The 2023-D Bessie Coleman Women Quarter is worth anywhere from face value (25 cents) in circulated condition to $5–$15 or more in uncirculated mint state, with top-grade examples fetching higher premiums among serious collectors.
If you recently found one of these quarters in your change or tucked away in a jar, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly what the 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarter is worth, what affects its value, and how to tell if yours might be worth more than a typical coin.
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Who Was Bessie Coleman and Why Is She on a Quarter
Bessie Coleman was a trailblazing American aviator — the first African American woman and the first Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license. She earned her license in France in 1921 after being denied entry to U.S. flight schools. Her story of determination in the face of racial and gender barriers made her an enduring symbol of courage and ambition.
The U.S. Mint honored her as part of the American Women Quarters Program, launched in 2022. This program celebrates remarkable women in American history, issuing five new designs each year through 2025. Bessie Coleman was featured on one of the five 2023 releases. The obverse still features George Washington, while the reverse showcases Bessie in her aviator gear, looking upward — a powerful image that resonates with collectors and everyday Americans alike.
The “D” mintmark on your coin means it was struck at the Denver Mint. Denver coins are produced in large quantities and are widely available, but that doesn’t mean yours is worthless. Condition is everything.
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2023-D Bessie Coleman Quarter Value by Condition
Most 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarters you find in circulation are worth exactly 25 cents. However, coins that never entered circulation — still in original mint brilliance — are a different story.
Here’s a simple value table to help you get a quick estimate:
| Condition | Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (worn) | AG-3 to EF-45 | Face value ($0.25) |
| About Uncirculated | AU-50 to AU-58 | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Uncirculated | MS-60 to MS-64 | $1 – $5 |
| Gem Uncirculated | MS-65 to MS-66 | $5 – $15 |
| Superb Gem (PCGS/NGC certified) | MS-67+ | $20 – $50+ |
For a more detailed breakdown, check out this complete guide to 2023 quarter values by mint mark and grade — it covers all five 2023 Women Quarter designs with up-to-date pricing.
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What Makes a 2023-D Bessie Coleman Quarter More Valuable
Several factors can push your coin above the baseline estimates above.
Strike quality matters a lot. Some coins come off the press with exceptionally sharp detail on Bessie’s portrait and jacket. These “full strike” examples are more desirable.
Surface preservation is just as important. Even a tiny nick or contact mark can drop a coin from MS-65 to MS-63, cutting its value significantly. Coins that were stored carefully — never touched on the face, kept away from moisture — hold their grade better.
Third-party grading can dramatically increase a coin’s marketability. When PCGS or NGC certifies your coin as MS-67 or higher, buyers are willing to pay a premium because the grade is guaranteed. A raw (uncertified) MS-67 coin might sell for $10, while the same coin in a PCGS slab could fetch $40 or more.
Error coins are the wildcard. Doubling, off-center strikes, or die errors on 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarters can make a 25-cent coin worth $50, $100, or even more depending on the error’s visibility and rarity. Always examine your coin under a magnifying glass before spending it.
Use CoinHix to snap a photo of your coin and instantly get a condition estimate and current market value — it takes less than a minute.
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How Many 2023-D Bessie Coleman Quarters Were Made
The Denver Mint produced hundreds of millions of quarters in 2023 across all five Women Quarter designs. While exact mintage figures for Bessie Coleman specifically were in the range of several hundred million coins, making them common in circulation, high-grade specimens are still relatively scarce because most were casually spent.
The Philadelphia Mint (“P” mintmark) and San Francisco Mint (“S” mintmark, proof coins) also struck Bessie Coleman quarters. The San Francisco proof versions, especially in Deep Cameo condition, are the most collectible and can be worth $10–$30 even in typical proof condition.
If your coin has no mintmark, it was struck in Philadelphia. If it says “S,” you have a proof coin — definitely worth setting aside.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarter worth keeping?
A: If it’s circulated and shows wear, it’s worth face value. But if it’s in crisp, uncirculated condition with no marks or scratches, it’s worth setting aside. High-grade examples (MS-65 and above) are collectible, and the design itself is historically meaningful.
Q: How do I know if my 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarter has an error?
A: Look for doubling on the lettering or portrait, off-center designs, or missing details under good lighting and magnification. You can also use CoinHix to scan your coin — the app can flag unusual characteristics that may indicate an error worth investigating further.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2023-D Bessie Coleman quarter?
A: For circulated coins, there’s little resale market beyond face value. For high-grade or certified coins, try eBay, coin shows, or dealer buylist sites. Always get your coin graded by PCGS or NGC first if you believe it grades MS-66 or higher — slabbed coins consistently sell for more than raw coins of the same grade.
