$9,000 Sally Ride Quarter Error
Have you ever checked your change and felt like something looked… off? 
That small detail could mean thousands of dollars in your pocket.
A rare minting mistake involving the Dr. Sally Ride quarter has sold for over $9,000 – even close to $10,000 after fees. Here’s exactly how to identify it, step by step.
Who Is on the Coin?
The quarter features Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space 
. Her coin is part of the American Women Quarters Program, released in 2022 and 2023.
Key design detail:
Unlike older quarters, these new quarters show George Washington facing the opposite direction (to the right instead of left).
Why This Quarter Is So Valuable
Some Sally Ride quarters were mistakenly:
Struck on a nickel planchet (blank) instead of a quarter planchet.
This U.S. Mint error created a rare wrong-planchet error coin, one of the most valuable modern coin mistakes.
Step-by-Step: How to Check If Yours Is Worth $9,000+
Follow these steps carefully 
Step 1: Confirm the Coin Type
Check the back of your quarter:
- Look for Dr. Sally Ride
- Year should be 2022 or 2023
- Part of the American Women Quarters Program
Step 2: Weigh the Coin (Very Important)
Use a digital jewelry scale.
| Coin Type | Normal Weight |
|---|---|
| Regular Quarter | 5.67 grams |
| Error Coin (on nickel) | 5.0 grams or less |
If your coin weighs around 5 grams, keep going!
Step 3: Inspect the Front (Obverse)
On the rare error coin:
- The top portion is missing
- Washington’s head looks “cut off” near the top
- The coin appears slightly smaller
Step 4: Inspect the Back (Reverse)
On the back:
- The bottom portion of the design is missing
- Parts of the inscription may be incomplete
This happens because the nickel blank is smaller than a quarter.
Real Sale Prices
Collectors have paid:
$9,000+ at auction- Nearly $10,000 after buyer fees
And more examples could still be hiding in everyday pocket change! 
Important Tips
Do NOT clean the coin
Store it safely
Get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC
Consider professional appraisal before selling
Final Thoughts
Most people spend these coins without noticing… but now you know what to look for
Check your change. Check your jars. Check your drawers.
That “weird-looking” quarter could be your next $10,000 payday 
