In 2023, the U.S. Mint honored Bessie Coleman with a commemorative quarter as part of the American Women Quarters™ Program. For many collectors, this coin is more than just a modern issue—it is a celebration of perseverance, diversity, and the human spirit’s ability to transcend barriers. The Bessie Coleman quarter brings her inspiring story into the hands of millions while adding cultural depth to coin collections across the country.
For numismatists, the coin’s importance lies in its symbolic value as well as its role within a limited series. As with earlier historical coin programs, the Bessie Coleman quarter invites both seasoned collectors and new hobbyists to explore the connections between American history and numismatic art.
Who Was Bessie Coleman?
Bessie Coleman, born in 1892, carved her name in history as the first African American and Native American woman pilot. At a time when racial and gender discrimination blocked opportunities in the United States, Coleman pursued her dream abroad.
Early Life: Growing up in Texas, she worked tirelessly to support her family and sought education whenever possible, despite limited access.
Training Abroad: Denied entry into American flight schools, she moved to France, where she earned her international pilot’s license on June 15, 1921.
Career and Advocacy: Known as “Queen Bess” or the “Daredevil Aviatrix,” she thrilled audiences with aerial stunts while using her platform to promote aviation education for African Americans and to challenge racial inequality.
Tragic End: Coleman’s promising career was cut short in 1926 when she died in an aircraft accident at just 34 years old.
Her courage and determination, however, continue to inspire. The quarter minted in her honor reflects not only her achievements in aviation but also her role as a trailblazer for equity and opportunity.
Design and Symbolism of the Bessie Coleman Quarter
Every coin tells a story, and the Bessie Coleman quarter is no exception. Released in 2023, it stands as both a tribute to Coleman’s legacy and an artistic achievement in modern U.S. coinage.
Designer: Chris Costello
Sculptor: Eric David Custer
Obverse: Retains the standard design of George Washington, refreshed by Laura Gardin Fraser’s portrait introduced in the American Women Quarters series.
Reverse: Features Bessie Coleman in her pilot gear, gazing upward as a biplane soars among clouds above her. The design also bears the date June 15, 1921—the day she earned her international pilot’s license.
This combination of imagery connects numismatics to a broader narrative of perseverance, representation, and achievement. For collectors, the coin is not only aesthetically compelling but also historically symbolic, bridging aviation history with social progress.
Collectibility and Numismatic Interest
The Bessie Coleman quarter quickly gained traction among hobbyists for several reasons:
Part of a Limited Program: It belongs to the American Women Quarters™ Program (2022–2025), which celebrates trailblazing women across U.S. history. Limited runs create strong collector interest.
Cultural Significance: Coleman’s legacy resonates with a wide audience—aviation enthusiasts, historians, and advocates for diversity—broadening the coin’s appeal beyond traditional numismatics.
Mint Marks and Production: Struck at both Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints, with San Francisco (S) proof versions included in special sets. Collectors watch these mint marks closely for rarity within subsets.
Proof and Uncirculated Sets: Higher-quality strikes in collector sets highlight design details that are less noticeable on circulation strikes.
Potential Error Varieties: As with all modern coin issues, enthusiasts monitor for doubled dies, planchet flaws, or striking errors that can raise values significantly.
Quick Collectibility Snapshot
Feature | Details | Collector Impact |
Program | American Women Quarters (2022–2025) | Creates demand as part of a short-lived series |
Reverse Design | Coleman with biplane, date of license | Strong symbolic and historic appeal |
Mint Marks | P, D, S | Varied availability, proof coins especially sought after |
Collector Sets | Proof, silver proof, uncirculated | Showcase higher artistry, boost long-term value |
Error Varieties | Doubled dies, strike anomalies | Can elevate individual coin value significantly |
The Bessie Coleman quarter demonstrates how modern coinage can blend artistry with cultural recognition, ensuring that even circulating currency reflects milestones of American identity.
How the Coin ID Scanner App Supports Collectors
For numismatists, identifying and organizing modern commemoratives like the Bessie Coleman quarter can be just as important as studying historic rarities. The Coin ID Scanner app simplifies this process by combining visual recognition with expert-level resources.
Key Features:
Photo Identification: Snap or upload a coin photo to instantly access detailed information—mint year, country, type, composition, diameter, weight, and estimated value.
Collection Management: Create digital albums to track quarters, proof sets, and error finds, making organization seamless.
Extensive Database: Covers over 187,000 global coins, ensuring coverage of U.S. modern issues like the American Women Quarters.
Smart Filters & AI Coin Helper: Premium tools for narrowing searches and receiving quick insights into unusual features or varieties.
For those collecting across multiple U.S. Mint programs, the app is a practical companion that ensures accuracy, prevents oversight, and streamlines recordkeeping.
Practical Tips for Collecting the Bessie Coleman Quarter
Collect Across All Mints
Obtain Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco strikes for a complete set.
Consider Proof and Silver Sets
These highlight design details and are often appreciated in long-term collector markets.
Watch for Varieties
Stay alert to doubled dies, planchet flaws, or strike-throughs that could elevate value.
Handle Coins Properly
Use gloves or coin holders to protect proof and uncirculated examples.
Stay Updated on the Series
The American Women Quarters Program runs until 2025, offering new designs annually—perfect for building a thematic collection.
A Modern Quarter with Timeless Appeal
The Bessie Coleman quarter is more than a piece of pocket change—it is a coin that speaks to courage, representation, and American progress. From her groundbreaking flight in 1921 to her enduring legacy in 2023, Coleman’s story now lives on in circulating currency.
For collectors, this quarter stands out for its artistry, symbolic depth, and place within a limited program. It is a coin that connects history, culture, and numismatics in a way few modern issues do.
With tools like the Coin ID Scanner app, collectors can easily identify, catalog, and track their finds, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. Whether as part of a complete American Women Quarters set or as a standalone tribute to a trailblazer, the Bessie Coleman quarter is a modern issue worth treasuring.