The Anna May Wong quarter is a U.S. coin issued in 2022 as part of the American Women Quarters Program, a four-year series (2022–2025) celebrating influential women in American history.
Anna May Wong (1905–1961) was the first Chinese American Hollywood movie star and is remembered as a trailblazer who challenged racial barriers in the film industry. She appeared in silent films, early sound films, stage productions, and television, becoming an icon for Asian American representation in the arts.
On the obverse (front), the quarter carries the standard design of George Washington introduced for this series, created by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932.
On the reverse (back), Anna May Wong is shown resting her face on her hand, her famous profile framed by bright marquee-style lights, a nod to her career in cinema.
The coin was struck in several versions: circulation strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, plus proofs and silver proofs for collectors. It was the fifth and final design of 2022 in the American Women Quarters lineup, following Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, Wilma Mankiller, and Nina Otero-Warren.
Historical Spotlight
Anna May Wong, born in 1905 in Los Angeles, was the first Chinese American to rise to international stardom in Hollywood. At a time when Asian actors faced heavy stereotyping and systemic exclusion from major roles, Wong broke barriers by starring in silent films, sound films, stage productions, and eventually television. She appeared in over 60 movies, including Shanghai Express and The Toll of the Sea, and became known worldwide for her striking screen presence. Despite her success, she often encountered discrimination and was denied leading roles opposite white actors. This made her an outspoken advocate for fair representation of Asian Americans in film.
2022 Anna May Wong Quarter Value
Version | Circulated Condition | Uncirculated / Mint State (MS) | High Grade / Proof Quality |
2022-P (Philadelphia) | About $0.30 | $0.50 to $8–10 depending on grade | MS-67 and higher up to $130–$150 |
2022-D (Denver) | About $0.30–$0.40 | Up to $15–$35 depending on grade | MS-68/MS-69 examples can reach $200+ |
2022-S (San Francisco, business strike) | About $0.30–$0.40 | Around $50–$60 in high grade | Premiums for top-end certified pieces |
2022-S Silver Proof | Not in circulation | $30–$40 for typical proofs | Perfect PF70 Deep Cameo can bring much more |
ID Tips
1. Philadelphia Mint (2022-P)
Look for a small “P” mintmark on the obverse, just to the right of George Washington’s portrait.
These coins are very common and will usually look just like any other circulation quarter.
2. Denver Mint (2022-D)
Features a “D” mintmark in the same spot as above.
Like the Philadelphia coins, these were made for everyday use, so most found in circulation will show wear.
3. San Francisco Mint (2022-S, business strike)
Shows an “S” mintmark.
Although struck like circulation coins, most were made for collectors and often remain in higher grades.
You are unlikely to find one in pocket change unless it slipped out of a mint set.
4. San Francisco Mint Silver Proof (2022-S Silver)
Also carries the “S” mintmark, but the appearance is very different.
Proof coins have a mirror-like background with frosted designs, giving strong contrast.
Silver proofs feel heavier and have a brighter, slightly whiter shine compared to copper-nickel coins.
If you’re unsure whether it’s silver, the edge is a giveaway: silver proofs have a solid silver-colored edge instead of the copper stripe seen on circulation quarters.
Quick tip for collectors: If you’re sorting through coins, start with the mintmark. Once you know whether it’s P, D, or S, check the finish and edge to confirm if it’s a proof or silver issue.
Role in the American Women Quarters Program
The Anna May Wong quarter was the fifth and final design released in 2022 under the American Women Quarters Program. This program runs from 2022 through 2025, with five designs issued each year to highlight remarkable women from different walks of American life. Alongside Wong, the 2022 lineup included Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, Wilma Mankiller, and Nina Otero-Warren. Each coin tells a story, and Wong’s inclusion emphasized the importance of diversity and representation in U.S. history. Her quarter stands out for its bold, marquee-inspired design that ties directly to her Hollywood legacy, making it one of the most eye-catching pieces in the program.
Popularity Among Collectors
From the moment it was announced, the Anna May Wong quarter gained immediate attention. Collectors praised its distinctive design—Wong’s graceful pose framed by bright lights—and its cultural significance. Many new collectors were drawn into the hobby because of its crossover appeal between coinage and cinema history. Demand for mint rolls and proof sets was strong, and some U.S. Mint offerings sold out quickly after release. On the secondary market, high-grade examples and silver proofs have held steady premiums, especially those graded at top levels by professional services. The coin has become both a cultural keepsake and a numismatic highlight of the 2020s.
Educational Uses
The Anna May Wong quarter is more than a collectible—it’s a teaching tool. Teachers and parents can use it to introduce students to the history of Asian American contributions to U.S. culture, as well as the challenges of representation in media. The coin also opens discussions about the American Women Quarters Program, the role of women in shaping history, and the evolving art of U.S. coin design. Because quarters are so widely circulated, students can encounter this piece of history in their own pocket change, making learning feel immediate and personal. For numismatists, the quarter highlights how coinage serves as a mirror of society’s values, celebrating individuals whose legacies were once overlooked.
Conclusion
From a collector’s perspective, the Anna May Wong quarter is a modern issue that already shows strong premiums in the right versions. Circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver are common, but uncirculated rolls, San Francisco mint strikes, and especially the silver proofs command higher value. The difference often comes down to condition—an MS-65 coin may be worth only a few dollars, while a flawless MS-68 or PF70 can fetch hundreds.
For anyone sorting through change or mint sets, tools like Coin ID Scanner make the process easier. By scanning the coin with a phone camera, you can quickly confirm the mintmark, identify whether it’s a standard strike or a proof, and get an up-to-date estimate of its value. With demand from both numismatists and admirers of Anna May Wong’s legacy, this quarter is not just money—it’s a collectible worth watching closely in today’s market.