Jovita Idar Quarter: Unveiling the Stories Behind the 2023 Edition
Introduction
The Jovita Idar quarter, part of the 2023 American Women Quarters Program, celebrates the legacy of a pioneering journalist and civil rights advocate. This special quarter honors Idar for her contributions to the advancement of Mexican-American rights and education. Collectors will be intrigued by this coin’s history and value.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar |
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel Clad |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
The Jovita Idar quarter’s design is a tribute to her tireless work and the impact she had on society. The U.S. Mint has released this quarter with a mintage befitting its special role in commemorating significant American women.
Image of Jovita Idar Quarter - Obverse side features the profile of the honored woman.
Jovita Idar Quarter Value
The value of a Jovita Idar quarter depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and whether it has unique errors. Remember, these values fluctuate based on collector demand, grading, and market conditions.
| Condition | Average Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60–MS66) | $0.75 – $2.00 |
| High-Grade Uncirculated (MS67+) | $5.00 – $20.00 |
| Proof – Clad | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Proof – Silver | Not applicable |
| Error Coins (die chips, doubling) | $10.00 – $250.00+ |
Factors That Influence the Value
Mint Mark and Mintage: The mint mark on a Jovita Idar quarter reveals which U.S. Mint facility produced it, influencing its scarcity. For instance, coins from the Denver Mint (marked “D”) can be more common than those from the Philadelphia Mint (“P”), but this can vary year to year based on production numbers.
Condition and Grade: Understanding the Sheldon Scale (ranging from 1 to 70) is crucial—higher grades like MS67+ attract premium prices due to their near-perfect condition.
Metal Composition: As a standard clad coin, the Jovita Idar quarter doesn’t offer precious metal value, but its collector appeal lies in its unique artistic design and cultural significance.
Errors and Varieties: Authentic mint errors like die chips or doubling can significantly boost a coin’s value. Key authentication by grading services such as PCGS or NGC enhances buyer confidence and can verify the uniqueness of error coins.
Rarity and Errors of the Jovita Idar Quarter
The 2023 Jovita Idar quarter stands as a numismatic tribute to an influential journalist and activist, with some specimens generating additional interest among collectors due to their rare and often intriguing errors. These anomalies make certain coins more valuable and desirable, enhancing their allure within the collecting community.
Double Die Obverse
This error manifests through a doubling of the design elements on the obverse, resulting in noticeable duplication of inscriptions or images. Collectors prize these coins for their rarity and the striking visual anomaly they present.
- Estimated Value: $50 – $150+
- Rarity Level: Rare
Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error occurs when the blank intended for minting is improperly cut, resulting in a coin with a noticeable missing section along the edge. These errors are fascinating to collectors intrigued by production mishaps.
- Estimated Value: $30 – $80+
- Rarity Level: Uncommon

Die Crack Errors
These errors appear as raised, irregular lines across the coin’s surface, occurring due to small fractures in the die. While often subtle, when prominent, they can increase a coin’s desirability.
- Estimated Value: $10 – $45+
- Rarity Level: Common
Example of a Double Die Error on the Jovita Idar Quarter.
Off-Center Strikes
Occasionally, coins are struck off-center, resulting in partial designs either missing or imprinted incorrectly. These mistakes create visually striking pieces that are particularly popular with error enthusiasts.
- Estimated Value: $75 – $200+
- Rarity Level: Very Rare
Price Impact Summary
Minor errors like small die chips or light defects generally add modest premiums to the coin’s value. However, dramatic errors, such as distinct double strikes, can significantly enhance worth, especially when preserved in high Mint State grades. Authentication from reputable third-party services such as PCGS or NGC plays a critical role in confirming error types and enhancing buyer confidence.
Mint Marks & Mintage
The mint mark is a crucial element for coin collectors, identifying the U.S. Mint facility where a particular coin was produced. For the 2023 Jovita Idar quarter, mint marks can be found on the obverse side, near the bottom right of George Washington’s profile. The Jovita Idar quarter was issued by the Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) Mints.
Here is the estimated mintage data for the Jovita Idar quarter across these facilities:
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Estimated Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | Not publicly disclosed |
| Denver | D | Not publicly disclosed |
| San Francisco | S (proof) | Not publicly disclosed |
The scarcity and desirability of the Jovita Idar quarter can vary by mint mark and production numbers. While Philadelphia and Denver focus on circulation coins, the San Francisco Mint is known for its high-quality proof production, usually targeting collectors.
Understanding mintages is essential for estimating the relative scarcity and future potential of a coin. Although precise mintage figures can sometimes remain undisclosed initially, collectors often look at historical data and market demand to gauge a coin’s potential collectibility. Regardless of mintage, the Jovita Idar quarter’s availability will also depend on its condition and grade, which can significantly affect its value in the numismatic market.
For detailed information on specific error varieties or to verify the authenticity of a Jovita Idar quarter, professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can provide certification and grading verification.
Jovita Idar Quarter Facts and Trivia
Design Details
- Obverse: The obverse of the Jovita Idar quarter features an expressive profile of George Washington, similar to past U.S. quarter designs, with a more contemporary flair. The right-facing profile displays intricate details of Washington’s hairstyle and an assertive gaze.
- Reverse: The reverse showcases a striking portrait of Jovita Idar, a renowned Mexican-American journalist and activist. The image is complemented by symbolic elements reflecting her work in civil rights and education.
- Inscriptions: “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “Quarter Dollar”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Release Information
- Release Date: 2023
- Series Context: This coin is part of the American Women Quarters Program, which honors and celebrates the accomplishments of women who have made significant contributions to the nation’s history.
- Historical Significance: Jovita Idar is celebrated for her relentless efforts towards equality and education for Mexican-American communities. Her activism continues to inspire modern social justice movements.
QuickFacts
- Jovita Idar was not only a journalist but also an educator who established a school to ensure children of Mexican descent received education.
- The reverse design of the quarter was inspired by a famous photograph of Idar, capturing her determined spirit.
- This coin serves as both a collector’s item and educational piece, shedding light on often overlooked American history.
Images of the coin with alt text saying “Image of the Jovita Idar quarter depicting the symbolic reverse design” provides visual context to these facts.
Collecting the Jovita Idar Quarter
Collecting the Jovita Idar quarter can be a rewarding endeavor both for seasoned numismatists and new collectors. Here are some steps to ensure you build a fulfilling collection:
Educate Yourself: Before starting your collection, take time to learn about Jovita Idar and the significance of her contributions to journalism and civil rights. Familiarizing yourself with the historical context enhances the collecting experience.
Understand Grades and Conditions: The value of coins often depends on their condition. Research the Sheldon Scale (1–70) and consider acquiring a grading guide or using online resources to accurately determine your coin’s grade.
Purchase from Reputable Sources: Whether you choose to buy a Jovita Idar quarter from a coin dealer, online marketplace, or auction, ensure your sources are reputable and offer authentication services.
Watch for Errors and Varieties: Certain errors or varieties, such as die chips or striking anomalies, can add significant value to your Jovita Idar quarter collection. Stay informed about these variations to spot them when acquiring new coins.
Preserve Your Coins Properly: Invest in proper coin storage solutions such as airtight holders, albums, or archival-quality storage boxes to protect your coins from environmental damage.
Use Coin Identification Tools: Utilize coin identification apps such as the Coin ID Scanner on iOS and Coin ID Scanner on Android to aid in identifying, cataloging, and learning the potential value of your coins.
Join Collector Communities: Engaging with other collectors through online forums, social media groups, or local coin clubs can provide insights, trade opportunities, and support as you build your collection. Participating in these communities can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Jovita Idar quarter and coin collecting more generally.
FAQ
What is the Jovita Idar quarter?
The Jovita Idar quarter is the ninth release in the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, a four-year series honoring the achievements of women who have shaped American history. It was issued in 2023 and honors Mexican-American journalist, educator, and civil rights activist Jovita Idar.
What does the reverse side of the coin depict?
The reverse (tails) side features a portrayal of Jovita Idar with her hands clasped. Inscriptions within her figure represent her accomplishments and the newspapers for which she wrote (such as La Crónica and El Progreso), reflecting her lifelong advocacy for Mexican Americans and women’s rights.
Which mints produced the Jovita Idar quarters for circulation?
Circulating quarters were produced at the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mint facilities. The San Francisco (S) Mint also produced proof and silver proof versions for collectors, which are not typically found in circulation.
What is a standard Jovita Idar quarter worth?
In circulated condition, the quarter is worth its face value of 25 cents. Uncirculated, high-grade specimens can fetch slightly more from collectors, with values in the range of $4 to $30+ depending on the specific grade (e.g., Mint State 65 or higher) and if professionally certified.
Is the "In Cod We Trust" a real error?
No, the “In Cod We Trust” appearance is generally considered a result of the specific font used in the design, not a genuine minting error. The “G” in “In God We Trust” is designed in a way that can appear as a “C” to the naked eye. Despite this, some sellers list them as errors to a speculative market.
What are some genuine errors found on the Jovita Idar quarter?
Genuine mint errors include: Clipped Planchets: A missing, smooth arc along the rim, which can be valued between $20 and $75. Off-Center Strikes: The design is noticeably off-center, with values ranging from $25 to over $100 depending on the severity. Die Cracks or Cuds: Raised lines or metal blisters resulting from a cracked die, usually valued between $5 and $30. Doubled Die: A slight doubling effect on design elements, which can be worth $10 to $50.