Maya Angelou is one of the most beloved writers of our time. Her work has been cherished and shared around the globe. It is no wonder then why the United States Mint released a special Maya Angelou Quarter as part of its America the Beautiful Quarters series in 2021. Many people are interested in collecting this commemorative coin, but may not know where to get it.
The Maya Angelou Quarter is the 47th design in the America the Beautiful Quarters series and features a portrait of Maya Angelou and the view of Clingman’s Dome, a prominent location in her home state of North Carolina. In order to get the coin, you have a few options.
The first option is to get the coin from one of your local banks or credit unions. The government will be issuing 250 million of the coins starting in 2021, but for the first few weeks, financial institutions may be the best source for the coins. They will typically sell them for face value, so the coin costs $0.25.
The second option is to visit your local souvenir store or gift shop. These stores will typically purchase the coins from the banks and then sell them at a higher price, which will be marked up by the store itself.
The third option is to purchase the coin online. The U.S. Mint website actually sells uncirculated coins as well as other products related to the coin. The coins can be purchased individually or in rolls, and they usually cost a little bit more than they do at the bank.
Finally, you can purchase the coins from a collector’s shop or a coin dealer. These stores typically have a wide selection of coins, including special editions and limited-edition coins. While the coins may be a bit more expensive, they are often in better condition and can be a good investment for those looking for coins for their collections.
Where to Buy the Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou Quarter can be a unique addition to any collection or a great way to remember a beloved icon who’s work has inspired many. Whether looking for a single coin, a roll of coins, or even a special edition, there are several options available to get the Maya Angelou Quarter.
Finance institutions such as local banks and credit unions are the most common source to find the Maya Angelou Quarter. The U.S. Mint is distributing 250 million of these coins, so the earliest purchases might be made at these locations. To find out if the coin is available, call ahead or check the bank’s website for information. Generally speaking, these coins are sold for face value, or $0.25.
Souvenir or gift stores are another option to consider when looking for the Maya Angelou Quarter. These stores buy the coins from the banks in bulk and then mark up the price for resale. An advantage to purchasing from these stores is the coins come in a more durable plastic case, which can protect them from damage. The downside is, since the coins are more convenient, the pricing is higher and the selection is usually more limited.
Online purchasing websites, such as the one maintained by the U.S. Mint, are a more expensive option, but come with a few benefits. The major advantage is the selection. The U.S. Mint website has uncirculated coins, special editions, and limited edition versions of the coin. The coins also come in special keepsake boxes with an official certificate of authenticity if purchased directly from the website. The price of coins from the website will generally be higher than what you’d pay at the bank, but a great many of the coins are in better condition and may be worth the extra cost for discerning collectors.
Coin dealers and collector’s stores are the last option for those interested in the Maya Angelou Quarters. While extremely knowledgeable about coins, coin dealers and collectors tend to overprice compared to other sources. Before buying from a collector, research the coin and make sure its value justifies the extra cost.
Advantages of the Maya Angelou Quarters
The Maya Angelou Quarter has several advantages. Besides being a beautiful and fitting tribute to a beloved figure in the world of literature and culture, the design holds intrinsic value. The portrait of Maya Angelou was designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, two renown artists. Additionally, the background of the coin displays a view of Clingman’s Dome in North Carolina, the home state of Angelou.
Besides its design and sentimental value, the Maya Angelou Quarter has an intrinsic value as a collectible item. Since the U.S. Mint only released 250 million coins, they can become quite hard to find. It also helps that the coin is the 47th design in the America the Beautiful Quarters series. Collectors enjoy having the latest addition to the series, and often look to get the coin when its initially released.
When it comes to the value of the coin, it is important to remember that the Maya Angelou Quarter is a commemorative coin. That means that it holds a sentimental value, but is not worth any more than its face value. The coins that are kept in great condition can be worth more, only if a collector is willing to pay for the condition. The coins are made out of up to four layers of manganese brass and weigh 5.67 grams.
The Maya Angelou Quarter also has educational value. It is an opportunity to introduce children to the works and legacy of Maya Angelou. For teachers, it is a great way to incorporate the coin into lessons about authors, poetry, and the U.S. Mint.
How to Keep the Maya Angelou Quarters in Good Condition?
To keep the Maya Angelou Quarter in good condition, it is advised to handle it with care. The coins are made out of manganese brass and are susceptible to scratches and dirt. The U.S. Mint suggests not exposing the coins to extreme temperatures, oily substances, and humidity.
A good way to protect the coin is to place it in a plastic case. Banks typically give these out when you buy the coins. The case helps to reduce the effects of humidity and dirt on the coin.
For those with larger collections, the U.S. Mint also offers holders or sleeves for the coins. These holders come in a variety of sizes and feature a soft, protective interior. They can be used to house the coins in a long-term storage.
While the coins are made for circulation, it is important to remember that these coins are also collectible items and should be taken care of as such. Handle the coins with care and protect them from dirt and moisture. Clean the coins as necessary using cotton swabs and a mild soap solution.
Since the coins are made of manganese brass, they should not be exposed to abrasive chemicals or cleaners. Doing so can damage the coins and reduce their value. Never use bleach or any cleaning substance that is not specifically made for coins.
How to Store the Coins Safely
When storing the Maya Angelou Quarters, it is important to make sure that the coins are kept in a safe place. Since the coins are made of manganese and zinc, they are susceptible to water and humidity damages and should not be stored in environments with extreme temperatures or moisture.
One way to store coins safely is to use plastic holders. These holders can come in a variety of sizes and help to reduce the effects of humidity and dirt on the coins. Additionally, you can use a felt-lined box or special containers designed specifically for circulating coins.
The U.S. Mint also offers storage boxes that come in a variety of sizes, with some large enough to fit rolls or even albums of coins. These boxes are designed to protect coins in long-term storage, and can help to keep the coins in good condition for many years.
For those looking for the best way to protect their investment, you can also opt for security cases or display boxes. These boxes feature locking mechanisms and come in a variety of sizes. They can be quite expensive, but are ideal for high-value coins that need to be stored securely.
When it comes to storing coins, it is important to remember to keep them away from extreme temperatures and humidity. You should also keep the coins away from acidic or corrosive chemicals, as these can damage the coins. Store the coins in protective holders or cases for optimal protection.
How Much are the Maya Angelou Quarters Worth?
The Maya Angelou Quarter is a commemorative quarter that was released by the U.S. Mint in 2021. The coin features a portrait of Maya Angelou and the view of Clingman’s Dome in her home state of North Carolina. The coins have sentimental value, as they honor a beloved icon, but have no additional monetary value.
Since the coin was distributed by the U.S. Mint, it is not worth more than its face value, or $0.25. While the coins can be rare and hard to find, the lack of additional value makes them unappealing to collectors of rare coins. The only way for the coin to have any additional value is if you keep it in pristine condition and a collector is willing to pay for it.
An important note is that the Maya Angelou Quarter is a circulating coin, meaning it was made to be used in day-to-day transactions. To keep the coin in mint condition, it is important to keep it away from dirt, oils, and moisture, and handle it with care. Place the coin in a protective holder and make sure to store it away from corrosive chemicals or extreme temperatures.
The Maya Angelou Quarter can be a great way to show tribute to a beloved writer and iconic figure in history. While not worth more than its face value, it is still an important coin and has great sentimental value. It is important to take care of the coins, as they can increase in value over time, if kept in good condition.
