2024 Medal Of Honor Quarter Worth
The United States Mint released the 2024 Medal of Honor Quarter, prompting interest among collectors and the general public alike regarding its potential value. While the coin's face value remains 25 cents, its worth in the numismatic market depends on several factors, including mint mark, condition, and demand.
The Medal of Honor Quarter is part of the Mint's American Women Quarters Program, honoring distinguished women in American history. This particular quarter commemorates Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor. Understanding the factors influencing its value requires careful examination of market dynamics and grading standards.
Factors Influencing the Quarter's Value
The primary determinants of the Medal of Honor Quarter's value are its mint mark, condition, and overall demand among collectors. Coins produced at the Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) Mints each have varying levels of scarcity, potentially impacting their market price.
Uncirculated coins, especially those graded highly by reputable grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), command higher prices. The condition is critical, with grades ranging from Poor to Mint State (MS), and even higher for Proof coins.
Demand, driven by the popularity of the American Women Quarters Program and interest in Dr. Walker's legacy, also plays a significant role. Periods of heightened interest or media coverage can temporarily inflate prices.
Mint Mark and Rarity
The mint mark, indicating where the coin was produced, is a key factor in determining its value. While exact mintage figures are released by the Mint periodically, generally lower mintage numbers translate to higher potential value, particularly for uncirculated examples.
San Francisco (S) minted coins, often produced for collector sets and not released into general circulation, tend to be more valuable. The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) minted coins are more common, but well-preserved examples can still fetch a premium.
Condition and Grading
A coin's condition is paramount to its value. Coins are graded on a scale, with higher grades indicating fewer imperfections and better preservation. Uncirculated coins (MS60 and above) are generally more desirable than circulated coins.
Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC assign grades based on standardized criteria, providing authentication and assurance to collectors. Coins graded by these services often sell for higher prices due to the added security and recognized expertise.
Market Demand
Beyond the physical attributes of the coin, market demand significantly impacts its value. Collectors passionate about the American Women Quarters Program or Dr. Mary Edwards Walker may be willing to pay a premium to acquire specific examples.
External factors, such as media coverage or historical anniversaries related to Dr. Walker, can temporarily increase demand. Tracking auction results and online sales can provide insights into current market trends.
Potential Value Range
The 2024 Medal of Honor Quarter's value can range from its face value of 25 cents to several dollars, depending on the factors discussed. Circulated examples in poor condition are generally worth only their face value.
Uncirculated coins, especially those graded MS65 or higher by PCGS or NGC, can potentially fetch prices ranging from $5 to $20 or even more. Error coins, with minting mistakes, can sometimes be worth significantly more, but these are rare.
Collectors should consult reputable coin dealers or online resources to get an accurate assessment of their coin's potential value. Online auction sites can also offer a sense of current market prices, but remember prices there can fluctuate.
Significance and Impact
The Medal of Honor Quarter serves as a tribute to Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and highlights the contributions of women in American history. The American Women Quarters Program raises awareness and promotes the legacies of impactful figures.
The release of the quarter also provides an opportunity for educational engagement, encouraging the public to learn more about Dr. Walker's achievements and the Medal of Honor. This series will continue until 2025 and showcase various remarkable women.
For collectors, the quarter presents an opportunity to expand their collections and explore the nuances of numismatics. The Medal of Honor Quarter thus holds value beyond its monetary worth, as it embodies a piece of American history.
Conclusion
While the 2024 Medal of Honor Quarter has a face value of 25 cents, its potential value as a collectible depends on its mint mark, condition, and market demand. Understanding these factors is crucial for both casual collectors and seasoned numismatists.
The quarter serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and the American Women Quarters Program, enriching our understanding of American history and the contributions of women. Keeping an eye on the market and consulting with experts can help determine its value.
The Medal of Honor Quarter is more than just a coin; it's a tangible piece of history honoring a remarkable woman and promoting an awareness of the legacy of other incredible figures in American society.
