Anna May Wong Quarter — the First U.S. Coin to Honor an Asian American Actress

The Anna May Wong quarter was issued in 2022 as the part of the American Women Quarters program to celebrate outstanding women in U.S. history.  This quarter is the first piece dedicated to an Asian American actress and her influence on early Hollywood and film culture in U.S. minting history.

Anna May Wong Quarter Overview

The Anna May Wong coin closed the first year of the American Women Quarters program, which runs from 2022 through 2025. Each year the Mint issued five designs, each showing a woman who made a strong contribution to art, science, civil rights, education, or public service. 

Key Characteristics of the Coin

Design and Symbolism

Obverse: The standard portrait of George Washington created by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser. This design was first offered in 1932 and later adopted for this modern series. It shows Washington’s portrait looking left, which is used for all coins from the American Women Quarters program.

Reverse: The reverse shows Anna May Wong in an expressive pose: her chin is resting on her hand, she is surrounded by theater spotlights (the design is created by Emily Damstra and engraved by John P. McGraw).

Inscriptions: The coin bears the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, QUARTER DOLLAR, and ANNA MAY WONG.

Meaning: The design pays tribute to Hollywood’s first Asian American star and hints at broader cultural diversity in American history.

Mintage and Varieties

As you see, the coin was issued in three mints: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. The Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced coins for everyday use, while the San Francisco Mint struck Proof and Silver Proof versions for collectors and special sets only.

Proof coins are known for their mirror-like surfaces and frosted details, which are the result of multiple strikes on polished planchets. Silver Proofs were made of .999 fine silver and included in the official U.S. Mint Silver Proof Sets.

Market Value of this 2022 Quarter

And while the design of the coin tells the story, its value tells the market’s view. Well, is this quarter worth anything, and does it have any collector's interest? As you know, the coins' worth  always depends on some factors, which you should always check. Let us see them first.

Factors, affecting the coin’s worth:

• Condition: Coins with original shine, no scratches, and a strong strike are worth more.

• Strike type: Proof and Silver Proof versions always sell at higher prices than regular circulation coins.

• Rarity: Proof issues have smaller mintages, which keeps collector interest steady.

• Mint errors: Verified errors add scarcity and make some pieces more desirable.

• Collector demand: Values could rise once the American Women Quarters program finishes in 2025, as many collectors will want to collect full sets.

Estimated Market Prices

These are average prices as of recent years. Circulation coins usually trade for modest sums, while high-grade Proofs and Silver Proofs remain popular among collectors. But remember that prices may change with time, so always check details before buying or selling.

Collectible and Long-Term Appeal

The Anna May Wong quarter attracts the attention of a wide range of people. Circulation pieces are easy to find, i.e., they are a good choice to start with. Proof and Silver Proof versions are better for collectors, who gather full and higher-quality sets.

In general, coin prices stay moderate. But with time, the coin's cultural significance and its status as part of the first year of the series may help it retain its value. Complete sets, including both plated and silver versions, are also likely to be in demand after 2025.

Mint Errors and Varieties (Officially Confirmed)

Even with modern technology, mistakes still happen during minting. Some of these errors add interest and value. Here you can see some of the confirmed errors found on this quarter:

• “In Cod We Trust” Error: The letter “G” in IN GOD WE TRUST looks like a “C.” This happens when dirt or grease gets on the die.

• Die Cracks: Thin raised lines that appear when a die starts to wear or crack.

• Die Chips: Small extra bumps of metal near letters, stars, or in other design areas.

• Double Die: Doubling of letters or numbers caused by misalignment during hubbing.

• Off-Center Strike: The design is not centered because the blank moved slightly during striking. 

Confirmed Examples for the Anna May Wong Quarter

Take, for example, the 2022-P “In COD We Trust” Error. This variety shows a malformed “G” resembling a “C” in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.  Now the coin with the same error is listed on eBay for around $100.

The second interesting example is 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter with teardrops error (i.e. die chip on the portrait). This is an unusual defect where two small raised metal spots appear below the actress’s eye, giving the impression of “tears” on her cheek. This error specimen is also listed on eBay now for  about $200.

Both versions are real errors confirmed by the collector community. They show how small imperfections can turn an ordinary circulation coin into a worthy collectible.

FAQ

Beyond the Design — The Real Significance

The coin with the image of Anna May Wong stands out both for its design and significance, although it is unlikely to become a valuable investment. Regular issues are easy to collect, while proof coins and well-known errors make the series more interesting.

If you want to quickly understand the nuances, e.g., identify a coin, its main characteristics, check market prices, or quickly systematize and identify your finds — try the Coin ID Scanner  app. With it you can quickly identify coins from a photo, show check details, including value, and even manage your digital collection.

With the app you can see that this coin will not bring you a large profit, but it can still complement your collection because of its historical value. The Anna May Wong quarter is a symbol of changes in the design and a reminder about the people who shaped its history.