2022 Dr. Sally Ride Quarter
Modern U.S. quarters are attracting serious attention from collectors — especially the rare 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter featuring a dramatic clashed die error.
This fascinating mint mistake creates a ghost-like image of George Washington behind Dr. Sally Ride, turning an ordinary 25-cent coin into a collectible worth $400 to $600 or more.
As interest in modern mint errors continues rising, this quarter has become one of the most talked-about discoveries in recent years.
🧑🚀 Understanding the 2022 Dr. Sally Ride Quarter Error
The Sally Ride Quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program honoring important historical figures.
However, during production at the United States Mint, a die clash occurred — creating a rare overlapping design.
A die clash happens when minting dies strike each other without a coin blank between them, transferring design elements incorrectly.
This results in visible design distortion.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Identify the Die Clash Error
Carefully inspect both sides of your coin.
🪙 Step 1: Check the Reverse (Dr. Sally Ride Side)
Look for these key signs:
✔ Faint outline of Washington’s face behind Sally Ride
✔ Ghost-like raised lines or distortions
✔ Blurred or warped lettering
✔ Overlapping design elements
These features confirm the die clash effect.
👤 Step 2: Inspect the Obverse (George Washington Side)
The front of the coin typically appears normal.
Check for:
- Clear Washington portrait
- Normal date (2022)
- Visible mintmark
Most clash evidence appears on the reverse.
🔎 Step 3: Check the Mintmark
This error exists on:
- P mintmark (Philadelphia Mint) — rarer and more valuable
- D mintmark (Denver Mint) — more commonly found
Both versions can carry significant collector value.
💰 2024–2025 Value Guide for the Sally Ride Clash Error Quarter
Value depends heavily on how visible the clash is.
| Error Strength | Certified Value | Raw Coin Value |
|---|---|---|
| 💥 Strong Full Clash | $350 – $600+ | $250 – $400 |
| ⚡ Moderate Clash | $150 – $300 | $100 – $200 |
| 🌫 Light Clash | $50 – $125 | $30 – $75 |
📈 Recent confirmed sale: A strong 2022-D example sold for $410 after 77 bids.
🧪 3 Simple Tests to Confirm the Error
Follow these easy verification steps:
1️⃣ Light Reflection Test 💡
Tilt the coin under bright light.
Look for:
- Washington’s nose outline
- Hairline shadows
- Partial face features behind Sally Ride
2️⃣ Magnification Test 🔬
Use a 10× jeweler’s loupe.
Confirm overlapping design elements clearly.
3️⃣ Condition Check 🧼
Higher value coins must have:
- No cleaning
- Minimal wear
- Strong original mint luster
Uncirculated coins bring the highest prices.
📈 Why This Quarter Is Increasing in Value
Several important factors drive collector demand:
🥇 First year of Sally Ride design
🧑🚀 Honors America’s first female astronaut
👁 Highly visible and dramatic error
📊 Increasing collector interest in modern mint errors
📱 Strong demand driven by online collector communities
Modern error coins are becoming a fast-growing area in numismatics.
🪙 Where to Find This Valuable Quarter
You may already have one.
Check:
- Pocket change
- Bank rolls
- Coin jars
- Unsearched quarter rolls
Many valuable examples are still in circulation.
💸 Where to Sell a Verified Error Coin
Best selling platforms include:
- eBay (for raw coins)
- Heritage Auctions (for certified examples)
- Collector communities and coin forums
- Professional coin dealers
Professional grading can increase value significantly.
🧠 Collector Insight: Why This Modern Error Matters
The 2022 Dr. Sally Ride clash error proves that valuable coins are still being discovered today.
Even modern quarters can become valuable when they feature:
✔ Clear mint errors
✔ Strong visual appeal
✔ Excellent preservation
✔ Professional authentication
One small mint mistake can turn pocket change into a valuable collectible.
Always inspect your coins carefully.
📊 Quick Value Summary
- Common example: $30–$100
- Moderate error: $150–$300
- Strong error: $350–$600+
- Certified premium examples: Highest value potential
🔒 Preservation Tip
Never clean the coin.
Cleaning destroys collector value permanently.
Store safely until evaluated by professionals.
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