rarer because they were only sold in special collector sets and rolls.
Q: How can I tell if my 2022-S quarter is silver?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge with no copper stripe, it is likely the 99.9% silver proof version. You can also weigh it; a silver quarter weighs 6.34 grams, while a standard clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
Q: Why is there no “George Washington” on my quarter?
A: George Washington is still on the quarter, but the 2022 American Women Quarters series features a new portrait of Washington by Laura Gardin Fraser. He now faces right instead of left, which may look different than the quarters you grew up with.
Q: Can I find a 2022-S Anna May Wong quarter in my change?
A: It is possible but very unlikely. Since “S” mint business strikes were sold directly to collectors, they only enter circulation if a collector spends them or if a collection is accidentally broken open and used as cash.