The 2022-S Maya Angelou American Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $1.50 in circulated condition to over $10 or more in pristine proof condition, with some certified examples fetching even higher prices among collectors.
If you recently found one of these quarters in your change or came across it in an old collection, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what makes this coin special, how to tell its condition, and whether you’re sitting on something truly valuable. Using the best coin identifier app can also help you quickly identify and assess your coin before heading to a dealer.
What Is the 2022-S Maya Angelou Women Quarter?
The 2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint to honor trailblazing women in American history. Maya Angelou was the first woman featured in this series, making her coin especially significant to collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
The “S” in the coin’s name refers to the San Francisco Mint, which produced this coin exclusively as a proof issue. That means it was never intended for general circulation. Instead, it was struck with specially polished dies onto highly reflective planchets, giving it that mirror-like finish collectors love. Proof quarters like this are typically sold directly by the U.S. Mint in collector sets, so finding a genuine 2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter loose in your pocket change would be quite unusual — but not impossible.
The obverse features the traditional portrait of George Washington, while the reverse showcases a beautiful design of Maya Angelou with open arms, with birds in flight above her — a nod to her iconic memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter Value by Grade and Condition
The value of your 2022-S Maya Angelou Women Quarter depends heavily on its condition and whether it has been professionally graded. Here’s a general breakdown to help you understand what the market looks like:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded Proof (PR) | $1.50 – $4.00 | Typical value when removed from mint set |
| PR 69 (PCGS/NGC) | $5.00 – $12.00 | Near-perfect with minor imperfections |
| PR 70 DCAM (PCGS/NGC) | $15.00 – $35.00+ | Perfect grade, deep cameo finish |
| First Day of Issue PR 70 | $30.00 – $60.00+ | Special designation adds collector premium |
Keep in mind these are general market estimates. Actual sale prices can vary depending on buyer demand, auction competition, and certification label. For the most up-to-date pricing, check out this detailed guide to 2022 quarter values and what they’re selling for right now.
How to Tell If Your 2022-S Quarter Is Genuine and Valuable
First, look for the “S” mintmark on the obverse of the coin, just below Washington’s portrait. If your quarter has a “P” or “D” mintmark — or no mintmark at all — it’s a circulation strike from Philadelphia or Denver, worth face value unless it has an error.
A genuine 2022-S proof quarter will have sharp, well-defined details, a deeply mirrored field (the flat background area), and a frosted, almost matte appearance on the raised design elements. This contrast is called a “cameo” or “deep cameo” effect, and coins with this quality are the most desirable to collectors.
If you’re not sure what you have, CoinHix is a smart and easy-to-use app that lets you scan your coin with your phone’s camera and get an instant identification and estimated value. It’s a great first step before spending money on professional grading.
Should You Get Your 2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter Graded?
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC can significantly increase the resale value of your coin, but it’s not always worth the cost. Grading fees typically start around $20–$30 per coin, so unless you believe your coin is a strong PR 69 or PR 70, the cost might outweigh the benefit.
That said, if your coin is still in its original U.S. Mint packaging and shows no signs of handling, it’s worth at least getting an opinion. You can use CoinHix to get a quick at-home assessment before deciding whether professional grading makes financial sense for your specific coin.
For coins with special designations — like First Strike or First Day of Issue — grading is almost always worth it, since those labels can double or triple the coin’s value among serious collectors.
Where to Sell Your 2022-S Maya Angelou Women Quarter
Once you know what your coin is worth, you have several solid options for selling. eBay is one of the most popular platforms and gives you access to a large pool of coin collectors. Search completed listings to see what similar coins have actually sold for — not just what sellers are asking.
You can also sell through coin shows, local dealers, or auction houses if your coin is graded at a high level. Dealers will typically offer 50–70% of retail value, so selling directly to collectors usually gets you a better return.
No matter where you sell, having a solid understanding of your coin’s value is key. CoinHix makes that process fast and beginner-friendly, giving everyday Americans a reliable way to research their coins before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter rare?
A: It’s not extremely rare, but it’s a proof-only coin that was never released into general circulation. Mintage figures are in the millions for proof sets, but high-grade examples — especially PR 70 DCAM — are harder to find and command a premium from collectors.
Q: Can I find a 2022-S quarter in everyday change?
A: It’s very unlikely. The “S” mintmark indicates a San Francisco proof coin, which was only sold in collector sets directly from the U.S. Mint. If you found one in change, it may have been removed from a set by a previous owner. It’s still worth checking for the mintmark carefully.
Q: What’s the difference between a regular 2022 quarter and the 2022-S Maya Angelou proof quarter?
A: Regular circulation quarters from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) are struck quickly for everyday use and are worth face value unless they have errors. The 2022-S proof quarter is specially made for collectors with a sharper strike, mirror-like finish, and a “Deep Cameo” contrast — making it far more appealing to serious coin enthusiasts and potentially worth many times its face value.
