The 2022-D Dr. Sally Ride Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens or rare mint errors. While most of these coins found in your daily change are only worth their face value, collectors are actively searching for specific versions that command a significant premium.
The Historical Significance of the 2022 D Dr Sally Ride Quarter
The 2022-D Dr. Sally Ride quarter is the second release in the groundbreaking American Women Quarters Program. This initiative by the United States Mint celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of the country. Dr. Sally Ride, a physicist and the first American woman in space, is immortalized on the reverse side of this coin, capturing the moment she looked out the window of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Because these coins are still relatively new, many Americans are finding them in pristine condition. However, if you want to know if yours is a diamond in the rough, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common pocket change find and a collector’s item. When you use tools like CoinHix, you can quickly catalog your finds and track market trends for modern quarters.
The “D” mint mark on this coin indicates it was produced at the Denver Mint. In 2022, the Denver Mint produced over 278 million of these quarters. Despite the high mintage numbers, certain strikes and specific conditions make some of these coins much more valuable than a mere twenty-five cents.
Understanding the Market Value of the Denver Mint Issue
When determining the fair market value of the 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter, condition is the most critical factor. Most quarters you find at the grocery store or in a vending machine will be graded as “Circulated.” In this state, the coin has scratches, lost luster, and visible wear from being passed from hand to hand.
Collectors are primarily interested in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins. A 2022-D quarter that is graded MS67 or higher by a professional service like PCGS or NGC can sell for $50 to $100. If you happen to find a rare MS68 or MS69 specimen, the price can skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars because so few coins survive the high-speed minting process without a single blemish.
If you are unsure of the grade, photographic tools like CoinHix allow you to compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded specimens. This helps everyday people avoid the mistake of spending a high-value coin or overpaying for a common one.
A Quick Reference Value Chart for 2022 D Sally Ride Quarters
To give you a better idea of what your coin might be worth, we have compiled a price guide based on recent auction data and collector demand. Remember that prices fluctuate based on the “eye appeal” of the individual coin.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Pocket Change) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
Valuable Errors to Look for on the Sally Ride Quarter
The real money in modern coin collecting often lies in “Mint Errors.” These are mistakes made during the manufacturing process that the U.S. Mint’s quality control department missed. For the 2022-D Sally Ride quarter, several errors have been reported by the collecting community.
One of the most sought-after errors is the “Cud” or “Die Break” error. This occurs when a piece of the hardened steel die breaks off, leaving a raised blob of silver-colored metal on the surface of the coin. Depending on the size and location of the break, these can sell for anywhere from $20 to $150 on auction sites.
Another error involves “Doubled Die” varieties. While a major doubled die hasn’t been widely publicized for the 2022-D specifically yet, minor doubling on the stars or the text “E PLURIBUS UNUM” can still fetch a premium from niche collectors. Using a magnifying glass or the zoom feature on CoinHix can help you spot these tiny details that are invisible to the naked eye.
Design Details and Identification Tips
The obverse (heads side) of the 2022-D Dr. Sally Ride quarter features a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser. This design was actually intended for the 1932 quarter but was passed over at the time. Its resurgence in 2022 marks a full-circle moment for American numismatics.
The reverse (tails side) features Dr. Sally Ride. You will see her name clearly inscribed, along with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” To identify the mint mark, look at the obverse side of the coin, just below the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto. You will see a small “D” which tells you it was minted in Denver.
If your coin looks exceptionally shiny or has a mirror-like finish, you might actually have an “S” mint mark coin from San Francisco, which is even rarer as those were not intended for general circulation. However, the “D” mint quarters are the ones most likely to land in your pocket, and keeping an eye out for a high-grade “D” is a great way to start a low-cost collection.
FAQ: Common Questions About the 2022 D Dr Sally Ride Quarter
Q: Is the 2022-D Sally Ride quarter made of silver?
A: No, the 2022-D quarters minted for circulation are composed of a copper-nickel clad sandwich (75% copper, 25% nickel). Only special silver proof sets sold directly by the Mint contain actual silver.
Q: How many Sally Ride quarters were made at the Denver Mint?
A: The Denver Mint produced approximately 278,000,000 Dr. Sally Ride quarters in 2022.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2022 Sally Ride quarter?
A: The mint mark “D” is located on the obverse (Washington’s side) to the right, just below the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Q: I found a Sally Ride quarter with a “Ghostly” image, is it an error?
A: It could be a “die clash” or a “grease strike” error. These happen when the dies hit each other without a coin in between or when grease fills the design. Depending on the severity, these can be worth $5 to $50.
