A Coin Honoring a Hero
In 2024, the U.S. Mint released the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program. This coin celebrates a remarkable woman—a Civil War surgeon, women’s rights advocate, abolitionist, and the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor. With a portrait of George Washington on one side and Dr. Walker holding her Medal of Honor on the other, it’s a beautiful tribute. While most of these quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare versions could be valuable to collectors. Could one be in your change right now?
Who Was Dr. Mary Edwards Walker?
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a trailblazer. During the Civil War, she volunteered as a surgeon, working on battlefields and even getting captured by the Confederacy. In 1865, President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor for her bravery, making her the only woman to ever receive it. She also fought for women’s rights and wore men’s clothing to challenge norms, which stirred up controversy. Her legacy is why the U.S. Mint chose her for this quarter, and the coin’s design, created by artist Phebe Hemphill, shows her with her surgical kit and medal against a Civil War hospital backdrop.
What’s the Value of This Quarter?
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is made of copper-nickel, so its face value is 25 cents. However, certain versions—like those in uncirculated or proof condition, especially from the San Francisco Mint with an “S” mark can be worth more to collectors. These coins in top condition might sell for $5 to $20 online, depending on their grade. Rare errors, like a double-die (where the design is stamped twice, causing a blurry look), could push the value higher, though no major errors have been widely reported yet. Unlike gold coins, like the 2024 Gold American Eagle, these quarters aren’t for serious investing but are prized for their history.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Design | Dr. Mary Edwards Walker with Medal of Honor |
| Material | Copper-Nickel |
| Estimated Value | $0.25 (circulated), $5-$20 (uncirculated/proof) |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S (San Francisco proof) |
Could It Be in Your Pocket?
Since these quarters are part of regular circulation, you might find one in your everyday change. Most are worth face value, but uncirculated coins or those with the “S” mint mark are what collectors want. Check your quarters for a shiny, untouched look or the San Francisco “S” under the date. Social media posts on X mention collectors snapping up these coins for their historical value, and some eBay listings praise their quality and packaging, suggesting they’re popular with hobbyists. Keep an eye out at the store or in your coin jar—you might have a small treasure.
Why Collectors Love It
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is a hit with collectors because of its story. It’s not just a coin; it’s a piece of history honoring a woman who broke barriers. The American Women Quarters Program, running from 2022 to 2025, has sparked excitement, and this coin is a standout. Collectors are hunting for high-grade versions, especially proofs, which are sold in sets online for modest prices. While it won’t make you rich like rare gold coins, its value lies in its tribute to a hero and its appeal to those who love American history.
Start Checking Your Change
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is more than pocket change—it’s a nod to an American legend. While most are worth just 25 cents, a pristine or rare error version could be worth a bit more. Next time you get change, look for the “S” mint mark or an extra-shiny coin. If you think you’ve got a special one, take it to a coin shop for a closer look. You might not find a million-dollar quarter, but you could discover a small piece of history that’s worth keeping.