2022-S Sally Ride Proof

Sally Ride logged 343 hours in space across two Challenger missions in 1983 and 1984, then went on to advise NASA after the Columbia disaster and to found Sally Ride Science in 2001. Her 2022 quarter, the second issue of the American Women Quarters Program, appears here in the San Francisco clad proof finish, struck in a total of 863,886 pieces. The coin was distributed inside the 2022 Proof Set and the 2022 Quarters Proof Set, both annual collector products from the San Francisco Mint, and the mintage was capped by collector demand for those sets rather than by Federal Reserve coin needs.

San Francisco's proof process uses specially polished blanks, multiple strikes from hand-polished dies, and slow press cycles, which is what produces the mirror fields and frosted relief seen across Ride's profile, the window frame, and Laura Gardin Fraser's Washington portrait on the obverse. The reverse design comes from Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Elana Hagler and was sculpted by US Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill. Composition matches the circulating clad quarter: 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel over a pure copper core, 5.67 grams, 24.3 millimeters in diameter, reeded edge. The S mintmark appears above the date on the obverse. Authentication for proofs depends on the contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices, on the sharp wire rim, and on the absence of planchet streaks that mark business strikes. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) award Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations to coins with the strongest field-to-device contrast.

PR69 DCAM examples are widely available, while PR70 DCAM coins command meaningful premiums driven by population reports. Early-release and First Strike holders add another collector layer. Original government proof set packaging retains modest premiums on the secondary market, and intact early-release labels add a further increment for registry-set participants. For full program context, see the Washington Quarters (American Women) series history.