Let’s be honest — most of us barely glance at our quarters before handing them over at the store. But if you’ve recently noticed one with a glamorous woman resting her chin thoughtfully on her hand, you’ve just found a conversation piece. That’s not just any quarter. That’s Anna May Wong.
More and more people are typing “Anna May Wong quarter worth” into their search bars, trying to figure out if this coin is actually rare — or just beautiful. The answer? It might be both.
What looks like just another shiny piece of change is actually a powerful tribute to a Hollywood trailblazer, a cultural icon, and yes — a potentially collectible coin.
Who Was Anna May Wong — And Why Is She in the U.S. Quarter?
Before Crazy Rich Asians and Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar, there was Anna May Wong — and she paved the way. The U.S. Mint didn’t choose her face for this coin at random. Here is why she absolutely deserved it:
- First Chinese-American movie star in Hollywood
- Starred in over 60 films across America, Europe, and China
- Spoke out publicly against racial stereotyping in the 1930s — and paid a professional price for it
- Refused roles that demanded she play “dragon lady” or caricatured Asians
- In 1951, became the first Asian-American woman to lead a U.S. television series, The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong
Her elegance, sharp intelligence, and fierce independence made her unforgettable on screen — and a figure of courage off-screen. Long before “representation” became a hashtag, she was living it.
Collector’s Insight: Coins that capture underrepresented stories often grow in collector demand. They aren’t just metal — they’re messages.
The 2022 Quarter Design — What Makes It Stand Out?
The Anna May Wong quarter isn’t just a nice gesture — it is a stunning piece of modern design. Released in late 2022 as part of the American Women Quarters Program, the coin is both visually bold and symbolically rich.
Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Description |
| Release Year | 2022 (5th coin in the American Women Quarters series) |
| Program | U.S. Mint’s tribute to women who shaped American history |
| Reverse Design | Anna May Wong resting her chin on her hand, inspired by her iconic 1930s photo |
| Designer (Reverse) | Emily Damstra |
| Obverse Design | George Washington, modernized from the original John Flanagan design |
| Notable Inscriptions | “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “QUARTER DOLLAR”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
Did you know that this is the first U.S. coin ever to feature a real Asian-American woman — and the first to use a close-up portrait of a woman on its reverse. That alone makes it a milestone in U.S. numismatic history.
Not All Anna May Wong Quarters Are Created Equal
So, you’ve found an Anna May Wong quarter and you’re wondering, is this just 25 cents or something more? The answer depends on one key thing: which version you have.
While the design might look the same at first glance, there are actually several varieties of this quarter — and some are far more desirable to collectors than others. Let us explore all nuances in detail.
Look for the Mint Mark
Every U.S. coin is stamped with a small letter indicating where it was made. On the Anna May Wong quarter, the mint mark is located on the obverse (heads side), near George Washington’s ponytail. Here’s what to look for:
- D — Minted in Denver
- P — Minted in Philadelphia
- S — Minted in San Francisco
Most quarters you’ll find in pocket change are from Denver or Philadelphia. These are circulation coins and were made by the millions. But the San Francisco mint strikes mostly proof coins (high-quality pieces for collectors) and uncirculated versions sold in special sets.
Quick tip: If you spot an “S” mint mark, don’t spend it just yet. You may be holding a proof coin, and it could be worth several times more than face value.
What’s the Anna May Wong Quarter Actually Worth?
Let’s talk numbers. While this coin isn’t likely to make you rich overnight, certain versions can be worth keeping — especially if they’re in excellent condition or have errors.
Current Price Ranges (as of 2025)
| Type | Estimated Value |
| P or D in circulation | $0.25 (face value) |
| P or D in MS65 or better | $1–3 |
| S Proof (mirror-like finish) | $5–10 (depending on condition) |
| S Uncirculated | $2–4 |
| Coins with minting errors | $20–100+ (very rare and still emerging) |
Errors might include things like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or die cracks. While these are rare for such a new coin, they do occasionally appear and are highly collectible when confirmed.
Market tip: Coin values change fast. A coin worth $3 today might jump to $15 in a few years — or fall to $1. Stay up to date with auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions to follow real-time prices.
How to Check If Your Coin Is Valuable
Think you’ve got a winner? Here is a simple 3-step guide to help you determine whether your Anna May Wong quarter might be special:
- Examine it in natural light
Hold the coin near a window or under a bright lamp. Look for luster — that fresh “minty” shine. Proof coins often have a mirror-like surface, especially in the background.
- Look for details and errors
Check for sharp details in Anna’s face and hand. Any visible doubling, smudging, or misalignment may point to a mint error.
- Find the mint mark
Spot the tiny letter near Washington’s ponytail. If it’s an “S,” take a closer look — especially if the coin looks extra shiny or perfectly struck.
Smart shortcut: Want to skip the guesswork? Use the Coin ID Scanner app. Just snap a photo of your coin, and the app will identify the type, condition, and even give you an estimated market value based on current sales. It’s a quick way to separate everyday change from potential collectibles.
How to Store Your Quarter — and Why You Should Start Collecting the Whole Set
If you’ve already found an Anna May Wong quarter, congratulations — you’re holding a piece of history. But here’s the question: what now? Do you drop it into your sock drawer and forget about it, or is there a smarter way to handle coins like this?
Let’s start with storage. Whether you’re saving one or building a collection, how you store your coins matters — a lot.
Best Ways to Store Your Coin:
- American Women Quarters Albums
These special coin folders are made specifically for the 2022–2025 series. Each slot is labeled for every woman featured — a satisfying way to track your progress as you collect the set.
- Individual Coin Capsules
If your quarter looks shiny and flawless, protect it. Clear plastic capsules keep air, moisture, and fingerprints away while still letting you admire the details.
But collecting isn’t just about protection — it is also about meaning. The American Women Quarters series isn’t just a coin release. It is a celebration.
Why This Series Is Worth Collecting
- Every coin honors a trailblazing woman from U.S. history — from poets to pilots to civil rights leaders.
- It’s a limited-run program — only 20 women will be featured between 2022 and 2025.
- It’s a perfect entry point for new collectors. No need for rare 18th-century coins — you can find these even in your spare change.
Collector’s tip: Even if you’re not a serious numismatist yet, try to collect all 20 coins in this series. It could be worth significantly more in the future as a full, well-preserved set.
Where to Find and How to Buy or Sell the Anna May Wong Quarter
Now for the real hunt: where can you actually find these quarters — especially the more valuable versions?
Where to look:
- Your own pocket change — Yes, really. Check your coins from grocery stores, coffee shops, or even CoinStar machines.
- ATMs and banks — Ask for rolls of quarters; they often include recent issues.
- U.S. Mint website — You can buy official rolls, bags, or collector sets directly.
- Online platforms — eBay, Etsy, and numismatic auction sites are full of listings, especially for proof and uncirculated versions.
The Quarter that Is Worth Your Attention
The Anna May Wong quarter is more than just loose change — it is a coin with a story: it honors a woman who broke barriers in film and culture, and it stands out in any collection thanks to its bold design and growing interest from collectors. Even if you are not into coins, this one is worth holding on to. It’s easy to find, fun to learn about, and in the right condition, it might even be worth more than you think.
