Bessie Coleman Quarter: Complete Beginner's Collecting Guide

The 25-cent coin released in 2023 featuring Bessie Coleman represents a major event in modern American coin history.

Belonging to the American Women Quarters Program started by the United States Mint for honoring great people, this coin shows Bessie Coleman being the first African American woman and first Native American person receiving an international pilot license.

Appearing on the reverse side in an active pose, Bessie Coleman quarter error offers easy access and many production types to new collectors.

Technical Data and Production

Knowing physical properties and production places allows distinguishing a standard coin from a fake or a rare release.

• Face Value: 0.25 US Dollars 

• Metal Content: Clad copper 

• Weight: 5.67 g

• Diameter: 24.26 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Mint Locations: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)

Searching for Rare Examples

Finding coins having production errors or high quality creates value for a collector. Several effective ways exist for finding Bessie Coleman quarters.

• Checking Bank Rolls. Exchanging paper money for quarter rolls at a bank provides a cheap way for finding coins in Mint State (MS) condition having no damage from circulation.

• Checking Pocket Change. New coins often enter daily life through store registers and laundry machines despite being less common in big cities.

• Buying Unopened Bags. The United States Mint sells bags containing coins directly to collectors. Finding a rare mint error happens more often in these bags because of the lack of previous sorting.

Identification and Grading

The physical condition of a coin changes its market price directly. Collectors use the best coin identifier app ranging from 1 to 70 points.

• Uncirculated Category (MS 60-70). Having never entered circulation, the coin keeps its original shine and shows no visible marks on the design.

• About Uncirculated Category (AU 50-58). Showing small signs of rubbing on the highest design points like the pilot's helmet or letters, these coins remain high quality.

• Extremely Fine Category (EF/XF 40-45). Showing clear details of the airplane and Bessie Coleman's face, these coins lose almost all original shine.

Safe Storage Advice

Metal used for the quarter reacts to the environment around it. Wrong storage lead to oxidation and loss of collector value.

• Use Holders. Cardboard or plastic holders having a clear window protect the surface from finger oil and small scratches.

• Avoid PVC. Buying cheap albums made of soft plastic containing polyvinyl chloride causes problems. Releasing acids over time, PVC creates a sticky green layer on the coin.

• Control Humidity. Keeping the collection in a dry place prevents damage. High moisture causes darkening of the copper center appearing through the coin edge.

• Never Clean Coins. Trying to wash a coin with soap or rubbing it with tools leaves micro-scratches. A cleaned coin loses up to 90% of its numismatic value.

Market Value Expectations

Pricing for these coins depends on rarity and specific mint marks found during searching. Standard coins found in change usually stay at face value.

High Grade Philadelphia and Denver Strikes. Reaching prices between five and twenty dollars for MS 67 grades, these coins need perfect surfaces.

Proof Strikes from San Francisco. Selling for three to ten dollars depending on the set condition, these coins attract buyers wanting shiny mirrors.

Verified Error Coins. Reaching prices over one hundred dollars for large die cracks or off-center strikes, these items remain the most expensive.

Historical Legacy of Bessie Coleman

Honoring a pioneer who broke racial barriers, the design tells a story of bravery. Coleman moved to France for flight training after being refused in the United States.

International Impact. Getting her license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, she inspired many future pilots across the globe.

Educational Efforts. Planning a flight school for African American pilots before her death, her dreams lived on through others.

Cultural Symbolism. Serving as a reminder of equal opportunities, the coin helps people remember her fight for justice in the sky.

Bessie Coleman Design Features

The reverse side designed by Chris Costello contains details needing focus during inspection. Standing in the center, Bessie Coleman wears a helmet and goggles. Showing a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" airplane in the background, the design includes the pilot's name and the date "6.15.1921" marking her license day.

• Check the Area Under the Chin. Ghost-like marks from a die clash often appear in this specific spot.

• Look at the Airplane Edges. Small extra pieces of metal frequently occur in these areas because of the complex wing shape.

• Look at the "PILOTING FOR US" Text. Letters showing a double look suggest machine doubling or a doubled die error.

Tools for Working

Working with Bessie Coleman quarters professionally requires a basic set of tools.

• Free Coin Scanner. Allowing a close look at small design details, this tool helps telling scratches from die cracks.

• Digital Scales. Checking the weight against the 5.67g standard helps finding fakes or coins having chemical changes.

• LED Lamp. Proper lighting used at a 45-degree angle helps finding hidden surface marks.

• Soft Cotton Mat. Handling coins over a soft surface prevents damage during an accidental fall.

Collecting Mindset

New collectors should know that not every coin having a mark has value. Most strange marks represent signs of circulation. Real value exists in confirmed error types recognized by the expert community.

Expecting fast money from coins found in change leads to disappointment. Collecting Bessie Coleman quarters serves as a way for learning aviation history and U.S. minting technology.

Using a systematic way for studying every coin, keeping records of the find location, and comparing pieces with official catalog images allows moving from a beginner to an expert.

The Bessie Coleman coin remains a great choice because of having beauty and technical complexity together.