Zitkala-Sa Quarter Value
2025 · 25¢ · 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.25 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.30 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1.50 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $4.50 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $22.50 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-S | Silver proof version | $8–$15 |
| 2025-P | Philadelphia issue | $0.50–$3 |
| 2025-D | Denver issue | $0.50–$3 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Emily Damstra
- Years
- 2025
- Denomination
- 25¢
- Composition
- 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Diameter
- 24.3 mm
- Weight
- 5.67 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Zitkala-Sa Quarter: History & Background
The Zitkala-Sa Quarter honors the Yankton Dakota author, musician, educator, and political activist who fought for Native American rights in the early 20th century. Born Gertrude Simmons in 1876, she adopted the pen name Zitkala-Sa (meaning Red Bird) and wrote influential works about the Native American experience. She co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926 and lobbied for the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. The reverse depicts her in traditional dress, pen in hand.
How to Grade a Zitkala-Sa Quarter
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Zitkala-Sa Quarter Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Zitkala-Sa Quarters is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.25 in Poor to $1.50 in Uncirculated — a 6× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $4.50 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Zitkala-Sa Quarter series has 3 notable key dates. The 2025-S is valued at $8–$15, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel coin, the Zitkala-Sa Quarter derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Emily Damstra, the Zitkala-Sa Quarter (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Zitkala-Sa Quarter
The Zitkala-Sa Quarter (2025) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Emily Damstra, this 25¢ coin was struck in 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 5.67 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Zitkala-Sa Quarter series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $0.30 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Zitkala-Sa Quarter in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $4.50+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Zitkala-Sa Quarter valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Zitkala-Sa Quarter: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Zitkala-Sa Quarter worth today?
A Zitkala-Sa Quarter (2025) is worth between $0.25 in Poor condition and $1.50 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $0.30. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $4.50 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Zitkala-Sa Quarter?
The most valuable Zitkala-Sa Quarter is the 2025-S — silver proof version. This date is valued at $8–$15 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Zitkala-Sa Quarter?
Grading a Zitkala-Sa Quarter starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$0.30) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$1.50) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Zitkala-Sa Quarters?
For common-date Zitkala-Sa Quarters in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Zitkala-Sa Quarter?
Yes. Known Zitkala-Sa Quarter errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Zitkala-Sa Quarter is real?
Authentic Zitkala-Sa Quarters weigh 5.67 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Zitkala-Sa Quarter the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Zitkala-Sa Quarters are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1.25 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 2025-S command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Zitkala-Sa Quarters were made?
The Zitkala-Sa Quarter was produced from 2025. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 2025-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Zitkala-Sa Quarter?
Never clean a Zitkala-Sa Quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Zitkala-Sa Quarter a good investment?
Zitkala-Sa Quarters in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Zitkala-Sa Quarter dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.