The 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in Proof condition to over $35 for high-grade Silver Proof specimens. This beautiful coin celebrates a true American pioneer, and if you’ve found one with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a special collector’s edition.
| Coin Version | Average Market Value |
|---|---|
| 2024-S Clad Proof | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 2024-S Silver Proof | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| 2024-S Uncirculated (Mint Set) | $3.00 – $7.00 |
Identifying Your 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Quarter
The 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is the 11th release in the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters™ Program. Dr. Walker was a Civil War surgeon, a women’s rights advocate, and the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor. Because these “S” mint mark coins were not released into general circulation for daily spending, finding one in your pocket change is quite rare. Most everyday Americans who own this coin purchased it directly from the Mint or found it in a specialized collector’s set.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard strike or a special proof, using a best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various finishes. These apps use image recognition to spot the “S” mint mark located on the obverse (heads side) just below the “In God We Trust” motto. By downloading the CoinHix app, you can instantly scan your quarter to see if it matches the mirror-like finish of a San Francisco Proof strike.
The design itself is striking. It depicts Dr. Walker in her signature attire—which often included a surgical tunic and trousers—and her hand resting on the Medal of Honor hanging from her neck. The reverse was designed by Phebe Hemphill and captures the determination of a woman who defied social norms to save lives on the battlefield. Understanding the current 2024 Mary Edwards Walker quarter value requires looking at the specific type of “S” mint coin you have.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver S-Mint Quarters
The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of the 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter. The first is the “Clad” version, which is made of the same copper-nickel composition as standard quarters but struck with polished dies for a mirror finish. The second is the “Silver Proof” version, which is composed of 99.9% fine silver. Identifying which metal your coin is made of is the biggest factor in determining its market price.
| Feature | Clad Proof (S) | Silver Proof (S) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-Nickel | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.343 grams |
| Edge Appearance | Copper stripe visible | Solid silver/white |
Silver quarters are always worth significantly more due to their melt value and lower strike numbers. To get a precise reading on the weight or metal content, many modern collectors use the CoinHix mobile tool to log their finds and track silver spot prices. This is especially helpful if you have a large collection of the American Women Quarters series and want to know which ones are precious metals.
Grading and Condition: Why PR70 Matters
When we talk about the 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Women quarter value, we often refer to “Proof” grades. Unlike coins meant for circulation, which use the “MS” (Mint State) scale, proof coins are graded from PR1 to PR70. A PR70 “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is a perfect coin with no visible scratches or imperfections even under 5x magnification. Because these were handled with care by the Mint, most will grade at least PR68 or PR69.
The price gap between a PR69 and a perfect PR70 can be substantial. For example, a 2024-S Silver Proof Mary Edwards Walker quarter in a PR70 slab from a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC can sell for $75 or more at auction. If the coin has any fingerprints, milky spots, or “hairline” scratches from being wiped with a cloth, its value drops back down to its raw silver or clad price.
Always hold your “S” mint quarters by the edges. The oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror finish of a proof coin. If you suspect your coin is a perfect strike, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin’s surface to high-resolution images of graded masterpieces. This helps you decide if it is worth the $20-$40 fee to have it professionally certified.
Availability and Mintage of the 2024-S Quarter
The San Francisco Mint does not produce these quarters for circulation, meaning you won’t find them by just checking your laundry change unless someone accidentally spent a collector’s set. The mintage numbers for the 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter are much lower than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). This artificial scarcity is what keeps the value of the “S” mint quarters stable.
While exact final mintage numbers for 2024 are still being finalized by the US Mint, historical data from the American Women Quarters program suggests that clad proof sets usually account for about 400,000 to 500,000 coins per design. Silver proof sets are typically even more limited. Because these are “one-year-only” designs, once the year 2024 ends, the Mint stops producing them forever, which helps long-term value.
| Condition | Estimated Value (Clad) | Estimated Value (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw (Loose) | $3 – $5 | $20 – $30 |
| PR69 DCAM | $12 – $18 | $35 – $50 |
| PR70 DCAM | $30 – $50 | $80 – $120 |
Common Errors on 2024 Mary Edwards Walker Quarters
Even though the San Francisco Mint has very high quality control standards, errors can still happen. Collectors are always on the lookout for “Die Chips,” “Double Dies,” or “Clad Errors” on the 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Women quarter. A die chip on Mary Walker’s surgical bag or an extra thickness in the lettering “Medal of Honor” could turn a $5 coin into a $50 prize.
“Doubled Die” errors are the most sought-after. This happens when the die used to strike the coin has a faint secondary image. If you see doubling in the words “United States of America” or on the surgical instruments Mary Walker holds, you should have the coin examined. Keep in mind that modern proof coins are struck twice, so “machine doubling” (a common, non-valuable shelf-like doubling) is often confused with a true Doubled Die.
If you think you found a rare variation, checking your coin against a database is vital. The CoinHix app allows you to zoom in on your coin’s details and compare them with known error types for the 2024 series. Because these coins are so new, new errors are discovered by everyday collectors every month!
Summary: Should You Save Your 2024-S Quarters?
If you find a 2024-S Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter, you should absolutely save it. Whether it is the copper-nickel clad version or the 99.9% silver version, these coins represent a limited-run commemorative series that celebrates a legendary figure in medical and feminist history. While a single clad proof might only buy you a fancy coffee today, its historical significance and rarity compared to “P” and “D” quarters make it a staple for any collection.
For those looking to build a full set of the American Women Quarters, the Mary Edwards Walker design is often cited as a favorite due to the intricate detail of her clothing and the medal. As time passes, uncirculated and proof specimens in high grades will likely see a steady increase in interest, especially from collectors specializing in medical history or woman-themed numismatics.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2024-S Mary Edwards Walker quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely. The San Francisco Mint (“S” mark) only produces these quarters for collector sets. If you find one in circulation, it means a collector likely broke open a set and spent the coin by accident.
Q: How do I know if my 2024-S quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silvery-white edge, it is likely the 99.9% silver version. If you see a copper or orange stripe, it is the standard clad proof version. You can also weigh it; the silver version is heavier (6.34g) than the clad version (5.67g).
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2024-S Mary Edwards Walker quarter?
A: Since these coins are very new, prices are still stabilizing. However, perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Silver specimens have pre-sold and auctioned in the $100 range during the initial release window.
Q: Is Dr. Mary Edwards Walker the only woman on the 2024 quarters?
A: No, she is one of five women honored in 2024. The others include Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray, Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink, Mary Cassatt, and Zitkala-Ša. Each has its own distinct value and collector appeal.