As the second release in the pioneering American Women Quarters series, the 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter is an essential addition for collectors. This coin not only celebrates the historic achievements of the first American woman in space but also offers exciting numismatic opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll navigate the technical details, mintage figures, values, rarities and enduring significance of the Dr. Sally Ride quarter. Strap in and prepare for liftoff into an interstellar numismatic journey.
Dr. Sally Ride: Biographical Highlights
Before diving into the coin itself, let‘s pay tribute to the trailblazing woman it honors. Dr. Sally Kristen Ride was born May 26, 1951 in Encino, California. A brilliant student and talented athlete, Ride earned bachelor‘s degrees in physics and English, a master‘s in physics, and a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Stanford University.
In 1977, Ride beat out 1000 other applicants to join NASA as part of the first astronaut class to include women. On June 18, 1983, she made history as the first American woman in space, crewing the Space Shuttle Challenger STS-7 mission. Ride spent 147 hours in space, operating a robotic arm to deploy and retrieve satellites.
Ride returned to space in 1984 on the Challenger STS-41-G mission, logging 343 total hours across her two flights. After retiring from NASA in 1987, Ride became a physics professor and an influential advocate for science education, especially for girls. She co-wrote seven science books for children and co-founded Sally Ride Science to inspire young students.
Dr. Ride‘s other accolades include induction into the National Women‘s Hall of Fame, Astronaut Hall of Fame, and Aviation Hall of Fame. She received the NASA Space Flight Medal and Jefferson Award for Public Service. Ride served on the commissions that investigated the Challenger and Columbia shuttle accidents. Her groundbreaking NASA career opened doors for future women astronauts and her educational legacy continues to inspire new generations in STEM.
American Women Quarters Program Overview
The Sally Ride quarter is part of the larger American Women Quarters Program, authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. From 2022 through 2025, the U.S. Mint will issue five quarters each year featuring reverse designs that honor the accomplishments and contributions of trailblazing American women.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen selects the honorees following consultation with the Smithsonian Institution‘s American Women‘s History Initiative, National Women‘s History Museum, and Congressional Bipartisan Women‘s Caucus. In 2022, the first cohort included:
- Maya Angelou – celebrated writer, performer and civil rights activist
- Dr. Sally Ride – first American woman in space
- Wilma Mankiller – first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
- Nina Otero-Warren – leader in New Mexico‘s suffrage movement and first female superintendent of Santa Fe public schools
- Anna May Wong – first Chinese American film star in Hollywood
Honorees for future years include pilot Bessie Coleman, Mexican American journalist Jovita Idár, heiress and preservationist Edith Kanakaʻole, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and prima ballerina Maria Tallchief.
The American Women Quarters Program marks the first time in history that a series of circulating quarters will feature women. The multi-year program aims to amplify women‘s voices and spark curiosity to learn more about their historic contributions.
2022 Dr. Sally Ride Quarter Design
The Dr. Sally Ride quarter, designed by Elana Hagler and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, beautifully captures a pivotal moment in Ride‘s space journey. The reverse depicts Dr. Ride in her space suit, gazing out a window of the space shuttle with Earth visible below. The design was inspired by Ride‘s reflection: "I wasn‘t scared. I was very excited, and I was very anxious. When I got back to Earth, I realized I had been much less afraid of dying than I was of making a mistake."
Inscriptions on the reverse include "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "DR. SALLY RIDE," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "QUARTER DOLLAR." The arrangement of the text, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arching over the Earth, symbolizes Dr. Ride‘s achievement in uniting Americans through her spaceflight.
The obverse features Laura Gardin Fraser‘s classic 1932 portrait of George Washington, which was recommended by the Commission of Fine Arts and approved by Treasury Secretary Yellen in 2022. Obverse inscriptions read "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the mint mark.
Specifications and Mintages
All Dr. Sally Ride quarters measure 24.3mm in diameter, weigh 5.67g, and have a reeded edge. Circulating quarters are clad, with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper. The total composition equals 8.33% nickel and 91.67% copper.
Mintages vary by production facility and finish as follows:
| Mint | Finish | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | Circulation | 275,200,000 |
| Denver (D) | Circulation | 278,000,000 |
| San Francisco (S) | Clad Proof | 441,599 |
| San Francisco (S) | Silver Proof | 338,270 |
| San Francisco (S) | Uncirculated | 304,120 |
The clad proof quarters were minted at the San Francisco facility and carry the "S" mint mark. They are included in annual proof sets, while the silver proofs are struck in 99.9% fine silver and sold individually or in limited-edition silver proof sets. Business strike coins were produced at San Francisco for inclusion in uncirculated coin sets but not released for circulation.
None of the 2022 Sally Ride quarters were struck for circulation at the San Francisco mint. The U.S. Mint‘s 2022 product schedule also included a limited edition American Women Quarters Proof Set with a special proof finish not found in the standard annual sets.
2022 Dr. Sally Ride Quarter Values
With over half a billion Sally Ride quarters entering circulation in 2022, these coins remain common in everyday pocket change and bank rolls. Circulated examples typically trade near face value, but uncirculated specimens and editions graded by third-party services like PCGS and NGC sell for a premium. The following chart tracks recent values for Dr. Sally Ride quarters across the grade spectrum:
| Mint + Finish | MS/PF 65 | MS/PF 67 | MS/PF 69 | MS/PF 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-P Circulation | $0.50 | $15 | $50 | $450 |
| 2022-D Circulation | $0.50 | $20 | $60 | $500 |
| 2022-S Clad Proof | N/A | $5 | $30 | $125 |
| 2022-S Silver Proof | N/A | $45 | $70 | $250 |
As shown, values escalate significantly for circulation strikes in the highest uncirculated grades like MS68 through MS70. These pristine specimens are scarce relative to the mintage and represent the upper echelon of quality control. Expect prices for top-pop coins to continue climbing as submitters chase perfection.
The 2022 silver proof Sally Ride quarters, with their .999 fine silver content and mirrored fields, command the strongest premiums, especially in perfect PR70DCAM condition. The uncirculated 2022-S coins are a more affordable option for collectors seeking an upgraded business strike without the proof price tag.
Collectors should bear in mind that the 2022 Sally Ride quarter remains a new issue. As more vanish from circulation and the top-graded registry sets are finalized, the value trajectory for key dates will likely steepen. With robust numismatic interest in this pioneering series, shrewd hobbyists are banking on the long-term appreciation potential for conditional rarities.
Notable Error Varieties
Even with advanced minting controls, a few significant error varieties have surfaced among the 2022 Sally Ride quarters. Error enthusiasts prize these rare mishaps for their uniqueness and mint state survivors can bring astronomical sums. Here are some of the buzzworthy error types known so far:
Ghost Comet Tail Die Clash
Certain reverse dies clashed during production, leaving a raised curving line that resembles a comet tail in the field between Earth and the rim. This captivating error has been spotted on Philadelphia and Denver strikes, with the strongest examples commanding $500 to $1,000 in high grades.
Drooling George Obverse Die Deterioration
A jagged line beneath George Washington‘s lip on the obverse gives the first President a "drooling" appearance on some 2022 quarters. The anomaly stems from a deteriorating obverse die that was not pulled from production in time. Drooling George coins are a recurring error across the American Women series and can bring $100 to $500 retail.
Sally‘s Facial Features Die Chip
A minuscule die chip beneath Sally Ride‘s nose has been found on a microscopic number of quarters. The speck imparts a mole-like raised bump on Ride‘s face. Coins with this rare error have crossed the block for up to $2,500.
Dual Mintmark Varieties
At least two S-mint proof Sally Ride quarters have surfaced with two mintmarks on the obverse instead of one. The erroneous dual punch likely occurred when a die struck a previously minted proof coin that remained in the coining chamber. PCGS has certified one example so far, which sold for $4,500 in a 2022 auction.
Error hunters should always be discerning and buy from reputable dealers when pursuing these rare varieties. Unscrupulous sellers may attempt to pass off damaged coins as genuine errors. For peace of mind, stick with specimens authenticated by major holdering companies.
Building an Ultimate Sally Ride Quarter Set
Whether you‘re captivated by Dr. Ride‘s biography, the American Women series, or the Sally Ride quarter itself, now is an ideal time to begin assembling a collection. Consider these strategies for building a definitive set:
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Collect circulation strikes from pocket change or bank rolls. A complete set includes one uncirculated example from the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Cherrypick coins with sharp central details and minimal bag marks.
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Purchase clad proof, silver proof, and uncirculated specimens directly from the U.S. Mint. These coins are issued in annual sets and some are available individually. Clad and silver proofs are struck with polished dies and have mirror-like fields.
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Send your quarters to PCGS or NGC for grading. Coins are evaluated on a scale from 1 to 70 based on luster, strike, centering and eye appeal. Buying certified examples guarantees authenticity and protects your investment.
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Acquire a major error variety. While these are elusive and pricey, adding even one Ghost Comet Tail or Drooling George substantially elevates a set. Work with specialized error dealers and buy certified coins when possible.
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Expand to the entire American Women series. The U.S. Mint will release four more inspiring designs in 2023. By building a complete multi-year set in high grades, you‘ll be participating in a historic collecting chapter.
Preserve your Dr. Sally Ride quarters in archival-quality albums, capsules or slabs to prevent environmental damage. Avoid cleaning or polishing, which can permanently destroy a coin‘s surface. With diligent effort and patience, your Sally Ride set will be a source of lasting pride.
An Interstellar Legacy
The Dr. Sally Ride quarter is a numismatic tribute to a courageous pioneer who expanded the boundaries of human space exploration. Ride‘s NASA missions proved that American women had the brains, brawn and bravery to fly higher than ever before.
By immortalizing Ride on a circulating coin, the U.S. Mint has launched her story into the hands and hearts of millions. The Sally Ride quarter is a gateway for discovering her extraordinary NASA career and lifelong drive to empower students in STEM.
"Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can‘t be what you can‘t see," Ride reflected. The quarter bearing her likeness will expose new generations to a real-life superheroine they can aspire to emulate.
As acclaimed numismatist Q. David Bowers writes in A Guide Book of Quarter Dollars, "The 2022 American Women quarters bring a new level of excitement and inclusivity to U.S. coinage. Dr. Sally Ride‘s issue, with its beautiful design and inspiring subject, promises to be a key in the series."
While Sally Ride lived an astronomical life, her quarter connects her to all of us. By preserving her legacy in pocket change, we celebrate how much one person can achieve when they shoot for the stars. Collecting the 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter is a tangible way to embrace her mission and uplift future spacebound dreamers.
References
- United States Mint 2022 American Women Quarters Program. https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/american-women-quarters
- Bowers, Q. David. A Guide Book of Quarter Dollars, 6th Edition. Whitman Publishing, 2021.
- PCGS CoinFacts Sally Ride Quarter (2022-Present). https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2022-25c-sally-ride-aw/6983
- Yeoman, R.S. A Guide Book of United States Coins 2023. Whitman Publishing, 2022.
- NASA Biographical Data: Sally K. Ride. https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ride_sally.pdf
