Contrary to popular belief, the 2022 Maya Angelou commemorative quarter is not currently worth anything more than its face value of twenty-five cents. This is because the coins are not considered collectibles, nor do they have any worth beyond their nominal value. However, due to each coin being of limited supply and with Angelou’s legacy having only grown since her death, many believe they may become more valuable in years to come.
It is important to note that although the coin is not worth more than twenty-five cents, it is still highly sought-after. Pre-order sales for the commemorative quarter began in May of 2021 and by July the coins had already sold out. Many collectors and non-collectors alike have chosen to carefully snag these coins for their collections, or simply to commemorate the life of the inspirational figure.
The demand for the coins is understandable as each has a beautifully detailed design containing an engraving of Maya Angelou, who is best known for her prolific poetry, activism, and unyielding strength. On either side of her engraving, a number of figures reminiscent of her work surround her—doves to connote peace, stars to symbolize the boundless possibilities of life, and a book, a representation of the monumental literature that was introduced to the world by Angelou.
One could assume that as the limited edition coins continue to be scarce, they may also increase in value over time. However, it is important to note that this is not guaranteed. Coin collecting is ultimately a hobby and an investment in memorabilia. As such, these pieces are never completely guaranteed to be worth more than the face value.
In addition, although it may be tempting to hoard these coins for the potential of future worth, it is important to consider the fact that these coins will not necessarily grow in value. According to experts in coin collecting and antiques, if enough of these coins return to the market, the coin’s value may move in the opposite direction as it becomes more accessible and negates perceived rarity.
It is also important for anyone considering investing in the 2022 Maya Angelou commemorative quarter to remember that even if the coin does increase in value, it will likely be a gradual and slow accumulation, not an immediate surge. Therefore, it is important to remember that these coins are ultimately intended to be collected and appreciated, not necessarily investments with guaranteed returns.
The History Of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was an American poet and civil rights activist whose legacy endures. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928, Angelou was surrounded by strong, inspiring women for much of her life. Her grandmother was a frank preacher of the Black Church, keeping a tight reign on the traditional values of Christianity. Her mother was a performer with an active social life, inspiring in her daughter an appreciation for literature, art, and drama.
Angelou’s powerful impact on the modern world of activism began in the 1950s, when she joined the Civil Rights Movement and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Angelou’s immense contribution to the Civil Rights Movement was through her powerful words—the result of a deep understanding of policy and the law. Through her books, speeches, and songwriting, Angelou was able to spread her powerful message to millions of people.
Angelou’s rise to fame was meteoric, with her first autobiographical novel, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, quickly becoming lauded by critics and ordinary readers alike. The novel, which details her own childhood and adolescence, was just a fraction of the works that Angelou created over the course of her life. She wrote a total of eight autobiographies, five books of essays, and several plays, movies, and television shows.
Angelou also wrote and published several volumes of poetry, the most popular being her celebrated collection, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Die. Angelou’s work touched the hearts and minds of millions, as evidenced by the fact that she was regularly consulted by policy makers, national leaders, and presidents on a wide range of issues. In addition, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community in 2014.
Angelou’s writing and activism continue to inspire and encourage justice and equality, making the Maya Angelou commemorative quarter more than just a coin. It is a commemoration of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and a reminder of the importance of her message.
The Process of Making The 2022 Maya Angelou Commemorative Quarter
The Maya Angelou commemorative quarter is the second in the series commemorating a woman of distinction, following the 2021 coin honoring Helen Keller. The coin was authorized by Congress in the May of 2020 and was designed and produced by the United States Mint.
The creation process for the commemorative quarter was led by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), an independent agency that reviews and makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury on U.S. coins and medals. The process began with a selection panel made up of representatives from the U.S. Turst Board and the U.S. Mint. After reviewing several design candidates, the panel nominated the one they deemed most fitting to be the Maya Angelou coin.
Once the design was selected, the process of minting began. The coins were struck at the United States Mint facility in Philadelphia and feature three colors: Paida bronze, a light gold, and a dark blue. The Paida background represents Angelou’s Southern roots, the light gold for her West Coast influence, and the darker blue for her later years in New York City. In addition, the reverse of the coin features a laurel tree—a reoccurring symbol in poetry and a common motif in Angelou’s works.
The coin was created with the intention to capture the spirit of Maya Angelou and her impact on the world. As such, it, serves as a lasting tribute to the strength, courage, and literary genius of one of the most celebrated writers and civil rights activists of the century.
Impact of The 2022 Maya Angelou Commemorative Quarter
The Maya Angelou commemorative quarter has had a significant impact since its release in 2021. From the moment of its unveiling, it was met with excitement, appreciation, and admiration. It is estimated that millions of the coins have been minted and sold, with a significant portion of them being kept as collectibles rather than spent.
The coin has also become somewhat of a phenomenon in the coin-collecting world, with people from all walks of life looking to get their hands on a Maya Angelou quarter. This is likely due to the fact that, for many, the coin symbolizes more than just money—it’s a tribute to the late poet and civil rights activist who, through her strong and powerful words, was able to bring attention to the injustices faced by marginalized communities.
In addition, the coin has become a symbol of hope, as it stands testament to how far the United States has come in terms of inclusion and representation. Its release is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go.
The Maya Angelou commemorative quarter has also given back to the community, as the profits from the sale of the coins have been used for charitable causes. The funds are invested in the Maya Angelou Gloster Memorial Scholarship, a fund dedicated to providing financial support to promising African-American students, and the Social Impact Fund, which provides grants to social, educational, and economic justice organizations that are working to advance the cause of equality and justice.
Overall, the release of the Maya Angelou commemorative quarter has been a beautiful and powerful reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience of Angelou and other remarkable women who continue to inspire and make the world a better place.
Conclusion
The Maya Angelou commemorative quarter is truly more than just a coin. It stands as a reminder of Angelou’s powerful legacy and her enduring impact on civil rights and social justice. Although currently with a face value of only 25 cents, the coins are highly sought-after, serving as a testament to Angelou’s lasting influence. The coins may also eventually increase in value but, ultimately, those looking to acquire one should remember that the coins are meant to be collected and appreciated, not necessarily investments.
