2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter Value Guide
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The 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $40 in high-grade proof sets. While most quarters you find in your pocket are for spending, the “S” mint mark indicates a special coin produced in San Francisco primarily for collectors and enthusiasts.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (S-Mint Business Strike) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Proof (PR69 Deep Cameo) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR70) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
History of the 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Quarter
If you’ve recently looked at your change and noticed a new face, you aren’t alone. The Eleanor Roosevelt quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, a four-year initiative by the U.S. Mint to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of trailblazing women. Eleanor Roosevelt, a world-renowned diplomat, activist, and First Lady, was the eighth woman honored in this prestigious series.
Finding an “S” mint mark on your coin is a bit like finding a hidden treasure. These coins were minted in San Francisco. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints, which produce billions of coins for general circulation, the San Francisco mint focuses on limited-run “S” business strikes and high-polish proof coins. If you are unsure about the mark you are looking at, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between a common pocket piece and a collector’s item.
For many Americans, the 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter represents more than just twenty-five cents. It is a piece of history that honors the woman who championed human rights and chaired the UN Commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Because the San Francisco mintages are much lower than their counterparts, these coins generally hold a premium over their face value from the moment they are released. Tools like CoinKnow allow you to scan your coin and immediately see if you have one of these rarer San Francisco versions.
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The “S” Mint Mark and Production Numbers
Understanding the rarity of your coin starts with the mint mark. On the Eleanor Roosevelt quarter, the mint mark is located on the “heads” (obverse) side, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. A small “S” signifies it was struck in California. Most people will only ever find “P” or “D” coins in their change because the “S” mint business strikes were sold only in rolls and bags directly from the U.S. Mint to collectors.
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The mintage numbers for the “S” business strikes are significantly lower than the hundreds of millions produced in Philly or Denver. In fact, many collectors consider the 2023-S uncirculated strikes to be “key” additions to a modern set. While the 2023 quarter value for a common “P” or “D” coin is usually just its face value unless it’s in perfect condition, the “S” mint version starts at a baseline premium.
Professional grading can drastically change the price of these coins. A standard business-strike “S” quarter might sell for a few dollars, but if it is sent to a grading service like PCGS or NGC and receives a high grade like MS67 or MS68, the price can jump into the double or even triple digits. CoinKnow users often find it helpful to compare their coin’s luster and strike quality against professional photos to decide if it is worth the cost of professional grading.
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| Mint Mark | Mintage Type | Approx. Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | Very Common |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | Very Common |
| S (San Francisco) | Business Strike (Uncirculated) | Uncommon / Scarce |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof / Silver Proof | Limited Collection |
Determining Value: Proof vs. Silver Proof Versions
The San Francisco mint produced two distinct types of “S” quarters for the Eleanor Roosevelt series that collectors adore: the Clad Proof and the Silver Proof. Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. These are easily distinguishable from the “business strikes” discussed earlier, as they look almost too shiny to be real money.
The 2023-S Clad Proof is made of the same copper-nickel composition as standard quarters. However, the Silver Proof version is composed of 99.9% fine silver. To tell the difference, you can look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without a copper “sandwich” stripe, you likely have the silver version. The current market prices for 2023 quarters and dimes show that silver versions consistently outperform clad versions due to their precious metal content.
Because values fluctuate based on the spot price of silver and collector demand, many hobbyists use CoinKnow to track their collection’s worth over time. A flawless PR70 Deep Cameo (perfect condition) Silver Proof Roosevelt Quarter represents the pinnacle of this 2023 release. Even a small scratch or fingerprint can significantly drop the value, so always handle these coins by the edges or keep them in their original U.S. Mint packaging.
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| Coin Type | Composition | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-S Clad Proof | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel | $7 – $15 |
| 2023-S Silver Proof | 99.9% Silver | $25 – $45 |
Design Elements and Symbolism
The design of the 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt quarter is incredibly detailed. The reverse (tails) side features Eleanor Roosevelt and the symbol of the Hope World, with a background that suggests the global nature of her work. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “25 CENTS,” “ELEANOR ROOSEVELT,” and “UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.”
On the obverse (heads) side, you will see the familiar portrait of George Washington. Interestingly, this portrait was originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932. It was passed over for the original Washington quarter but was resurrected for the American Women Quarters program. This creates a beautiful “full circle” moment for women in numismatics, pairing a female-designed portrait of the first president with a celebration of female leaders.
Collectors often look for “die cracks” or “errors” on these designs. While no major widespread errors have been discovered yet for the Eleanor Roosevelt release, eagle-eyed enthusiasts are always on the hunt. Sometimes, extra metal or “die chips” can appear in the fine lettering of the Declaration of Human Rights text. If you think you’ve spotted a mistake on your coin, checking a database or a mobile coin guide like CoinKnow is a great way to verify your find.
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Tips for Identifying a Valuable 2023-S Quarter
If you’ve found an Eleanor Roosevelt quarter, the first step is to confirm the mint mark. Remember, the “P” and “D” versions are common. To bring in a premium, the coin must have that “S” mark. Once you’ve confirmed the “S,” take a close look at the surface. Is it shiny like a mirror, or does it have a duller, satiny finish? Mirror finishes are proofs, while satiny finishes are typically the uncirculated business strikes.
Keep an eye out for any unusual markings. Error coins—those struck with mistakes at the mint—are highly prized. On the Eleanor Roosevelt quarter, look for “doubling” on the letters or the portrait. If you see what looks like a shadow or a double image on the text “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” you might have a rare “double die” error. These can be worth hundreds of dollars even on modern coins.
Finally, protect your coin! Even if it’s currently only worth $5 or $10, modern coins lose value quickly if they are scratched. Place your “S” mint quarters in a cardboard “2×2” holder or a plastic capsule. By preserving the “mint state” (MS) quality of the coin, you are ensuring that its value grows as the American Women Quarters series becomes more historic over the next several decades.
FAQ
Q: Why is the “S” mint mark so much more valuable than the “P” or “D”?
A: The Philadelphia and Denver mints produce quarters for everyday spending, making them very common. The San Francisco (S) mint only produces limited quantities for collectors, which means there are far fewer of them to go around, driving up the price.
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Q: Can I find a 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt quarter in my change?
A: While it is possible, it is very rare. Most “S” quarters are sold directly to collectors. However, sometimes collectors spend them by accident, or someone inherits a collection and doesn’t realize the “S” coins are special, so they end up in cash registers.
Q: Is the silver version of the Roosevelt quarter worth more?
A: Yes, definitely. The silver proof version is made of 99.9% pure silver and has a much higher base value due to its precious metal content, whereas the standard clad “S” quarter is made of common metals like copper and nickel.
Q: How can I tell if my quarter is a proof coin?
A: Look for a “cameo” effect. Proof coins have a very shiny, mirror-like background and the design (Eleanor Roosevelt) looks frosted or matte. They stand out significantly from the shiny but “flat” appearance of a regular quarter.
