The 2022 Sally Ride quarter, the fifth and final release in the American Women Quarters Program, honors the legacy of the first American woman to travel to space. Here’s everything you need to know about its worth, history, and significance.
Collectors’ Value
The 2022 Sally Ride quarter is a popular collectible among numismatists and history enthusiasts. Its value varies depending on its condition and mint location.
- Uncirculated: Uncirculated coins are in mint condition, showing no signs of wear. They are typically worth between $10 and $15 each.
- Proof: Proof coins are specially struck with a mirror-like finish. They are usually more valuable than uncirculated coins, ranging from $20 to $30 each.
- Mint Location: The mint location is indicated by a letter on the coin’s reverse. Quarters minted at the Philadelphia Mint (P), Denver Mint (D), or San Francisco Mint (S) have different values. Coins minted in San Francisco are generally more valuable, especially proof coins.
Market Trends
The 2022 Sally Ride quarter has seen a steady increase in value since its release. According to Coin World, the average price of an uncirculated coin has climbed from $5 in 2022 to $12 in 2023. Proof coins have also appreciated in value, with the average price rising from $15 to $25 over the same period.
Historical Significance
Sally Ride was a pioneer in space exploration. In 1983, she became the first American woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Her mission paved the way for future female astronauts and helped to inspire generations of young people.
The 2022 Sally Ride quarter is a fitting tribute to her legacy. It is a reminder of the courage, determination, and innovation that made her a trailblazer in science and space exploration.
Technical Specifications
The 2022 Sally Ride quarter is a 25-cent piece struck in a copper-nickel clad composition. It weighs 5.67 grams and measures 24.26 millimeters in diameter.
The obverse of the coin features the George Washington portrait designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. The reverse depicts Sally Ride in her spacesuit, with an inscription honoring her historic mission.
Design Inspiration
The design of the 2022 Sally Ride quarter was inspired by a photograph taken during her first spaceflight. The image shows Ride with her helmet visor raised and a bright star in the background.
The star is a symbol of hope and inspiration, and it represents Ride’s role as a pioneer for future generations. The background also features an orbiting Earth, a nod to Ride’s groundbreaking space journey.
Table 1: 2022 Sally Ride Quarter Value by Mint Location and Condition
| Condition | Philadelphia Mint (P) | Denver Mint (D) | San Francisco Mint (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated | $10-$15 | $10-$15 | $12-$17 |
| Proof | $20-$30 | $20-$30 | $25-$35 |
Table 2: American Women Quarters Program Release Schedule
| Year | Honoree | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Maya Angelou | January 10 |
| 2022 | Sally Ride | March 14 |
| 2022 | Wilma Mankiller | June 13 |
| 2022 | Nina Otero-Warren | October 18 |
| 2022 | Elizabeth Freeman | November 14 |
Table 3: Sally Ride’s Accomplishments
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| First American woman in space | 1983 |
| First woman to use the Space Shuttle’s robotic arm | 1984 |
| Conducted two spacewalks | 1984 |
| Served on the President’s Commission on Space | 1985-1986 |
| Founded Sally Ride Science | 2001 |
Table 4: Space Shuttle Missions with Sally Ride
| Mission | Launch Date |
|---|---|
| STS-7 | June 18, 1983 |
| STS-41-G | October 5, 1984 |
Tips for Finding and Collecting 2022 Sally Ride Quarters
- Check your change for uncirculated coins.
- Visit local coin shops and online dealers.
- Attend coin shows and auctions.
- Join coin collecting clubs and forums.
- Look for special mint sets and proof sets.
Conclusion
The 2022 Sally Ride quarter is a valuable collectible with historical significance. Its value is likely to continue to appreciate over time. Whether you are a collector, a space enthusiast, or simply someone who admires the achievements of Sally Ride, this quarter is a great addition to your collection.