2023-S Bessie Coleman Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Rare?
The 2023-S Bessie Coleman Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $50 for high-grade silver proof specimens. This coin honors the first African American and Native American woman pilot, making it a favorite among history buffs and modern coin collectors alike.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (P or D Mint) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| S-Mint Proof (Clad) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| S-Mint Proof (Silver) | $25.00 – $55.00 |
Understanding the 2023-S Bessie Coleman Quarter Value
While you might find a standard 2023 quarter in your pocket change, the “S” mint mark versions are a different story. If you aren’t sure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to quickly spot the mint mark under the “In God We Trust” motto. The San Francisco (S) Mint primarily produced these coins for collectors in “Proof” finishes, rather than for general circulation.
The value of the 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter depends largely on its metal composition. The U.S. Mint released two versions with the “S” mark: a copper-nickel clad version and a 99.9% fine silver version. If yours is silver, it carries an inherent melt value plus a collector premium. For those curious about the broader market, checking a 2023 quarter value guide can provide context on how this specific design stacks up against others in the series.
To get the most accurate price, many users turn to CoinKnow. This app helps you categorize your coins and stay updated on the latest auction realizations. Since proof coins are struck with special polished dies, their mirrors-like finish makes them highly desirable.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | Common |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | Common |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Only | Scarce (Collector Only) |
Determining the Grade of Your Bessie Coleman Quarter
Condition is the single most important factor when determining the 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter value. Because “S” mint coins were sold in protective plastic packaging, many remain in pristine condition. However, if a coin is removed from its case and handled, it could develop scratches known as “hairlines.”
A coin graded PR70 (Proof 70) is considered perfect and can fetch a significant premium. Even a tiny fingerprint or a faint scratch can drop the grade to PR69 or PR68, lowering the price by 50% or more. If you find a Bessie Coleman quarter without a mint mark (Philadelphia) or with a “D” (Denver) in your change, it is likely only worth its face value of 25 cents unless it is in “Mint State.”
For everyday Americans, identifying the difference between a high-grade and low-grade coin can be tricky. Using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin against professional images, helping you decide if it is worth the cost of professional grading.
Silver vs. Clad: Which 2023-S Quarter Do You Have?
The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarters. The “Clad” version is made of the same copper and nickel found in standard quarters. These were sold in the 2023 Proof Set. These are attractive but generally common among collectors.
The “Silver” version is much more valuable. It is part of the 2023 Silver Proof Set and consists of 99.9% pure silver. You can identify it by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without a copper stripe, you likely have the silver version.
The silver content alone makes these more valuable than face value, but the “Brave Bessie” design adds historical significance that keeps demand high. Always check the weight if you are uncertain; a silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
| Composition | Weight | Current Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 5.67g | $3.00 – $12.00 |
| 99.9% Fine Silver | 6.25g | $25.00 – $60.00 |
The Symbolism Behind the Bessie Coleman Design
The 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter value isn’t just about the metal; it’s about the heritage. The reverse design features Bessie Coleman as she prepares for flight. Look for the expression on her face, which depicts her determination. Coleman had to travel to France to get her pilot’s license because no flight school in the U.S. would admit an African American woman at the time.
The design also includes her plane (the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”) and the inscription “6.15.1921,” the date she earned her international pilot’s license. Because this is part of the American Women Quarters Program, it has brought many new collectors into the hobby.
Whenever a coin becomes a “hot topic,” the market value can fluctuate. If you are tracking your collection’s worth, CoinKnow offers real-time updates so you don’t miss a spike in interest. These modern commemoratives are a great way to start a collection that could appreciate over the next decade.
Errors and Varieties to Look For
Even though modern minting processes are highly efficient, errors still occur. A 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter error can be worth hundreds of dollars. Look for “Double Dies,” which appear as doubling on the letters or the lines of the airplane.
Another common modern error is the “Die Crack.” Because these quarters were struck millions of times, the metal dies used to stamp them can break. If you see a raised line of metal that shouldn’t be there, particularly near the edges or Coleman’s flight suit, you might have a valuable error.
If you suspect you have found a mistake, don’t clean the coin! Cleaning a coin reduces its value to a collector. Instead, take a high-quality photo and use a tool like CoinKnow to identify the specific error type.
| Potential Error | What to Look For | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | Doubling in the text “QUARTER DOLLAR” | $50 – $150 |
| Clad Layer Missing | One side is bright copper red | $100+ |
| Die Chips | Small bumps of extra metal | $5 – $20 |
How to Sell Your 2023 Bessie Coleman Quarters
If you discover that your 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter value is higher than you expected, you might want to sell it. For common clad versions, local coin shops are a good start, though they may only pay a small premium over face value unless the coin is in a certified slab.
For silver proof versions or high-grade specimens, online marketplaces like eBay or specialized auction houses are better options. When selling online, clear photos of the “S” mint mark and the edge of the coin are essential to prove it is the silver version.
Remember that “raw” (unauthenticated) coins usually sell for less than those graded by PCGS or NGC. If your coin looks perfect, it may be worth spending the money to have it professionally graded before selling.
FAQ
Q: Why is there an “S” on my Bessie Coleman quarter?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint marks, coins with an “S” are usually proofs made specifically for collectors and are not meant for general spending.
Q: Is the 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter made of real silver?
A: Only the specific “Silver Proof” versions are made of 99.9% silver. Most quarters you find in circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition and are not silver.
Q: How many Bessie Coleman quarters were made?
A: While hundreds of millions of Philadelphia and Denver quarters were minted, the San Francisco “S” mint versions are much limited, with only a few hundred thousand of each type (clad and silver) produced for sets.
Q: Can I find a 2023-S Bessie Coleman quarter in my change?
A: It is very rare but possible. Sometimes collectors or their heirs accidentally spend proof coins. If you find one, it is likely “impaired” (scratched), but it is still a cool find worth more than 25 cents!
