How Collectors Misjudge Value: Common Mistakes with the Anna May Wong Quarter

The Anna May Wong Quarter worth is often misunderstood. Many assume this 2022 release holds high collectible value, but only specific versions or error coins do. The quarter shows Anna May Wong, the first Asian American actress featured on U.S. coins, as part of the American Women Quarters program. 

While millions were struck, only a few coins stood out in the numismatic market. Thus, knowing versions, mint marks, and condition is essential before assigning real value.

Coin Overview

This quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters program, launched in 2022 to honor remarkable American women and their influence on the nation’s history and culture. 

The Anna May Wong quarter, released in October 2022, was the fifth coin in the series and the first to show an Asian American figure. The obverse shows George Washington’s portrait, that for all coins in the program. The reverse depicts Anna May Wong resting her chin on her hand beneath theatre-style lights.

Although its artistic and cultural value is significant, the actual quarter worth depends entirely on the version, condition, and presence of mint errors. Most circulation pieces remain worth face value, while only proofs in high grades or verified error coins achieve notable sums at auctions.

Varieties and Mint Details

Three U.S. Mints produced the Anna May Wong quarter, each creating distinct versions for different markets.

• Philadelphia (P) – Standard circulation strike; mintage around 301 million. Found in everyday use and most are worth face value unless in uncirculated condition.

• Denver (D) – Similar circulation issue; mintage about 296 million. The same value as for P circulated issue

• San Francisco (S) – Proof and silver proof versions; roughly 700,000 clad proofs (with mirror finish) and 500,000 silver proofs (Struck on .999 silver planchets; limited issue, higher premium)  minted for collector sets only.

Collectors focus on San Francisco issues for their strike quality and silver content, as well as look for unusual coins with some  minting flaws.

Found Mint Errors and How to Identify Them

1. “In God We Rust” (Filled Die Error)

This is a common but popular error caused by grease or debris filling parts of the die. The result is the faint or missing letters “I” and “T” in “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

• Found mostly on Philadelphia strikes.

• Lightly filled versions bring small profit, while strong and visible varieties can reach $100+.

2. Die Breaks and Chips

These are small raised bumps or lines from the old die on the coin surfaces. On this quarter, they appear as:

• Lines extending from the chin or neck (“drooling” effect).

• Bumps near the rim or between letters.

• Small bumps along the edge of the portrait or on the portrait itself. For example, there are known quarters where the bumps look like tears on Anna May Wong's cheeks.

• Common examples sell for $10–$50 depending on size and visibility.

3. Doubled Dies

Result of misaligned die during the minting process, causing duplication of letters or design details.

• Doubling often appears on “LIBERTY,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” or around the eye.

• Strong examples are scarce and can reach $200–$300 when certified.

• Mild doubling adds little value but still draws collector attention.

4. Off-Center Strikes

This error occurs when the blank planchet is not properly centered in the press.

• Slight misalignments (under 5%) are common and low in value.

• Moderate (10–20%) misalignments sell for $100–$300.

• Extreme cases that cut off part of the portrait can reach $500+.

Approximate Market Values

Value depends on preservation, rarity, and appearance. Proof and silver proof coins are still of interest to collectors because of limited minting numbers, clean surfaces and sharp details. Circulation pieces rarely exceed nominal value unless the coin has a minting flaw. To know the approximate volume please refer to the table below.

Top Mistakes Collectors Make When Judging Value

After learning the main facts about the coin, it’s important to see where collectors often go wrong. Small details can change the real price, so knowing these mistakes helps avoid overpaying or undervaluing your Anna May Wong quarter.

1. Believing Every Coin Is Valuable

Many assume every Anna May Wong quarter is rare. But if you see mintage figures, you will know that the U.S. Mint released hundreds of millions of them. Most still circulate and do not reach high values. Only coins in high Mint State grades or with special features are collectible.

Tip: Check the coin’s finish. Proofs and silver proofs have deeper luster and mirror fields. Circulation coins look duller and may show contact marks.

2. Ignoring the Mint Mark

Collectors often skip checking mint marks. Yet, they play an important role in price.

• P and D: Over 500 million total, easily found in circulation, low value.

• S:  Only for collectors; always mirror finish.

• S (Silver Proofs): Limited 40% silver mintage, worth several times face value.

Tip: Always locate the mint mark on the obverse. “S” coins never appeared in general circulation and hold higher collectible appeal.

3. Confusing Damage for Mint Errors

Many overpriced worn coins seem to be unique (especially for beginners) because of circulation wear that can mimic die cracks or doubling. Scratches, dents are also often mistaken for genuine errors. 

Checklist:

• Real die cracks are raised, not cut into the surface.

• Mechanical doubling appears flat and shelf-like.

• Scratches and hits are post-mint and do not increase value.

Tip: Real mint errors are part of the design structure. They show raised or incised lines, not random scratches. So, to divide wear from mistakes use magnification and compare coins you doubt in with some certified examples and reference images before assuming an error.

4. Trusting Inflated Online Values

Many websites show unrealistic prices without proof of sale. Real worth comes from confirmed transactions, not speculative listings. So, follow some tips to check details:

• Use completed auction data, not active listings.

• Compare across platforms like Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, and eBay “Sold” results.

• Focus on certified examples, not ungraded ones.

Online charts are helpful for trends, but they cannot replace actual market guides or other reference sources.

5. Confusing Popularity with Rarity

Remember that cultural meaning is not the same as numismatic scarcity. The Anna May Wong quarter is a widely popular and used commemorative issue. But its popularity comes from design and representation, not rarity.

Tip: Separate sentimental value from collectible value. To determine the last you should focus on physical condition, mint mark, and strike quality.

6. Failing to Verify Details Before Buying or Selling

Buyers often trust sellers’ descriptions without checking data. But you should remember that slight differences in finish or small marks can change the grade — and the price.

Recommendations:

• Use good lighting and magnification before deals.

• Compare weight and parameters to official data.

• Verify with references or identification apps before checking rarity.

Another good idea is to use the Coin ID Scanner app to easily identify coins from photos, record key data, manage sets and track conditions over time.

Collector’s Insight

The Anna May Wong issue is more educational than profitable. It helps collectors learn grading, notice some minting flaws and simply have a nice design. Modern quarters from the American Women series may not yet carry high premiums, but they teach essential principles and  build skills for evaluating future issues.