Myths About 2023 Quarter Errors: What’s Real and What’s Just a Story

Whenever a coin leaves the U.S. Mint with a flaw, collectors take notice. Error coins have always fascinated the numismatic world because they blur the line between accident and rarity. The buzz around 2023 quarter errors has been especially strong, with social media posts, auction listings, and forum debates fueling curiosity. Some people are convinced they’ve stumbled upon a fortune in pocket change, while others dismiss every odd mark as meaningless. The truth lies somewhere in between.

So, today we offer you to explore the reality behind 2023’s quarters: which designs were released, what the American Women Quarters Program is all about, and why these coins have captured so much attention. 

Quarters Released in 2023

The 2023 issues are part of the broader American Women Quarters Program, an initiative celebrating influential women in U.S. history. Five designs entered circulation that year, each honoring a different legacy.

Fun fact: the program is set to run from 2022 through 2025, with a total of 20 unique designs planned. Each year introduces five new quarters, which makes these coins exciting for collectors and for anyone interested in American history.

About the Program

The American Women Quarters Program is more than a series of coins — it is a cultural statement. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Annual releases: Five different designs appear each year.

• Focus on representation: Each quarter celebrates a woman who made a lasting impact on U.S. history, culture, or progress.

• Educational value: The coins spark interest in stories that often receive less attention in school textbooks.

• Public engagement: Collectors and everyday citizens alike follow the releases, checking their change and discussing finds online.

Understanding and Spotting 2023 Quarter Errors

Common Types of Quarter Errors

Before diving into the specifics of 2023, it helps to know the usual suspects in the world of error coins. These flaws happen during minting, and each leaves a distinct mark:

• Die chip is small raised bumps caused by tiny pieces of the die breaking away. Collectors often call them “pimples” on the coin.

• Die crack is thin raised lines where the die has fractured, leaving a visible scar across the design.

• Doubled die is elements of the design appear doubled, as if stamped twice slightly out of alignment.

• Struck through is error, when a coin is pressed with a foreign object (like grease, cloth, or debris) between the die and blank, leaving unusual impressions

• Misprint / mis-strike error includes off-center strikes, shifted lettering, or distorted details.

Tip: Many of these details are hard to see with the naked eye. A simple jeweler’s loupe (×10) or a macro photo from a smartphone can reveal surprising details that otherwise go unnoticed.

Popular Errors on 2023 Quarters

1. Bessie Coleman — Die Chip on the Nose (“Pimple Nose”)

This error shows up as a small raised bump on George Washington’s nose, the result of a broken piece of the die. It’s simple to recognize and often serves as an entry point for new collectors.

• Easy to spot without magnification

• Not considered rare but widely collected

• Caused by a chip in the die filling with metal

2. Edith Kanakaʻole — Misprint “IN COD WE TRUST”

In some quarters, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears as “IN COD WE TRUST,” with the “G” resembling a “C.” The flaw comes from clogged or worn dies.

• Humorous and widely shared among collectors

• Fairly common, limiting its value

• Caused by grease or debris affecting the die

3. Eleanor Roosevelt — Doubled Die Reverse

This error features faint duplication of design elements and inscriptions on the reverse side. True doubled dies are less common than chips or cracks, which adds to their appeal.

• Highly desirable among error collectors

• Formed during die creation, not regular striking

• Value depends on strength of doubling and condition

4. Jovita Idar — Struck Through Both Sides

Foreign material became trapped between the die and blank, leaving blurry distortions on both sides of the coin. Each struck through error is unique in its appearance.

• Produces unpredictable, one-of-a-kind effects

• Can cover small patches or large sections

• Especially interesting for advanced collectors

5. Maria Tallchief — Die Crack

Fine raised lines appear across parts of the design, caused by fractures in the die itself. Though common, they are classic examples of how dies wear down over time.

• Lines can be subtle or stretch across major details

• Demonstrates natural die aging

• Affordable entry point for learning about mint errors

Tip: Keep a log of your finds with photos. Over time, you will build a personal reference that makes spotting new errors faster and helps you compare with verified auction results.

Myths About 2023 Quarter Errors

Myth 1: Any scratch is an error

It’s common for beginners to confuse everyday wear with mint-made mistakes. Scratches, dents, and corrosion occur after the coin leaves the mint, which means they are not true errors. Genuine errors, e.g., die cracks or struck through flaws, are created during production and can usually be distinguished by raised or unusual features.

Myth 2: All errors are valuable

Not every error carries a premium. Market value depends on three factors: rarity, collector demand, and the coin’s overall grade. For example, a die chip in poor condition might be worth only its face value, while a sharp doubled die in mint state can be significantly more desirable. Collectors should always compare recent sales to set realistic expectations.

Myth 3: Funny inscriptions are always rare

Quirky lettering grabs attention, but not every odd motto translates to rarity. The famous “IN COD WE TRUST” seen on the Edith Kanakaʻole quarter is entertaining and widely shared online, but it appears often enough that it does not drive up prices. Such pieces are fun conversation starters but should not be mistaken for once-in-a-lifetime finds.

Myth 4: Finding an error means instant profit

The excitement of spotting an error sometimes leads people to assume they’ve struck gold. In truth, the coin’s grade is just as important as the type of error. A doubled die in pristine, uncirculated state may attract high bids, while the same error on a heavily worn piece might go unnoticed at auction. Collectors should factor in both condition and rarity before estimating value.

Myth 5: Apps always confirm every error

A common misconception is that mobile apps can instantly identify and verify all coin errors. In fact, no app can replace the careful eye of a collector or the judgment of professional graders. However, digital tools still play a valuable role. For example, the Coin ID Scanner app allows you to photograph a coin and quickly access reliable information and details about its type, minting years, composition, and historical background. With the app you can find ordinary pieces, organize your collection, and focus your attention on coins that might deserve a closer expert look.

Tips for Collectors

Building a collection around error coins can be both fun and rewarding, but you also need to be thoughtful and organized and follow some rules:

1. Store your finds in holders or protective capsules to prevent scratches and wear. Even small blemishes can lower the value of an error coin dramatically.

2. Check coins against multiple sources, e.g., catalogs, auction archives, and trusted online databases. One price guide rarely tells the full story.

3. Follow collector forums, social media groups, and numismatic news outlets. Many of the most fascinating 2023 discoveries first appeared in these communities before reaching wider recognition.

4. Use digital tools like Coin ID Scanner app to photograph, catalog, and compare your coins with reliable references. While it does not certify errors, it helps keep your collection organized and ensures that no interesting piece gets overlooked.

Beyond the Hype

The buzz around 2023 quarter errors proves how fascinating small minting quirks can be. Most of them aren’t rare jewels, but learning to separate real errors from simple damage is what makes collecting meaningful. And finally remember that all these coins are less about quick profit and more about your curiosity, patience, and the joy of the process.