Maya Angelou was an iconic and groundbreaking writer and poet, and her legacy continues to remain relevant today. It is no surprise, then, that her legacy has spawned a number of collectibles, including some that are particularly rare and valuable.
In particular, a Maya Angelou quarter – a commemorative coin made specifically to honor Angelou – has been in circulation since 2017 and there have been many attempts to cash in on the value of the coin. While it is true that the coin can be quite valuable, the truth is that in most cases, these coins are not worth as much as some people would have you believe.
The coin itself is worth $50 in general and around $45 if in good condition at a reputable coin dealer. However, the ultimate worth of the coin is based on the condition and any factors, such as provenance – if it is from a special collection or if the original owner was Maya Angelou herself. If you are looking to purchase the quarter for investment, you should consider buying the original condition of it.
The issue with most Maya Angelou quarters is that many of them were not originally circulated by the US Mint. Most Maya Angelou quarters were made of copper, not coins made of silver or gold. Additionally, many of these coins were not issued by an official US Mint and were replicas of coins sold as souvenirs or made as proof coins for collectors. In other words, what had been presented as original coins were in fact not original.
So while it is possible to buy a genuine Maya Angelou quarter, it is important to research and purchase it from a reliable source. An original coin in good condition can incur a premium to the owner and will be the key to determining the value. The investment in originally minted coins is also a better long-term play in most cases compared to the counterfeited coins because they maintain or possibly increase in value over time.
In essence, then, it is possible to buy a genuine Maya Angelou quarter and invest in it. But it is important to remember that the quality and provenance of the coin will determine its potential worth and any potential return on investment.
The History of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou quarter is unique in that it is one of only four commemorative coins issued by the US treasury that celebrates the life of a prominent woman. The original design of the coin was first released in 2018 and the reverse displayed an image of Maya Angelou in a headscarf, writing in her journal. The obverse of the coin featured the date of her birth and death.
The coin was created as part of a series of quarters celebrating famous Americans, including George Washington, Jackie Robinson, and Norman Rockwell. The coins were also especially created to honor the bicentennial of Angelou’s birth. The coin was released with tremendous fanfare and it has since become a highly sought-after item by coin collectors around the world.
The Maya Angelou quarter was issued as part of a larger series known as the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The program was established in 2010 as a way to celebrate the natural beauty of the United States and regions within it. It consists of 56 coins to be minted in circulation over a 12-year period.
The coins are made of copper and encased in a protective layer of nickel. The denomination of the coins is twenty-five cents, so they can also be used as a form of currency. The coins have a distinctive design and are marked with the initials of the United States Mint on the obverse and the national motto, “In God We Trust”, inscribed on the reverse.
This program creates collectible coins that can be used as currency. However, they also have a special, commemorative value that collectors can appreciate more as time goes on. The Maya Angelou quarter is one of the more popular coins within the America the Beautiful series due to its connection to a momentous event in Angelou’s life.
The Material and Minting of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou quarter is made of copper and encased in a protective layer of nickel. In terms of size, it is roughly the same size as other quarters and weighs approximately 5.67 grams. The obverse of the coin contains Angelou’s portrait and the reverse features a tree, which is symbolic of her life’s journey. The coin is also marked with the initials of the United States Mint and the year of minting.
Like most commemorative coins, the Maya Angelou quarter was made by the United States Mint. The minting process starts with melting copper and nickel in large melting pots and then pouring them into molds in order to make the coins. This is the easier part of the process, as the coins must then go through several processes of measuring, trimming, and polishing.
The dies that create the coins, or “strikers”, are then produced and engraved with the desired design. The coins are then “struck” between the two dies, creating the symbols and images of the coins. As the coins are struck, a special chemical is added to protect the coins from tarnishing. Finally, the coins are graded and inspected before being issued for circulation.
Given the supply of Coemi Coin minted angelou coins, it results in more scarcity and thus more rarity of the coins. The scarcity of the coins makes it more valuable for collectors, as prices can vary widely. A detailed report of the minting process of the coin can also help corroborate the legitimacy of the coin, as well as determine its grade, which helps ensure its value.
In terms of worth, the condition of a coin helps to establish its value. The condition of the Maya Angelou quarter should always be taken into consideration when evaluating its value, as a well-preserved coin has a significantly higher value. The degree of wear and tear on the coin also help to determine its worth and a clean, unblemished coin will be worth the most.
The Symbolism Behind the Maya Angelou Quarter
One of the things that make the Maya Angelou quarter so special is the symbolism behind it. The reverse of the coin features a tree, which is symbolic of Angelou’s life journey and her ability to navigate her way out of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenging times.
The coin is also notable for its use of symbolism to represent Angelou’s life and her success. The use of a bust of Angelou on the obverse of the coin is one example of the symbolism used to represent her life and work. The bust of Angelou is also accompanied by the date of her birth and death, further symbolizing her life and her accomplishments.
The coin is also special in that it was issued as part of a larger series known as the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This program celebrates the natural beauty of the United States and regions within it. The Maya Angelou quarter, then, is a representation of the beauty and resilience of Angelou’s life and legacy.
The coin itself also carries a great deal of symbolic value for Angelou fans and admirers around the world. The coin is a token of appreciation for Angelou’s work and a reminder of her importance not just to her fans but also to society at large. It serves as a reminder that her accomplishments and her legacy will continue to be celebrated long after her passing.
What Makes the Maya Angelou Quarter Valuable?
The value of a Maya Angelou quarter is determined by several factors, including the condition and age of the coin, as well as what it is used for and its provenance. The rarity of the coin, combined with its symbolic representation of Angelou, gives the coin its inherent value.
One of the most important factors that determine the value of the coin is its condition and the age of the coin. Coins from the America the Beautiful series that are in good condition and are dated after the year 2018 are typically more valuable than those from before 2018. The age of a coin also helps to determine its value, with older coins being worth more than newer coins. Additionally, coins from special collections or from the original owner, Maya Angelou, can be worth significantly more.
The provenance of the coin is also important in establishing its value. If a coin certified as an original coin by a reputable Mint or the original owner, the value of the coin may increase substantially. Coins that have a history of ownership by celebrity collectors or important people will also have increased value.
In essence, the value of the Maya Angelou quarter largely depends on its condition and level of rarity, as well as its provenance. A coin in good condition, with a documented history of ownership, can be worth significantly more than a coin that is not in good condition or has been previously circulated. Therefore, it is important to consider all of these factors before purchasing a Maya Angelou quarter.
How to Buy an Authentic Maya Angelou Quarter
When considering the purchase of an authentic Maya Angelou quarter, it is important to do research and buy from a trusted source. There are a few ways to ensure the authenticity of the coin and make sure it is worth the investment.
The most important step is to research the company from which you plan to buy the coin. Ensure that the company is reputable and that its standards for coin grading match your own expectations for quality. Review the company’s credentials, feedback from previous customers, return policies, and other important information before buying the coin.
Another important step is to understand the process of minting the coins. This can help to corroborate the authenticity of the coin, as well as determine its grade. Additionally, understanding the minting process can help to ensure that the coin is free from blemishes or other damaged areas.
Finally, it is important to research the coin’s provenance. If the coin was previously owned by a celebrity or important person, chances are it is more valuable. Researching the history of the coin can help to determine the potential value of the coin in the future.
In conclusion, the Maya Angelou quarter has the potential to be quite valuable, depending on its condition and provenance. When purchasing the coin, it is important to do research and buy from a reliable source. Additionally, understanding the minting process and researching the coin’s provenance can also help to ensure the authenticity of the coin and its potential worth.
