Modern Coinage News: What You Should Know About Bessie Coleman Quarter

Quarter collectors and numismatists have a fresh reason to rejoice: the 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter is more than a tribute—it’s a turning point. Part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, this coin is already turning heads, captivating both hobbyists and historians alike. But what makes it such a powerful piece of modern coinage?

Let’s start where it all began—with the woman whose courage took her above the clouds and beyond boundaries.

Bessie Coleman quarter history.

Why Bessie Coleman Is Honored

Bessie Coleman wasn’t just the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license. She was the first Native American woman to do so as well—and she did it in 1921, a time when racial and gender barriers were deeply entrenched. Barred from flying schools in the U.S., Coleman traveled to France and trained at the Caudron Brothers School of Aviation. On June 15, 1921, she became the first woman of her heritage to hold an international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Coleman didn’t stop there. She performed aerial shows across America, captivating audiences with her skill and advocating for racial equality. She refused to perform at events where segregation was enforced, using her fame to challenge injustice.

The U.S. Mint chose to honor her not just for her pioneering aviation feats but because she symbolizes resilience, aspiration, and empowerment—values that resonate far beyond aviation circles. The 2023 quarter serves as a portable monument to her story, etched into everyday currency and shared with millions.

Key Features of the Bessie Coleman Quarter

The design and technical specifications of this quarter offer a blend of artistry, symbolism, and collectible appeal. Here’s what stands out:

General Details

FeatureValue
Year of Issue2023
ProgramAmerican Women Quarters Program
Mint MarksPhiladelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S – proof only)
EdgeReeded
Diameter24.26 mm
Weight5.67 g (standard clad); varies slightly in silver
Composition91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (standard); 99.9% silver (proof)

Obverse & Reverse Design

  • Obverse (Front): A bold left-facing portrait of George Washington, based on a 1931 design by Laura Gardin Fraser—a pioneering female sculptor.
  • Reverse (Back): Features Bessie Coleman adjusting her flight gear beside a vintage biplane. The scene includes the inscription “BESSIE COLEMAN” and “6.15.1921”, the date of her pilot’s license—a subtle nod to history.

This coin’s layout isn’t just decorative—it’s narrative. The reverse tells a full story in just a few inches of metal: one of flight, determination, and impact.

What Makes This Quarter Valuable?

While the Bessie Coleman quarter is available in circulation, certain versions carry collector value based on mint mark, condition, and proof quality. Let’s explore the current market estimations:

Value Table by Type

Coin TypeTypical Market Value
Circulated “P” or “D”$0.30–$0.40 (slightly over face value)
MS65 “P” or “D”~$20
MS67 “P” or “D”Up to $65 (auction potential)
San Francisco “S” Proof$50–$205 depending on grade and mintage

High-grade coins—especially MS67+ (Mint State)—are where collectors see the most value. San Francisco proof strikes, minted in lower quantities, are the premium prize, especially for those hunting slabs (graded coins in sealed holders).

Why This Quarter Matters Now

The Bessie Coleman quarter isn’t just another commemorative coin. It’s a milestone in American currency—a coin that honors two underrepresented groups in U.S. history in one iconic design. The fact that it circulates in everyday commerce means millions can unknowingly carry a piece of progress in their pocket.

But its significance extends beyond representation. This coin encourages educational conversations, drives awareness of historical figures left out of mainstream narratives, and connects modern numismatics with deeper cultural relevance.

As part of the broader American Women Quarters Program (2022–2025), this release joins other figures like Maya Angelou and Sally Ride, continuing the initiative to honor women who shaped American history.

A woman holds a Bessie Coleman quarter in her hand

A Game-Changer for Modern Collectors

Gone are the days when you had to spend hours browsing thick catalogs or rely on vague forum answers. Coin ID Scanner leverages image recognition and artificial intelligence to provide fast, accurate, and detailed information from a single photo upload. This is particularly valuable for coins like the Bessie Coleman quarter, which may exist in multiple mint versions, finishes, and condition grades.

Let’s take a closer look at the app’s standout features:

Coin Identification by Photo

Just snap a picture—or upload one from your gallery—and let the app do the rest. Within seconds, it identifies the coin and shows you everything from:

  • Minting Years
  • Country of Origin
  • Coin Type and Denomination
  • Edge Type (e.g., reeded)
  • Composition (nickel-clad, silver, copper, etc.)
  • Diameter and Weight
  • Current Market Value

That means no more guessing whether your Bessie Coleman quarter is a high-grade MS67 or a typical circulated version. You get real-time feedback backed by a robust numismatic database.

Your Digital Coin Cabinet: Collection Management

Keeping track of your coins manually—especially as your collection grows—can get chaotic fast. Coin ID Scanner offers built-in collection management, allowing you to:

  • Digitally store images and notes about each coin
  • Record condition and grade estimates
  • Track purchase prices and market trends
  • Create categorized folders for different themes (e.g., American Women Quarters, error coins, silver proofs)

So whether you’re collecting by year, mint mark, or theme, this digital record-keeping helps maintain organization and boosts the resale value of your collection thanks to well-documented provenance.

Powerful Search Options and Premium Smart Filters

With a database of over 187,000+ coins, it’s not just U.S. quarters you can explore. The app includes advanced filters that help you narrow down results by:

Filter TypeExample Use Case
Year of MintingSearch for 2023 quarters only
Material CompositionFilter silver proofs vs. standard clad coins
CountryCompare similar coins across global issues
Coin TypeView only commemorative coins or error coins
Condition (Grade)Sort by MS65+, MS67, or circulated grades

Premium users get access to Smart Filters, making the process even faster—ideal for serious hobbyists and resellers who deal with high-volume or rare finds.

Expert Tips for New Collectors

Even seasoned numismatists can miss opportunities when they overlook the basics. Here’s how to set yourself up for long-term success in today’s dynamic collecting world.

1. Document Everything from Day One

Use digital tools to log your coins as soon as they enter your collection. Apps like Coin ID Scanner allow you to:

  • Capture high-quality images
  • Save detailed info (grade, mint mark, year)
  • Track market value over time

This becomes vital if you ever sell, trade, or insure your collection.

2. Learn the Grading Scale

Understanding the Sheldon grading scale (ranging from Poor-1 to Mint State-70) is essential. Coins graded MS65 and above—like the higher-end Bessie Coleman quarters—can dramatically increase in value at auction.

GradeDescriptionTypical Market Impact
MS60–MS64Basic uncirculated coinSlight premium
MS65Gem uncirculatedCollectible grade
MS67+Superb strike, near-perfectHigh-value at auction

Use AI-powered apps to visually assess grade and compare with official references from PCGS or NGC.

3. Spot the Errors

Mint errors on modern coins can be rare, but they’re highly desirable. Look for:

  • Double dies
  • Misaligned strikes
  • Off-center images
  • Die cracks

These errors are often hard to detect with the naked eye. Coin ID Scanner can help flag irregularities when standard features don’t align with database norms.

4. Focus on Themes or Series

The American Women Quarters Program is an excellent theme for modern collectors. Running from 2022–2025, it features five unique designs per year, honoring icons across fields like aviation, civil rights, science, and the arts.

Creating a full set—including proofs and high-grade variants—gives your collection structure and historical weight.

5. Stay Informed and Connected

Follow U.S. Mint announcements, join online forums, and engage with fellow collectors on social media. Many new releases are snapped up quickly, and insider knowledge is often the key to first-access and limited editions.

More Than Money: What the Bessie Coleman Quarter Represents

This coin isn’t just a tool for transaction—it’s a statement of values.

Bessie Coleman’s story is one of grit, innovation, and defiance of societal limits. Commemorating her on U.S. currency signals a shift in whose stories get told and celebrated. By collecting this quarter, you aren’t just acquiring metal—you’re participating in a wider conversation about history, inclusion, and visibility.

For educators, this coin is a teaching opportunity. For parents, a way to introduce kids to unsung heroes. For collectors, a reminder that numismatics isn’t just about rarity—it’s about meaning.

Final Thoughts: From Pocket Change to Passion

Whether you found the Bessie Coleman quarter in your change or purchased it from a certified dealer, it’s a valuable addition to your collection—in sentiment, symbolism, and potential resale.

With tools like Coin ID Scanner, even newcomers can identify what they hold, manage their growing collection, and uncover hidden gems they might have overlooked. It transforms a casual hobby into a data-driven, enriching pursuit.

So, don’t wait.

  • Download your tools
  • Scan your quarters
  • Log your finds
  • Share your knowledge

Because modern coinage isn’t just about what’s minted—it’s about what it represents.

Bonus Tip: Start your American Women Quarters checklist now. The Bessie Coleman quarter may just be the beginning of a collection that defines your numismatic journey.

✦ Honor history.
✦ Embrace technology.
✦ Collect with purpose.

Modern coinage, redefined—one quarter at a time.