The United States Mint released the commemorative Maya Angelou Quarter in April 2021. The quarter marks the first time an African-American woman has been featured on a United States coin. The quarter was released in both circulation-quality and uncirculated condition and features an image of Maya Angelou on the obverse, along with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”. So, How much is the Maya Angelou quarter?
Well, the official United States Mint’s website states that the cost of the circulation-quality Maya Angelou Quarter is 25 cents. The cost of the uncirculated version, however, is significantly higher at $10. The uncirculated coin is far more valuable due to its higher metal content and its unique mintmark, which typically fetch a higher price on the market.
It’s important to note that the official United States Mint’s website is not the only place you can buy the Maya Angelou Quarter. There are several online retailers that specialize in selling coins and coin collections and are selling the Maya Angelou Quarter for different prices. So, how much you can expect to pay for the quarter depends on where you purchase it from.
It’s also important to consider the condition of the quarter when determining how much it’s worth. Uncirculated coins that are in “mint condition” are worth significantly more than coins that have been circulated in commerce. So, while the official United States Mint’s website might have the quarter priced at $10, a coin in mint condition can fetch a much higher price depending on the market at the time of purchase.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that the Maya Angelou Quarter is a “Commemorative Coin” and will never be put into circulation by the US Mint. So, while the Maya Angelou Quarter may be valuable in the collectors’ market, it will never be seen in change in the United States.
History of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her work has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Medal of Arts. She is best known for her autobiographical works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which was nominated for a National Book Award. Angelou’s writing has been described as vibrant, inspirational, and deeply personal, and her work has been widely recognized and praised by cultural and literary critics.
Angelou has also been credited with helping lead the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Her 1966 poem “Still I Rise” was seen as an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of oppression and suffering, and her essay “Ain’t I a Woman” was seen as a call for black women to take a stand for their rights. Angelou also co-founded the national Women’s Political Caucus, which worked to elect more women to public offices, and was a prominent supporter of the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Angelou’s work has been widely honored and celebrated, from the Presidential Medal of Freedom given in 2011 to the historic postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2015. Her image also graces the new Maya Angelou Quarter released in 2021, making her the first African-American woman to be honored on a U.S. coin.
What is a Circulation-Quality Coin?
A circulation-quality coin is a coin that has been manufactured in order to be put into circulation within the economy. These coins are made according to the guidelines set out by the respective Mint, and are generally cheaper than uncirculated coins, as they do not have the same level of quality and mint condition associated with them.
Circulation-quality coins usually show signs of wear, as they have been circulated in the economy and consequently handled by humans over time. This is why you may notice some coins with minor scratches and scuffs on them, despite being uncirculated. As a result, uncirculated coins typically fetch higher prices in the market than those that are in circulation-quality condition.
In the case of the Maya Angelou Quarter, the cost for the circulation-quality coin is 25 cents. The cost for the uncirculated coin is significantly higher, at $10. This is due to the former having been produced to be put into circulation in the US, while the latter is a higher quality coin and fetches a higher price on the market as a result.
What is a Commemorative Coin?
Commemorative coins are coins that are released to celebrate a person, event, or place, instead of being released into circulation by the Mint. These coins are typically worth more than those that have been released into circulation, as they are unique in design and sought after by collectors.
In the case of the Maya Angelou Quarter, the coin has been released as a commemorative coin in honor of the late poet, author, and civil rights activist. As a result, the coin will not be put into circulation in the United States, meaning that it will only be able to be bought from the Mint’s official website or from online retailers who specialize in selling coins.
The value of commemorative coins is determined by the market, meaning that their prices can and do fluctuate over time. As a result, the true worth of the Maya Angelou Quarter is ultimately up to what someone is willing to pay for it.
How to Collect the Maya Angelou Quarter?
Collecting coins is a popular hobby, and the new Maya Angelou Quarter is sure to be of interest to many coin collectors. In order to collect this new coin, it’s important to have the right supplies, knowledge, and patience.
The first step in collecting the Maya Angelou Quarter is to purchase the coins themselves. This can be done directly from the US Mint website or from any online coins retailer who specializes in coin collections. It’s also important to decide what specific type of coin you want to collect. Do you want to collect the circulation-quality coin or an uncirculated coin?
Once you have purchased the coins, it’s important to keep them in good condition. This means cleaning the coins regularly, keeping them well protected, and storing them in an acid-free, air-tight container. It’s also important to pay attention to the value of the coins, as the value of the Maya Angelou Quarter can fluctuate over time.
If you wish to make money from your coin collection, it’s important to do your research and find out what kind of coins are in demand. This can help determine which coins to purchase and which ones might be worth more in the future. By educating yourself on the coins and the market, you can maximize the value of your collection.
What Makes the Maya Angelou Quarter Special?
The Maya Angelou Quarter is an incredibly special and meaningful coin for many reasons. Firstly, this is the first time an African American woman has been featured on a United States coin. This is a major milestone in U.S. history and a long overdue recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to society.
Furthermore, the design of the coin honors Angelou’s legacy, featuring an image of the poet and a powerful quote – “A brave and articulate voice of the good fight” – on the reverse. This may be a small token but it has a huge symbolic significance: it is a recognition of Angelou’s courage and strength and a small but important testament to her powerful and inspiring work.
Also, the Maya Angelou Quarter is sure to be a hit with coin collectors. With its unique design and its historic significance, this coin is sure to become a sought-after item in the collectors’ market. It’s sure to be a popular item with coin enthusiasts, and the demand for this special commemorative coin is likely to see an uptick over the coming months.
Lastly, the Maya Angelou Quarter is a great way for people to honor the poet and her enduring legacy. The coin is a piece of history and a reminder of Angelou’s work and her commitment to justice and equality. The coin itself may be small, but its significance and value far outweigh its size.
