2025-S Ida B. Wells, Silver Proof

The silver proof Ida B. Wells quarter, produced at San Francisco to a reported mintage of 380,000 pieces, anchors the premium tier of the 2025 collector offerings within the American Women Quarters Program. Released in the annual silver proof set and the dedicated silver quarter set, the coin pairs precious metal content with the Mint's most refined finishing process. Wells, born in 1862, became a founding figure of American investigative journalism through her documentation of lynching in the post-Reconstruction South. Her 1892 pamphlet "Southern Horrors" and her 1895 statistical compilation "A Red Record" provided evidence that mainstream newspapers had refused to publish. Her 1909 role in founding the NAACP and her continued civil rights organizing extended her influence over decades, with the 2020 Pulitzer Special Citation recognizing the bravery of her reporting.

Christina Hess of the Artistic Infusion Program is credited with the reverse design pending final verification, depicting Wells with newspapers, a pen, or a quill referencing her investigative work. Laura Gardin Fraser's 1932 Washington portrait occupies the obverse. The silver proof departs from the clad proof in metal content and weight. Specifications call for .999 fine silver, 6.343 grams of total weight, 24.3 millimeters in diameter, and a reeded edge. Authentication relies on the S mintmark verification on the obverse, the 6.343 gram weight standard that distinguishes silver from clad at 5.67 grams, and the uniform white edge tone of .999 silver rather than the copper layer visible on a clad coin. Confirm mirrored fields and frosted devices consistent with deep cameo contrast.

Silver proofs grading PR70 Deep Cameo at Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) command meaningful premiums over PR69 pieces, with both the lower mintage and bullion content reinforcing a firmer resale floor. The final-year status of the 2025 issues has increased attention toward complete silver proof runs of the program. For context on the legislation, design selection, and broader program scope, see the Washington Quarters (American Women) series history.