Maya Angelou was a celebrated American poet, author, civil rights activist, and professor who earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom, among other honors. Though her passing in 2014 left a gaping hole in American culture, her legacy is still alive in the form of various memorabilia, including the commemorative Maya Angelou quarter.
The Maya Angelou quarter, first issued by the United States Mint in 2020, is part of the larger ‘Celebrating Women’ series. Together with quarters for Mary McLoed Bethune, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and the 19th Amendment, the Maya Angelou quarter celebrates her life and achievements through an iconic profile design on the obverse. The reverse depicts a flower, a bird, and an inspiring quotation.
While the Maya Angelou quarter is 26.5 mm in diameter and made of 8.33% nickel, it is worth much more than its legal tender value of $0.25. Thanks to its rarity, the Maya Angelou quarter is highly sought after by coin collectors, who have paid anywhere between a few dollars up to several hundred for this collectible item. For instance, a 2020 MS-67 grade uncirculated Maya Angelou quarter has sold for as much as $250 on public auctions.
The value of the Maya Angelou quarter is expected to appreciate in the future, especially as the commemorative coin becomes more rare over time. In additional to collecting the quarter itself, some fans may even opt for specially designed frames and cases for display purposes. As the coin’s mintage is has been limited to 126 millions since its released, the value of the coin is likely to rise by 2022.
In short, the Maya Angelou quarter is not only a critical part of American history, but it is also a valuable collectible item that is worth much more than its nominal face value of $0.25. Given the increasing rarity of the coin and its increasingly iconic position in the American zeitgeist, the value of this commemorative coin is likely to rise in future.
Effects of Commemorative Coins
In addition to being a lasting tribute to the late Maya Angelou, the Maya Angelou quarter also serves as a reminder of the effects a commemorative coin can have. For instance, the commemorative coin serves as a form of educational tool for younger generations, informing them about the history and importance of this celebrated figure.
The Maya Angelou quarter is part of the larger ‘Celebrating Women’ series, which first issued by the U.S. Mint in 2020. Through the issuance of these coins, the U.S. Mint works to recognize and celebrate the contributions of inspiring women throughout U.S. history. For example, coins depicting American poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay and New Yorker journalist, Jane Jacobs have also been minted as part of the series.
Besides honoring these strong female figures, commemorative coins serve as a form of celebration to those of us who enjoy collecting them. Coin collectors across the country can come together to trade and swap coins, creating a unique sense of community centered around coins, currency and history.
The commemorative Maya Angelou quarter serves as a powerful symbol of the inspiring change Angelou stood for, and is cherished both by those who collect coins and those who appreciate the poet’s legacy. As this form of recognition and celebration continues to gain traction over time, it is likely that the Maya Angelou quarter and other commemorative coins will continue to grow in value, both in monetary and cultural terms.
Unique Features on the Maya Angelou Quarter
Aside from its lasting cultural significance, the Maya Angelou quarter is innovative and full of original features. Most notable is the fact that the coin is the first issue to feature a female of color on the obverse. This particular transformation speaks volumes in and of itself, marking a huge shift within the coinage landscape of the United States.
Design-wise, the obverse features a powerful profile of Angelou herself, brought to life by the artistry of U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. A noteworthy addition is a distinctive ‘M’ mark located on the left side of Angelou’s features, the focal point of the portrait. Also included on the obverse side is the word ‘Liberty’, the year of minting, and the Latin phrase ‘E Pluribus Unum’ (translating to ‘Out of Many, One’).
The reverse of the coin, designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Chris Costello, follows a theme embracing hope, potential and growth. The design is centered around a Bali mynah, a native bird of Maya Angelou’s hometown of Stamps, Arkansas. The symbol transports the viewer to a simpler time yet symbolizes the strength of perseverance. This is complimented by the subdued imperial peacock flower floating in the foreground, a nod to Angelou’s love of gardening. To complete the design, a quote of hers encircles her namesake, aptly stating, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
Clearly, the Maya Angelou quarter is full of intricate details and serves as powerful reminder of the indelible mark Angelou left on this world. As its rarity continues to increase over time, the monetary as well as cultural value of the Maya Angelou quarter is bound to rise.
Process Behind the Maya Angelou Quarter
Though its conception was a lengthy process, the Maya Angelou quarter is just the latest addition to U.S. Mint’s commemorative coin program. It took the U.S. Mint three years to design and launch the Maya Angelou quarter, the product of the collaborative effort of several artists, designers, and engravers.
For instance, it was U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Chris Costello who devised the reverse design, which she thought could be best described as “breathe and renewal”. She chose to use of the Bali mynah to symbolize Angelou’s powerful legacy, using the bird to carry powerfully uplifting words of wisdom across the canvas. Similarly, the AIPDesigner Joe Fitzgerald’s design for the obverse presents Angelou’s well-known profile in a regal and refined manner, capturing an accurate and detailed portrait of the late poet.
Lastly, U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill was placed in charge of turning the artists’ designs into a reality. Hemphill had great success in executing the artists’ designs and placing them onto the coins. She went the extra mile and pushed to include a small ‘M’ to the left of Angelou’s ear, to speak to Angelou’s significant influence within American culture.
From concept to completion, the Maya Angelou quarter was a collaborative effort between many creative forces, resulting in a lasting tribute to the celebrated woman she was. As its supply decreases and its cultural cache rises, its worth is bound to keep appreciating in value, setting the Maya Angelou quarter as a historical milestone in modern American coinage.
Collectability of the Maya Angelou Quarter
Though its worth may vary from person to person and from auction to auction, the Maya Angelou quarter is highly collectible regardless. This is due to the fact that in addition to honoring the accomplishments and struggles of a truly astounding woman, this coin stands to tell the story of its own creation. Subsequently, it holds immense appeal for coin collectors across the country.
Due to its minting in 2020, the supply of Maya Angelou quarters is limited, making it all the more sought after by collectors. This is especially true for returns in mint condition, as unbiased grading reveals. For example, an uncirculated 2020 Maya Angelou quarter could make a great addition to any collector’s extensive portfolios, and its worth is expected to rise with increasing demand.
Those interested in other commemorative coins may even draw a comparison to the Susan B. Anthony or the Sacagewea dollars, both rare coins released by the U.S. Mint during the turn of the 21st century. However, the Maya Angelou quarter stands apart as a unique and culturally significant artifact that symbolizes the strength of female power.
In conclusion, the Maya Angelou quarter is a valuable and rare commemorative coin with immense collectable appeal. Its worth is expected to continue to increase exponentially over time, not only in monetary terms but also in terms of the story it holds. So whether you’re a coin collector or fan of Maya Angelou, this is one rare coin worth investing in.
