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Not many people know there's a whole series of quarters honoring amazing American women. It's called the American Women Quarters Program, and they've been minting new quarters each year since 2022. One of these features the incredible Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray—a poet, lawyer, and activist—making her the first Black woman on a U.S. quarter.
Beyond its historical significance, does the Dr. Pauli Murray quarter hold valuable potential for collectors? Depending on its condition and rarity, it might be worth more than its face value. In this article, we'll explore the historical background of this quarter, its unique design, and the key factors that influence its worth. We'll also look at how owning physical precious metals, like gold and silver, can be a smart investment strategy alongside coin collecting.
For those interested in expanding their collections beyond commemorative coins, the 2025 1oz Gold American Eagle MS70 coin stands out as a premier investment. This stunning gold bullion coin, minted in 99.99% pure gold and graded a perfect MS70, represents both financial security and collector appeal. Like historically significant quarters, top-tier gold coins offer long-term value, making them a key asset for those looking to preserve wealth with precious metals.
The Legacy of Dr. Pauli Murray: A Life Engraved in Coin
The 2024 Dr. Pauli Murray quarter celebrates a remarkable woman who shattered barriers and championed social justice. It's the 11th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program, and Dr. Murray's image serves as a powerful reminder of her lifelong fight for equality.
From Personal Struggles to National Advocacy
Having faced discrimination firsthand, Dr. Murray dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights, women's rights, and gender equality. Her rejection from an all-white university gained national attention and sparked a friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. She later became a civil rights lawyer after being arrested for refusing to move from a whites-only bus seat, a moment that predated Rosa Parks' famous protest.
Dr. Murray's research on racial segregation laws played a crucial role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, helping to dismantle the system of separate and unequal schools. She was also a founding member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), advocating for greater inclusion of Black and working-class women’s issues. In 1977, she became the first Black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest.
A Closer Look at the Coin’s Design and Specifications
Obverse (Heads) Side
The front of the quarter features a familiar face—George Washington. This particular design by Laura Gardin Fraser was originally intended for the 1932 quarter but was passed over in favor of John Flanagan’s design.
Reverse (Tails) Side
The reverse side honors Dr. Pauli Murray with a striking portrait framed by her eyeglasses, embedded within the word "HOPE." This powerful symbolism reflects her belief that hope fuels positive change. The coin also features a line from her poem Dark Testament, which describes hope as "A SONG IN A WEARY THROAT." Additional inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the denomination of 25 cents, and “THE REVEREND DR. PAULI MURRAY.”
Technical Specifications
Composition: Copper-nickel alloy
Weight: Just over 5 grams (similar to two nickels)
Diameter: Under 1 inch (approximately the width of a thumb)
Thickness: Less than 2 millimeters (thinner than two stacked pennies)
Edge Detail: 119 tiny ridges (reeds)
What Determines the Value of a Dr. Pauli Murray Quarter?
Condition and Mint State
A quarter fresh from the mint, with sharp details and a pristine surface, is more valuable than one that has circulated through everyday transactions. Collectors seek uncirculated coins in high grades, often verified by professional grading services.
Mint Marks
Each quarter has a mint mark indicating where it was produced:
“D” for the Denver Mint
“P” for the Philadelphia Mint
If one mint produces fewer quarters than the other, those coins can become rarer and more valuable.
Minting Errors
Certain mistakes during the minting process can make a coin more valuable:
Doubled Die Errors: Design elements appear duplicated or slightly offset.
Missing Elements: Portions of words or images are absent due to production issues.
Material Errors: Rare cases where coins are struck on the wrong metal planchet.
Why Coin Collectors Invest in Precious Metals
While collecting quarters is a great way to preserve history, many investors also turn to physical gold and silver as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Precious metals offer intrinsic value and have been a trusted store of wealth for centuries.
A Collector’s Gold Investment: The 2025 1oz Gold American Buffalo Coin
For those looking to expand beyond commemorative coins, the 2025 1oz Gold American Buffalo offers a compelling investment in pure gold. Inspired by the iconic Buffalo Nickel designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin showcases a classic tribute to American heritage. Struck in .9999 fine gold, it combines artistic significance with intrinsic value, making it a sought-after asset for both investors and numismatists. Just as the Pauli Murray quarter honors a trailblazer in history, the Gold American Buffalo represents a legacy of craftsmanship and enduring wealth preservation.
Invest with the U.S. Gold Bureau
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just discovering the fascinating world of coin collecting, the Dr. Pauli Murray quarter is a piece of history worth holding onto. Beyond its monetary potential, it represents the enduring legacy of a woman who paved the way for justice and equality.
If you're looking to invest in a secure and dependable long-term financial plan, the U.S. Gold Bureau offers expert guidance on precious metals investing. Consider diversifying your collection with assets like the 2025 1oz Gold American Buffalo Coin—a stunning gold piece that carries both historical and financial significance. Download our free Precious Metals Investor’s Guide or call us today to learn more about safeguarding your wealth with tangible assets that stand the test of time.
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byUnited States Gold Bureau