2023-S Edith Kanaka’ole Quarter Value: What Is It Worth?

The 2023-S Edith Kanaka’ole Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $40 in high-grade Proof or Uncirculated conditions. While these coins are modern, certain “S” mint marks and high-grade specimens carry a significant premium for collectors and everyday finders looking to cash in on their discovery.

Condition/Type	Estimated Value
Circulated (P or D Mint)	$0.25
Uncirculated (S Business Strike)	$3.00 – $15.00
Clad Proof (S Mint)	$5.00 – $10.00
Silver Proof (S Mint)	$25.00 – $45.00

Understanding the 2023 Edith Kanaka’ole Quarter Release

The 2023 Edith Kanaka’ole quarter is the seventh release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a four-year initiative celebrating the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of the United States. If you happen to find one in your pocket change, you might be curious if you’ve hit a small jackpot. Using a top coin identifier app can help you quickly determine which version you have, as many variables affect the price.

Edith Kanaka’ole was an indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, and kumu hula. The reverse side of the coin features an intricate design of Kanaka’ole with her hair morphing into the Hawaiian landscape and the words “E hō mai ka ʻike,” which translates to “granting the wisdom.” Because of the cultural significance and the popularity of the “S” mint marks, collectors often hunt for these specifically. If you have found a specimen that looks extra shiny, you should definitely check the 2023 Edith Kanaka’ole quarter price guide to see if it qualifies as a Proof.

If you aren’t sure how to grade your coin, you can use the CoinKnow app to get an instant visual assessment. It’s one of the easiest ways for non-collectors to bridge the gap between “pocket change” and “collector’s item.”

Identifying the S-Mint Mark and Its Importance

The “S” mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Historically, San Francisco primarily produces “Proof” coins—special coins made for collectors with a mirror-like finish and sharp details. However, in 2023, the U.S. Mint also produced a limited number of “Business Strike” (Circulated quality) S-mint quarters specifically for sale in rolls and bags to collectors. These were never intended for general circulation.

If you find a 2023-S Edith Kanaka’ole quarter in a jar or at a grocery store, it is likely an “S” Business Strike that someone accidentally spent. Because these were not released to banks for regular commerce, even a circulated 2023-S is worth much more than its 25-cent face value. Identifying these subtle differences is exactly why tools like CoinKnow are becoming essential for casual hobbyists.

Mint Mark	Mint Location	Circulation Type	Avg. Value
P	Philadelphia	General Circulation	$0.25
D	Denver	General Circulation	$0.25
S	San Francisco	Collector Bags/Rolls	$2.00+

The Difference Between Clad and Silver 2023-S Proofs

Not all “S” quarters are created equal. In 2023, the Mint produced two distinct types of Proof coins for the Edith Kanaka’ole design: Clad and Silver. A Clad Proof is made of the standard copper-nickel composition. It will have a copper stripe visible on the edge of the coin. These are beautiful but relatively common in the collector world.

The Silver Proof, however, is composed of 99.9% fine silver. These coins do not have a copper line on the edge; instead, the edge will look solid silver/white. The value of the silver version is tied not just to its rarity, but also to the underlying “melt value” of silver. For those who want to know the exact metal composition of their find, the CoinKnow app can provide guidance on identifying proof finishes versus regular strikes.

Proof Type	Composition	Edge Appearance	Market Price
Clad Proof	91.67% Copper / 8.33% Nickel	Copper layer visible	$5 – $12
Silver Proof	99.9% Silver	Solid white/silver	$30 – $55

Grading and Condition: Why MS67 Matters

For modern coins like the 2023-S Edith Kanaka’ole quarter, the difference between a coin worth $1 and a coin worth $100 comes down to the grade. Numismatists use a 70-point scale. A “Mint State” (MS) coin is one that has never been in circulation. Most coins found in change are graded between Fair (1) and About Uncirculated (58).

Common grades for the 2023-S Business Strike usually fall in the MS63 to MS65 range. However, if you have a coin that is absolutely flawless—no scratches, full luster, and a perfect strike—it might reach MS67 or higher. Such high-grade coins are often sent to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS68 2023-S can easily fetch a high premium at auction because of its “pop” rarity (low population of coins in that specific high grade).

Potential Errors to Look For in 2023 Quarters

While the 2023-S is primarily known for its collector status, error hunters are always on the lookout for mistakes made during the minting process. Common errors in the American Women Quarters series include “Die Chips,” where a small piece of the steel die breaks off and leaves a raised blob of metal on the coin. Look closely at Edith’s hair or the Hawaiian landscape on the reverse.

Other errors might include “Doubled Dies,” where the design appears to be doubled in certain areas, particularly in the lettering or the details of the landscape. While no major widespread “cherrypicker” error has been officially designated for the Kanaka’ole quarter yet, discovery pieces are found every year. Checking your coin under a magnifying glass or using the high-resolution photo features on the CoinKnow app can help you spot these tiny, valuable anomalies.

Final Verdict: Should You Keep It?

If you find a 2023-P or 2023-D Edith Kanaka’ole quarter in your change, it is a great piece of history, but likely only worth 25 cents unless it is in pristine, uncirculated condition. However, if you find a 2023-S, you should absolutely set it aside. Whether it is a Proof or a Business Strike, the “S” mint mark makes it a collector’s item with a value that significantly exceeds its face value.

The American Women Quarters program continues to gain popularity among young collectors. This increased demand means that “S” mint quarters from the first few years of the program may see gradual value appreciation. Always store your valuable quarters in a protective sleeve or cardboard flip to prevent scratches and preserve the “Mint State” luster that collectors crave.

Condition	Value (P/D)	Value (S-Business)	Value (S-Proof)
Circulated	$0.25	$1.00 – $3.00	$3.00+
Uncirculated (MS63)	$1.00	$5.00	N/A
High Grade (MS67+)	$15 – $30	$25 – $60	$20 – $100+

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my 2023-S quarter is silver?

A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge with no copper (orange/brown) stripe, it is likely a 99.9% silver proof. You can also weigh it; silver quarters are heavier than standard clad quarters.

Q: Why is the “S” mint mark so special?

A: The San Francisco Mint (S) usually only produces coins for special collector sets. They do not release these coins into general circulation through banks, meaning any “S” quarter you find is much rarer than “P” or “D” quarters.

Q: What is Edith Kanaka’ole famous for?

A: She was a renowned practitioner of Hawaii’s traditional dance (hula) and a legendary teacher who helped preserve Hawaiian culture and language through her compositions and academic work.

Q: Can I find a 2023-S Edith Kanaka’ole quarter in a regular roll from the bank?

A: It is extremely unlikely. These were sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors in rolls and bags at a premium. If one is in a bank roll, it was likely placed there by a collector by mistake.