The 2022-P Anna May Wong American Women Quarter is the fifth coin released in the American Women Quarters Program, which began in 2022. This program is set to continue through 2025, honoring the contributions of important women in U.S. history. Released on October 25, 2022, this quarter commemorates Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American Hollywood star. If you’re a coin collector or a fan of American history, the Anna May Wong Quarter is a must-have for your collection.
Who Was Anna May Wong?
Anna May Wong (born Wong Liu Tsong on January 3, 1905) was a trailblazer in Hollywood. As the first female Asian American movie star, Wong faced many challenges in her career. Despite her talents, she often found herself cast in stereotypical roles due to Hollywood’s bias against Asian actors. She began acting at a young age, appearing in silent films and later transitioning to talkies. Wong’s most famous work includes Shanghai Express (1932) with Marlene Dietrich, a film still celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of Asian culture.
Throughout her career, Wong battled racism and limited opportunities, but she never stopped advocating for better roles and accurate portrayals of Asian Americans in film. She eventually moved to Europe, where she found greater freedom to pursue diverse roles. Wong’s story remains an important chapter in Hollywood’s history, and this quarter helps keep her legacy alive.
Features of the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter
Design and Symbolism
The obverse of the Anna May Wong Quarter features the standard Washington portrait, sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser. This design was chosen for the entire American Women Quarters series, replacing the usual bust of George Washington by John Flanagan.
The reverse of the coin is a close-up of Anna May Wong’s face, capturing her elegance from the late 1920s and early 1930s. She is shown with her chin resting on her hand, symbolizing her grace and strength. Above her image, the coin reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and below it, “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The coin’s motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” is displayed beneath Wong’s image, surrounded by a marquee sign that evokes the world of cinema.
The reverse design was created by artist Emily Damstra, with sculpting by John P. McGraw. Damstra’s initials, “ESD,” are found on the left side of Wong’s face, while McGraw’s initials, “JPM,” are on her hand.
Coin Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the specifications for the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2022 |
| Denomination | 25 Cents (Quarter Dollar) |
| Mintmark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 226,800,000 |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse Designers | Emily Damstra & John P. McGraw |
| Quality | Business Strike |
Collecting the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter
The 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter has become quite popular among collectors due to its unique design and historical significance. As of November 2024, collectors are particularly interested in high-grade examples. The highest-graded versions of the coin are rated MS67 by PCGS, with values reaching up to $40 for top-quality specimens. Raw, uncirculated coins generally sell for around $1.50, but any error coins can fetch a higher price.
The U.S. Mint began shipping these quarters to banks in October 2022. As part of the American Women Quarters program, this coin has attracted attention for its modern design, featuring a real person rather than just a building or symbol. This coin is a great addition to any collection, especially for those interested in the history of women in America.
Grading Data and Prices
Here’s a table summarizing the grading and prices for the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter:
| Grading Service | Grade | Population | Price Range (Nov 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGC | MS69 | 3 | $20-$39.95 |
| PCGS | MS67 | 117 | $20-$40 |
| Raw (Uncirculated) | – | – | $1.50 average |
| Error Coins | – | – | Higher than uncirculated |
Conclusion
The 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter is not just a coin but a tribute to a pioneering woman in American history. As the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong broke barriers in Hollywood and remains an inspiration. The release of this quarter serves as a reminder of her struggles and triumphs. Whether you’re a coin collector or someone who appreciates the legacy of Anna May Wong, this quarter is an important piece of American history.
FAQ’s
What is the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter?
The 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, released to honor Anna May Wong, the first Asian American movie star in Hollywood. It features her portrait on the reverse side of the coin.
How much is the 2022-P Anna May Wong Quarter worth?
The face value of the coin is 25 cents, but collectible versions can range from $1.50 for raw uncirculated coins to up to $40 for high-grade examples (MS67).
What makes the design of the Anna May Wong Quarter special?
The reverse of the quarter shows a close-up of Anna May Wong from the 1920s, with her name and a marquee sign surrounding her image, celebrating her legacy in Hollywood.