How to Build a Complete 2022 American Women Quarters Set From Pocket Change
In 2022, the U.S. Mint issued something that caught the attention of both experienced collectors and people who simply check their spare change out of curiosity. The 2022 quarter marked the start of the American Women Quarters Program — a fresh and meaningful series dedicated to honoring remarkable women in U.S. history.
What makes these coins special is not just their striking designs, but the fact that they were released straight into everyday circulation. That means you don’t have to buy expensive collector sets or hunt auctions to find them — it is entirely possible to build the complete 2022 set just from coins you come across in your wallet. So, today we are talking about 2022 quarters features and collectors.
What is the American Women Quarters Program?
The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year initiative (2022–2025) by the U.S. Mint to highlight women who made significant contributions to American history, culture, and achievements. Each year features five different designs, each celebrating a person’s unique legacy.
The first year, 2022, included five inspiring figures:
Design | Honoree | Contribution | Mint Mark(s) | Designer(s) |
Maya Angelou | Poet, author, and civil rights activist | Known for her influential works and advocacy for equality | P, D, S | Emily Damstra (reverse), Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse) |
Dr. Sally Ride | First American woman in space | Advocate for STEM education and science literacy | P, D, S | Elana Hagler (reverse), Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse) |
Wilma Mankiller | First female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | Champion of Native American rights | P, D, S | Benjamin Sowards (reverse), Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse) |
Nina Otero-Warren | Suffragist and education advocate | Promoted bilingual education and women’s voting rights | P, D, S | Chris Costello (reverse), Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse) |
Anna May Wong | Hollywood’s first Chinese American movie star | Broke racial barriers in film | P, D, S | Emily Damstra (reverse), Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse) |
Tip: Keep a printed list or save images of these designs on your phone. It makes it easier to quickly spot one in your change without second-guessing.
Varieties of 2022 Quarters — from Everyday Change to Collectibles
When hunting for these coins, it helps to know there are several types:
Circulation strikes – The most common version, minted for everyday use. Produced in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D).
Proof coins – Specially struck for collectors with a high-quality, mirror-like finish. Minted in San Francisco (S).
Silver proof coins – Similar to proof coins, but made of 99.9% silver. Also minted in San Francisco.
The main differences between standard circulation coins and collector versions are in their finish, sharpness of detail, and in the case of silver proofs, the metal content.
Quick hack: Even in circulation, you might stumble upon coins that look almost proof-like — shiny, with minimal wear. These often come from fresh coin rolls and are worth setting aside immediately.
How to Find 2022 Quarters in Everyday Change
One of the best parts about collecting the 2022 American Women Quarters is that you don’t need to spend more than their face value. Many of them are still in active circulation, waiting to be spotted in your change.
Best places to look:
Supermarkets and retail stores – Pay in cash and check your change carefully before putting it in your pocket.
Vending machines – They often dispense quarters that have been sitting unused for months or even years, which can sometimes include shiny, fresh coins.
Banks – Ask a teller if they have any rolls of quarters. You can request a full roll (40 quarters) for $10 and check them at home.
Always check every coin, not just the shiny ones. A well-worn 2022 quarter still has value to a collector trying to complete a set — and sometimes coins lose their luster quickly even if they’re fairly new.
Fun fact: When the U.S. Mint first ships a batch of new quarters, rolls from banks can sometimes contain only one design. If you happen to get one of these fresh rolls, you might secure dozens of the same coin in perfect condition.
Step-by-Step Plan to Build a Complete Set from Circulation
If you are aiming to complete the full 2022 set, a little organization goes a long way.
Step 1: Make a checklist
Write down the five designs for 2022 and leave space to note the mint mark — P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) at minimum. This gives you 10 coins to find for a basic complete set.
Step 2: Sort your coins
Once you find a quarter, sort it by both design and mint mark. A small magnifying glass or loupe can help you spot details more easily.
Step 3: Keep the best examples
Even if you find duplicates, keep the sharpest, cleanest ones and spend the rest. Avoid coins with deep scratches, heavy discoloration, or rim damage.
Step 4: Check change machines and ATMs
Cash exchange kiosks and ATMs sometimes distribute freshly stocked coins. You never know when a new batch might appear.
Step 5: Trade with friends and family
Tell people you are collecting — many will happily hand over a special quarter they find rather than spend it.
How to Identify Condition and Spot Rare Finds
If you collect coins you should know that the condition of a coin can make the difference between something worth only its face value and a piece collectors are willing to pay extra for — even when the coin is modern. In coin collecting, this is called grading, and there is a standard scale to describe it. Below is a quick reference guide for common grades you might encounter:
Grade | Abbreviation | Description | What to Look For |
Poor | P | Extremely worn; design is barely visible and may be almost flat. | Date may be hard to read, heavy surface damage. |
Fair | FR | Slightly better than Poor, but still heavily worn. | Outline of the design visible, but no fine details. |
Good | G | Well-worn, with major design elements still visible but faint. | Legends and date are readable, but high points are flattened. |
Very Good | VG | Moderate to heavy wear; details more visible than Good. | Main features clear, but finer details missing. |
Fine | F | Moderate wear, but all major details are sharp enough to see. | Hair, feathers, or clothing folds partly visible. |
Very Fine | VF | Light to moderate wear on high points. | Most fine details still present, some mint luster may remain. |
Extremely Fine | XF or EF | Very light wear, mainly on the highest points. | Nearly full detail, attractive overall look. |
About Uncirculated | AU | Slight wear only on high spots; retains most original luster. | Almost looks brand new. |
Mint State / Uncirculated | MS / UNC | No wear from circulation; may have small handling marks from the mint. | Full luster, sharp details, “fresh” look. |
Proof | PR | Special collector coin with mirror-like finish, struck with extra care. | Flawless detail, deep shine, often in protective packaging. |
Collector’s note: Even a modern coin like a 2022 quarter in Mint State condition can be worth more than face value, especially if it is from a limited production run or a less common mint mark.
Spotting Rare Finds
While most 2022 quarters you find in your change will be common circulation coins, there are a few special cases that can make your hunt more exciting — and sometimes more valuable. Knowing what to look for will help you spot these gems before they slip back into circulation.
Die errors
Die errors happen during the minting process and can take several forms:
Doubled die – Parts of the design (letters, numbers, or features) appear doubled. On quarters, this is most noticeable in the inscriptions or facial details.
Missing elements – Certain letters, numbers, or parts of the design are faint or missing because the die didn’t strike properly.
Misaligned strikes – The design appears slightly shifted from where it should be.
Collectors often pay a premium for unusual and dramatic die errors, especially if they are easy to spot without magnification.
Off-center strikes
An off-center strike happens when the coin blank isn’t perfectly aligned with the die during minting. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing, and the blank surface is visible. The more off-center the strike, the rarer (and usually more valuable) the coin.
Proof coins in circulation
Proof coins are specially made for collectors, with sharp details and a mirror-like finish. Occasionally, they end up in regular change — usually because someone spent one without realizing its special status. If you find a 2022 quarter that looks unusually shiny, with frosted designs against a mirror background, it might be a proof.
Unusual mint marks or varieties
Most 2022 quarters come from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D), but coins with an “S” mint mark are proof strikes from San Francisco. Finding one in change is uncommon and worth setting aside. So, keep a small magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe handy. Even experienced collectors sometimes miss minor errors with the naked eye.
Tip: If you are unsure about your coin’s variety, grade, or potential value, try Coin ID Scanner app. Just snap a clear photo of your coin, and the app will identify the type, grade range, and give an approximate market value — you no longer need expert training to say these details.
Additional Insights to Expand Your Collection
Once you’ve completed the basic 2022 set — one of each design from circulation — there are plenty of ways to take your collection to the next level.
Chase every mint mark: Go beyond the five designs and find each from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). Want a real challenge? Hunt down the S mint mark — proof strikes from San Francisco rarely make it into circulation.
Add proof and silver proof editions: Proof coins boast crisp details and a mirror finish, while silver proofs are made of 99.9% silver and have extra weight and shine. They’re sold by the U.S. Mint but sometimes pop up at coin shows or in secondhand markets.
Look for rolls and mint sets: Sealed rolls or official mint sets hold coins in flawless, uncirculated condition. Keep them sealed for investment value — or open them to cherry-pick pristine examples.
Fun fact: Mint rolls occasionally hide error coins like doubled dies or off-center strikes. Spotting one could mean a find worth far more than 25 cents.
The Joy of the Hunt
Collecting the 2022 American Women Quarters is proof that building something meaningful doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, you can complete the entire set without spending more than face value — just by checking your change and staying curious.
It is also a hobby that connects generations: kids, friends, or family members can join in, learning about history and culture through the people featured on each coin. And while some finds may be worth more than others, the true reward often lies in the search itself — in the small thrill of finding a new design where you least expect it.