The 2022-P Sally Ride American Women Quarter is more than just a commemorative coin—it’s a symbol of women’s remarkable achievements in history. As part of the American Women Quarters Program, this coin honors Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman to go to space.
The coin was officially released on March 22, 2022, as part of a 20-coin series celebrating significant American women. In this guide, we will explore the design, value, and market demand of the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter, offering key insights for collectors.
Who Was Sally Ride and Why Is She Featured on the Quarter?
Dr. Sally Ride made history as the first American woman to orbit Earth, marking a monumental achievement in space exploration. Her groundbreaking mission on June 18, 1983, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, was a pivotal moment in the history of American science and space exploration.
Ride’s life was dedicated to encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Following her career at NASA, she became an advocate for education and a strong proponent of STEM programs for women.
The 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s effort to celebrate the contributions of influential American women, with Ride being one of the most significant trailblazers in space history.
Design and Features of the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter
The 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter showcases an inspiring design, celebrating Ride’s contributions to science and space exploration.
Obverse Design
The common obverse design of the American Women Quarters Program features a right-facing portrait of George Washington, originally sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser. This design has become iconic and is used for all quarters in the program.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the Sally Ride Quarter depicts Dr. Sally Ride in her NASA flight suit, standing in front of a port window with a view of Earth’s Western Hemisphere.
The coin includes the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is also included, symbolizing unity.
The reverse design was crafted by Elana Hagler, a prominent artist in the Artistic Infusion Program, while the sculpt was executed by Phebe Hemphill.
Market Data: Demand and Pricing for the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter
Since its release, the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter has attracted significant attention from coin collectors. Here’s a breakdown of the current market data:
| Certification | Grading (as of Dec 2024) | Market Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| NGC | MS66: 1,093, MS67: 661 | $5 – $30 (depending on condition) |
| PCGS | MS66: 488, MS67: 245 | $5 – $30 |
| Top Pop | MS69 (NGC), MS68 (PCGS) | $50+ (rare specimens) |
Raw coins on platforms like eBay typically sell between $1 and $2.50, but error variants and higher-grade specimens can significantly exceed those figures.
Rare Variants and Errors
Just like any coin series, error coins and rare variants are highly valued. Common errors for the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter include:
- Double Dies: Multiple impressions of the design elements.
- Misalignments: Incomplete or skewed designs due to improper minting.
- Minting Anomalies: Uneven edges or overstrikes, which are unique to the coin.
These types of minting errors make specific coins incredibly rare and valuable. Collectors often pay a premium for these rare errors.
How to Buy or Sell the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter
If you’re looking to buy or sell the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter, there are several options available:
- Online Platforms: Websites like eBay and Heritage Auctions offer marketplaces where buyers and sellers can connect.
- Professional Grading Services: Consider submitting your coins for grading by services like PCGS or NGC to increase their marketability.
- Coin Shows and Dealers: Attend local coin shows or consult with reputable dealers for buying or selling.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Minting | 2022 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents USD) |
| Mintmark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 275,200,000 coins |
| Alloy | 0.750 copper, 0.250 nickel (outer layers), pure copper inner core |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse Designer | Elana Hagler (design), Phebe Hemphill (sculpt) |
| Mint Quality | Business Strike |
The 2022-P Sally Ride American Women Quarter is more than just a piece of currency—it’s a collector’s treasure. With its unique design, historical significance, and the potential for rare minting errors, this coin continues to captivate the numismatic world.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, the Sally Ride Quarter offers a valuable addition to any collection. Stay informed about its market trends and rare variants to maximize its potential worth.
Why is the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter valuable?
The 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter is valuable because it commemorates Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. It is part of the American Women Quarters Program, which has garnered attention from collectors due to its historic significance.
How can I identify a rare 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter?
Look for minting errors like double dies or misalignments. Additionally, higher-grade coins (such as MS68 or MS69) are rare and more valuable.
Where can I buy the 2022-P Sally Ride Quarter?
You can buy 2022-P Sally Ride Quarters from eBay, Heritage Auctions, or through reputable coin dealers and coin shows.
