2022-S Wilma Mankiller American Women Quarter: A Collector’s Guide

The 2022-S Wilma Mankiller Quarter is a significant release in the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, a series launched to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of American women. As the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller’s legacy as a leader, activist, and role model makes her an ideal figure to honor on a U.S. coin. This collector’s guide explores the features, history, mintage, and value of the 2022-S Wilma Mankiller American Women Quarter.

The American Women Quarters Program

The American Women Quarters Program, which began in 2022, is designed to honor influential women who made significant contributions to American society in various fields, from civil rights and politics to the arts and science. Each year of the program will release five quarters featuring a different prominent woman, with a total of 20 quarters to be issued by 2025.

Design Features

The reverse of the quarter, created by U.S. Mint engraver Phebe Hemphill, showcases a powerful portrait of Wilma Mankiller. The design depicts her facing forward, with a determined and focused expression, wearing a jacket adorned with the Cherokee Nation seal. Behind her, there are symbolic representations of the land and the people she served. The design also includes the inscriptions “WILMA MANKILLER,” “CHEROKEE NATION,” and “2022.” Additionally, the reverse includes the familiar “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscriptions, along with “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

Mintage and Availability

The 2022-S Wilma Mankiller American Women Quarter is available in both circulating and proof versions. The proof version, minted at the San Francisco Mint, has a distinctive mirror-like finish, which enhances the details and makes the design stand out even more. As part of the U.S. Mint’s limited-edition offerings, the 2022-S quarter was only available for purchase directly through the U.S. Mint’s website.

In total, approximately 1.1 million proof quarters were struck, making it a relatively limited release compared to other circulating coinage. While this mintage figure isn’t extremely low, it does contribute to the coin’s collectible value.

Value and Collectibility

While the 2022-S Wilma Mankiller Quarter is relatively new to the market, its value has already shown promise. As of its release, the quarter’s value is primarily driven by demand from collectors interested in completing the American Women Quarters set.

In general, a proof version of the quarter from the 2022-S minting typically sells for around $20 to $30, depending on condition and packaging. However, as interest in the American Women Quarters Program grows, this price could rise, especially in the long term, as the series continues and Mankiller’s coin becomes harder to find.

Why Collect the 2022-S Wilma Mankiller Quarter?

The 2022-S Wilma Mankiller American Women Quarter is not only a valuable piece of American numismatic history but also a meaningful way to honor an inspiring individual. For collectors, it is an important coin in the inaugural year of a program that will celebrate the lives of remarkable women throughout U.S. history.

This coin’s artistic design, limited mintage, and connection to Native American history make it an important addition to any collection, particularly for those interested in both modern U.S. coinage and the representation of underappreciated figures in American history.

Conclusion

The 2022-S Wilma Mankiller Quarter offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history while celebrating the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman. As part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, it plays a key role in honoring the contributions of women in shaping the nation’s history. With its distinct design and relatively low mintage, this quarter is likely to remain a cherished collectible for years to come.

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