Top Grading Tips for Maya Angelou quarters: Should You Slab It or Not?

.When it comes to modern coin collecting, not every new release is worth special attention. But every so often, a coin comes along that feels different both in meaning and in market appeal. One of the most talked-about recent issues is the Maya Angelou quarter, the first coin in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program.

This quarter is more than a simple tribute to an American icon but a piece that many collectors are starting to view as a potential long-term addition to their collections. But does that mean it’s worth sending in for grading? Well, actually, before you decide to grade or not to grade, you need to check what makes this coin unique, how to identify its different versions, and what characteristics can influence its value. So, let us consider all these details right now.

Maya Angelou quarter Overview: Design, History, and Types

The Maya Angelou quarter was released in 2022 as the first coin in the American Women Quarters Program, a multi-year series honoring trailblazing women in U.S. history. This alone makes it historically significant  but there is something more to appreciate.

The reverse design of the piece was suggested by artist Emily Damstra and shows an uplifting image of Maya Angelou with her arms outstretched. A bird in flight and bright sun rays surround her (a symbol of her creativity and spirit). The design is complemented by the inscriptions:

• “United States of America”

• “Quarter Dollar”

• “E Pluribus Unum”

• “Maya Angelou”

On the obverse you will find a portrait of George Washington  but not the one most people expect. This design is based on a 1932 sculpture by Laura Gardin Fraser, finally used on U.S. coinage after nearly 90 years.

Fun fact: This was Fraser’s original design submitted for the 1932 Washington quarter, but it was overlooked in favor of a male sculptor’s work. Now, her portrait finally gets its due.

There are several versions of the Maya Angelou quarter, and each one matters:

• Circulation strike: minted for everyday use, from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D)

• Proof: mirror-like finish from San Francisco (S)

• Silver Proof: also from San Francisco, but struck on a 99.9% silver planchet

• Uncirculated collector-grade: found in Mint Sets, often in higher quality than standard circulation coins

Tip: Quarters with the “S” mintmark are typically Proof coins — these have a much better chance of earning high grades if submitted (especially when unhandled and still in Mint packaging).

Collector hack: Want to quickly tell which version of the quarter you’re holding? Use a tool like Coin ID Scanner. It helps identify your coin type, mint mark, coin composition and even gives a quick estimate of potential value — especially useful when you're unsure if a coin came from circulation, a proof set, or a special issue.

What Affects the Value of a Maya Angelou quarter?

Not every coin from 2022 is worth more than face value and is also true for the Maya Angelou quarter. With over 300 million circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver combined, regular P and D quarters are currently quite common.

However, there are specific factors that can increase a coin’s value:

• Perfect condition: Coins graded MS or PF70 (Mint State or Proof) are the highest possible and often command premiums.

• Minting errors: These include off-center strikes, doubled dies, and die chips, and they can make even common coins highly sought after.

• Proof and Silver Proof versions: Limited in number and not released into circulation, these are naturally more collectible.

• Uncirculated Mint Set coins: Though they may look like ordinary quarters, they often come in higher quality finishes.

Tip: If you want your quarters to stay in top condition, store them in coin capsules or 2x2 holders. Even minor scratches from handling can significantly lower a coin’s grade — and thus its value.

Interesting fact: Even though this is a modern coin, collectors have already discovered minor die variations and striking errors. Keeping an eye on numismatic forums and error coin communities can help you stay ahead of the curve if new varieties are identified.

Coin Grading: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Coin grading is one of the things that seems intimidating at first but actually plays a big role in the world of collecting. In short, grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s condition based on a professional set of standards. It is performed by respected third-party grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

Once a coin is graded, it is sealed in a tamper-proof plastic holder, commonly called a slab, along with a label that certifies its grade, mint, and other key details. This not only protects the coin but also increases confidence for buyers, especially in resale or auction scenarios.

Grading becomes especially important when you want to:

• Sell the coin and ensure fair value

• Pass it down as part of a collection or inheritance

• Invest in coins with long-term value

• Confirm authenticity, especially with rare errors or special releases

Understanding the Grading Scale

At first glance, the coin grading scale may seem overly technical, but it is actually quite logical once you break it down. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale, with 70 representing a flawless, perfect specimen. This system helps collectors and dealers evaluate the condition — and therefore potential value — of a coin.

There are two primary grading categories that apply to the Maya Angelou quarter, depending on how the coin was struck:

Important to know: Even when a circulation-strike Maya Angelou quarter reaches MS70, it might not carry significant market value unless it’s part of a very low population in that grade or has a notable mint error. High grade alone doesn’t guarantee a high price, especially if it goes about modern coins produced in large quantities.

Tip for collectors: If your coin has visible scratches, dark spots, or signs of wear — even if it is uncirculated — grading is probably not worth the investment. These flaws will drop the coin’s grade and make it unlikely to appreciate in value.

Should You Grade Your Maya Angelou Quarter?

Grading a coin isn’t always the right move — it depends on the type, condition, and potential market value. Here is  a closer overview at which versions of the Maya Angelou quarter might be worth submitting to a grading service, and why.

Circulation Strike (P and D Mintmarks)

These are the most common versions of the Maya Angelou quarter and were released into general circulation.

• Grade it: only if the coin appears absolutely flawless and could potentially reach MS67 or higher. These high grades are harder to find in coins that weren’t specially handled.

• Don’t grade it: if there are visible nicks, dull surfaces, or handling marks — all of which are typical for coins that came from change or rolls.

Proof and Silver Proof Versions (S Mintmark)

Proof coins are struck with exceptional detail and a mirror-like finish.

• Grade it: if it’s still in original packaging, untouched, and looks pristine. PF70 Proofs — especially silver versions — tend to hold more collector value and are more likely to justify the grading cost.

Error Coins

Coins with verified minting errors, such as doubled dies, die breaks, or off-center strikes, are in a category of their own.

• Grade it: if the error is confirmed and significant, grading can add credibility and increase resale potential.

• Be cautious: not all odd-looking coins are real errors. It’s best to consult a trusted dealer or reference guide before paying for certification.

Uncirculated Coins from Mint Sets

These coins haven’t been used in circulation and may show better overall quality.

• Evaluate case by case: some may be strong candidates for grading if they exhibit exceptional luster and no visible flaws. Others, while attractive, might not reach the grades needed to make certification worthwhile.

Final thought: Professional grading usually costs between $20 and $50 (not including shipping or membership fees required by services like PCGS or NGC). Thus, before submitting a coin, do some research — look at recent auction results or price guides to see if your coin, at the grade you expect, has a market value that justifies the grading cost. In many cases, holding off makes more sense than sending in a common coin with limited upside.

How to Evaluate Your Coin’s Grade Potential at Home

Before spending money on professional grading, it’s worth taking a close look at your Maya Angelou quarter to assess if it stands a real chance of getting a top grade. Fortunately, even without professional tools, you can do a pretty decent job at home with just a few basics.

You can start by examining the coin under strong, indirect lighting — natural daylight or a high-quality LED desk lamp works best. Pair that with a 10x magnifying loupe, which is the industry standard for spotting flaws that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Here is what you don’t want to see on your coin:

• Scratches or contact marks, especially on the high points of the design

• Discoloration or spotting, including dark or milky patches

• Nicks or edge dings, which are common in circulation-strike coins

Even the smallest blemishes can drop a coin’s grade from a potential 70 to the mid-60s — and that can mean the difference between a valuable collectible and a nice pocket piece.

Next, try comparing your coin to certified examples online. Reputable grading services like PCGS and NGC host photo databases of previously graded coins. Look at examples graded MS67–MS70 or PF69–PF70, depending on your coin type, and see how yours stacks up in terms of strike quality, luster, and flawlessness.

Pro tip: Use Coin ID Scanner to identify the type of quarter you have and get quick insight into its possible value. The app can be useful especially for beginners who aren’t sure whether they are holding a common version or something worth a second look.

Invest or Think again?

The Maya Angelou quarter is more than just a nice design — it is part of a growing, collectible series. If you’ve got a flawless proof or a sharp circulation strike, grading might be worth it. But don’t rush — check the condition, compare with certified examples, and use tools like Coin ID Scanner to make a smart call. Not every coin needs a slab, but the right one just might shine in it.