The United States Mint introduced a fresh batch of commemorative quarter dollar coins into circulation in 2022. In this program that runs from 2022 through 2025, the quarter dollar, whose reverse design has changed annually since 1998, will serve as the platform for honoring numerous accomplished women who have left their mark on American history.

One such woman is Wilma Mankiller, who is being honored and recognized in the Wilma Mankiller quarter. She is the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and the first woman elected as chief of a major Native tribe. Wilma spent her remarkable life fighting for the rights of American Indians and left a lasting legacy that is being celebrated on this special coin.

If you're a collector or simply interested in American history, you'll definitely want to read this blog to know everything about the Wilma Mankiller quarter and why it is so valuable. So, grab a cup of coffee and join me as we explore the fascinating story behind this beautiful coin!

     History of Wilma Mankiller

On November 18, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Cherokee parents welcomed Wilma Mankiller into the world. In 1956, a severe drought forced her family to relocate to California, where her parents struggled financially and moved from town to town in search of more secure employment.

Mankiller married wealthy Ecuadorian college student Hector Hugo Olaya in June 1963, the year she graduated from high school, and they began a family. She developed an interest in activism as a young mother and got involved in the anti-war movement as well as the advancement of women's and ethnic minorities' civil rights.

Mankiller stayed in California after divorcing Olaya in 1974, spending two years working on Indian issues, before moving back to Oklahoma in 1976. She had a string of health setbacks there, pursued further education, and obtained employment in the tribal offices. Mankiller discovered purpose in embracing what she referred to as "a Cherokee approach to life" in a 1993 NPR interview after experiencing this hardship.

She raised millions of dollars in grants to better the lives of her people and got increasingly involved in tribal community development initiatives. She ran for deputy chief in 1983 and defeated funeral director Perry Wheeler in the process.

Mankiller encountered strong resistance in that role from the male council members, who disregarded her due to her gender. In 1985, the tribe reelected Mankiller because she persisted in advocating for improvements on a number of critical issues.

Mankiller was a successful Principal Chief during her tenure, and the Cherokee Nation benefited greatly from many of the projects she spearheaded or oversaw.

She continued to be involved in social causes into her later years. Mankiller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 1998 after being admitted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. 2010 saw the death of Wilma Mankiller at the age of 64.

     Wilma Mankiller Quarter Design Value and Mintage

Obverse

The sculptress Laura Gardin Fraser created the George Washington portrait on the American Women's Quarters' obverse in 1931. The head of Washington is turned to the right. The word LIBERTY encircles the upper part of the design, while the top of the head partially obscures the lower part of the letters BER.

To the left of Washington's head is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, written in tall, thin letters. Tucked beneath Washington's chin on the lower right portion of the design are the date and mintmark. Washington's neck is truncated to reveal Gardin Fraser's initials, LGF.

Reverse

Wilma Mankiller's quarter features an image of herself facing front, signifying that she is staring at the Cherokee people's future. Beside her is a seven-pointed star, which stands for the seven clans of Cherokee. The title and her name are inscribed in the coin's center.

The phrase "E Pluribus Unum" is etched at the bottom of the quarter, while the top reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". The denomination is located directly beside the motto.

     In 2022, there are three different mint locations that minted the coin, which are as follows.

1. 2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter - San Francisco

The 2022-S Wilma Mankiller American Women's Quarter was struck in San Francisco. Introduced in 2022, it is the third coin in the American Women Quarters (AWQ) Program, which honors women who have significantly impacted society. On the obverse side of the quarter is a picture of George Washington, and it has a “S” mint mark above the 2022 year.

2. 2022 P Wilma Mankiller Quarters

A 2022-P Wilma Mankiller quarter was produced by the Philadelphia Mint; however, the mintage is unknown. The Philadelphia mint quarter ("P") from 2022 is valued at $1.18.

3. 2022-D Wilma Mankiller Quarter

The obverse and reverse designs of the 2022-D Wilma Mankiller Quarter honor Wilma Mankiller's legacy and contributions, just like those of its Philadelphia counterpart. The only variation is the “D” mint mark on the obverse side.

This coin, which was struck in Denver and is classified as a Business (MS) strike, is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

     2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter Errors

In the 2022 series, the Wilma Mankiller quarter has the most minting errors. The retained die break at the obverse side corner of the rim is the most noticeable Wilma Mankiller quarter error.

Retained Die Breakage: This error is caused by a tiny crack that leaves a hole in the die. As the coin hits the planchet more frequently, metal builds up in the die, filling the hole and raising part of the coin.

Vertical Die Crack: On the reverse side of the coin, there is also a noticeable vertical die crack error down. The mechanism for this type of crack is the same: metal fills a die crack and is impressed onto the planchet, giving the surface of the coin the appearance of a raised line.

Cud Error: Collectors have reported dying cuds, off-center errors, and chipped planchets. It is advisable to thoroughly examine your specimens before selling them, as these errors are prevalent in all coins issued by the Mint and may hold significant value. Ideally, get an expert to grade them.