The 2023 Washington Quarters — part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program — represent both a modern tribute to remarkable women in American history and an exciting opportunity for coin collectors. In this SEO-optimized guide, you’ll discover design elements, mintage details, value ranges for different conditions, and collector tips to spot rare and error examples.
Overview of the 2023 Washington Quarters
Unlike traditional quarters with a standard eagle reverse, the 2023 quarters feature a refreshed obverse with Laura Gardin Fraser’s portrait of George Washington — a design originally submitted in 1931 but unused until the American Women Quarters Program. Each reverse celebrates an influential American woman
- Bessie Coleman – Aviation pioneer
- Edith Kanaka’ole – Cultural preservationist
- Eleanor Roosevelt – Human rights advocate
- Jovita Idar – Journalist and activist
- Maria Tallchief – Renowned ballerina
Design Elements
Obverse (Front) Features
The obverse across all 2023 issues showcases the Fraser portrait of Washington with:
- LIBERTY arcing above the bust
- IN GOD WE TRUST left of Washington
- Date and mint mark (P, D, or S) below the bust
This modern rendition offers enhanced detail and a nod to historical design evolution.
Reverse (Back) Features
Each 2023 quarter’s reverse tells a story of its honoree. Designs incorporate meaningful symbolism relevant to each woman’s legacy. Mintage & Mint Marks
The 2023 quarters were minted at the following U.S. Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia (P) Mint
- Denver (D) Mint
- San Francisco (S) Proof
Each mint produces slightly different mintages and collector appeal, with San Francisco proof coins typically commanding higher collector premiums.
2023 Quarter Values by Condition
| Coin Type | Circulated | Uncirculated | Proof / MS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 P, D, or S Standard Issues | ~$0.25 face value | $1–$25+ | $15–$100+ depending on grade |
| High-Grade (MS67, PF70) | N/A | $50–$1,500+ for some rare certified examples | Silver Proof sets: ~$400–$500+ (Top grades) |
Values vary significantly based on certification, grade, and mint mark. Premium markets exist for perfect MS68 and PF70 specimens. Collector Insights & Tips
Grading Matters
Certified coins graded by PCGS or NGC at high grades (MS68, PF70 DCAM) can see exponential value increases. Expert grading can unlock tier-one collector demand.
Error Varieties
Modern 2023 quarters may exhibit interesting error types that add value, such as:
- Die chips or “cuds” — raised metal spots from die wear
- Misprinted text variants (e.g., missing or distorted letters)
- Misaligned strikes or broadstrikes
Some error coins can fetch between $20 and $250+ at auction depending on rarity and clarity.
Storage & Preservation
Keep valuable specimens in inert holders, away from moisture and oxygen, to preserve strike detail and prevent surface damage.
Conclusion
The 2023 Washington Quarters combine historical artistry with modern collector appeal. While regular circulated pieces remain face-value coins, the most desirable uncirculated and proof coins — especially in high grades or with notable errors — offer real numismatic value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding design nuances, mint marks, and grading will help you spot treasures and build a smart collection.