United States Mint 2022 P Dr. Sally Ride Quarter (Nickel/Copper Clad, Not Silver)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, Philadelphia Mint (P mint mark), government-operated minting facility renowned for official circulating and commemorative coinage.
Pattern: American Women Quarters Program, featuring Dr. Sally Ride, introduced in 2022 as part of a multi-year series celebrating prominent American women.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia Mint (P mint mark), government-operated minting facility renowned for official circulating and commemorative coinage.
Material
Cupronickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Contains zero silver; circulating quarters have not contained silver since 1964.
Dimensions
Standard US quarter dimensions: diameter 24.26 mm, thickness 1.75 mm, weight 5.67 grams.
Description
An official United States circulating 25-cent coin from the American Women Quarters Program. The obverse depicts the classic profile of George Washington designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, while the reverse honors Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, looking out from the space shuttle with Earth in the background. Note that despite being bright and metallic, this is standard modern base metal coinage containing no silver.
Key Features
Part of the historic American Women Quarters series, featuring the P mint mark for Philadelphia and a distinct commemorative reverse honoring a trailblazing scientist and astronaut.
Material & Composition
Cupronickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Contains zero silver; circulating quarters have not contained silver since 1964.
Finish & Decoration
Standard business strike finish with reeded edge, featuring a portrait of George Washington on the obverse and Dr. Sally Ride alongside a window of the Space Shuttle on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
P mint mark on the obverse indicating the Philadelphia Mint, along with 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the year 2022.
Construction Details
High-speed mechanical coin press, multi-strike die-struck from bonded clad strip metal blanks.
Functional Features
Circulating currency coin designed for monetary transactions and vending machine compatibility.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; standard round coin with a reeded edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced modern high-tonnage coin press striking with consistent machine precision and standard relief.
Authentication Indicators
Genuine United States circulating coinage, displaying standard relief, weight, diameter, and composition for modern clad quarters.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, produced by the United States Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (2000-Present)
Age Estimate
Dated 2022, modern contemporary circulation coin.
Cultural Significance
Celebrates diversity and historical achievements of women in American history, marking a significant shift in modern United States numismatic design.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with typical minor surface contact marks, bag abrasions, and light wear from everyday commerce. Grade is estimated as circulated standard.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 USD). Circulated modern quarters hold no numismatic premium above face value unless certified in pristine uncirculated mint state grades.
Care & Maintenance
Requires no special care as it is standard base metal currency; can be stored in standard coin holders or albums.
Similar Pieces
Other quarters from the American Women Quarters Program (such as Maya Angelou or Wilma Mankiller quarters) and standard US circulating Washington quarters.
Interesting Facts
Dr. Sally Ride was not only the first American woman in space in 1983, but also a physicist and educator. This coin is frequently mistaken for silver by the untrained eye due to its bright cupronickel appearance.