Disclaimer: The U.S. Gold Bureau offers a wide selection of products; however, we do not carry all mintages produced by the U.S. Mint. Availability of specific items, including commemorative coins, may vary.
In 2024, the U.S. Mint honored Dr. Mary Edwards Walker with a special quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program. This coin celebrates a trailblazing Civil War surgeon, abolitionist, and the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor. While the quarter has historical significance, collectors and investors often ask: What is the value of the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter—and how does it compare to investment-grade coins like the 2024 Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set?
Let’s explore the quarter’s background, its value, and why serious investors continue to favor physical gold—especially graded proof sets—over modern commemorative coinage.
Who Was Dr. Mary Edwards Walker?
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering physician, women’s rights advocate, and Civil War veteran. She volunteered as a surgeon during the Civil War, often working on the battlefield, and was taken prisoner by the Confederacy. For her bravery and service, President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor in 1865—a decoration that, to this day, makes her the only woman to receive such an honor.
Beyond medicine, Walker was a fierce advocate for women’s suffrage and dress reform. Her legacy makes her a natural fit for the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, which seeks to honor impactful women in American history.
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Quarter: Design and Availability
Released in 2024, the Walker quarter showcases a design featuring a profile of George Washington on the obverse, originally sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser. The reverse depicts Dr. Walker holding her Medal of Honor, set against the backdrop of a Civil War-era hospital, with inscriptions recognizing her name and accomplishments. The coin was minted in various finishes, including circulation strikes, which are available in pocket change or bank rolls, and collector versions, offered in proof and uncirculated finishes through the U.S. Mint in sets or rolls.
Value of the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Quarter
For most people, the quarter holds face value—$0.25. Even in pristine uncirculated condition, standard clad versions have limited market appreciation, often trading for less than $2 on resale platforms. Special proof versions may command $3 to $10, depending on condition and packaging.
It’s important to understand that modern commemorative quarters are not designed for serious wealth preservation. Their value is tied more to sentiment and collectibility than intrinsic worth. They are typically minted in base metals like copper-nickel, which offer no real hedge against inflation or economic instability.
Why Physical Gold Remains a Smart Investment
Unlike commemorative coins, investment-grade gold is a time-tested store of value. Throughout history, gold has been a hedge against inflation, stock market volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty. It is one of the few assets that is universally recognized, divisible, and liquid across borders.
This is why investors looking to protect their wealth often turn to physical gold coins, particularly those graded for quality and rarity.
Investment-Grade Coins vs. Commemorative Coins
Here’s how investment-grade coins like the 2024 Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set compared to commemorative issues like the Walker quarter:
Investment-grade gold coins are composed of fine gold, giving them high intrinsic value and strong global demand among investors. They serve as a powerful tool for wealth preservation due to their precious metal content and recognized status in international markets. In contrast, commemorative quarters are typically made from base metals or silver, offering low intrinsic value and limited appeal outside niche collector communities. As a result, their ability to preserve wealth over time is minimal compared to the lasting financial security offered by physical gold.
The 2024 Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set stands out for its exceptional quality. Each coin in the set is certified PR70 (Proof 70)—the highest possible grade, indicating flawless condition. These coins not only contain pure gold, but they also carry numismatic prestige, giving them potential for both intrinsic and collectible appreciation.
Why Buy from the U.S. Gold Bureau?
The U.S. Gold Bureau is a trusted authority in precious metals. With decades of experience, we offer:
Authentic, investment-grade gold and silver coins
Exclusive Proof 70 gold sets, including the 2024 Gold American Eagle
Secure storage options or direct delivery
Whether you're diversifying a retirement account or building generational wealth, the U.S. Gold Bureau provides the quality, transparency, and service serious investors expect.
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is a noble tribute to a pioneering American hero. While its historical significance is clear, its financial value remains modest. For those looking to preserve and grow their wealth, investment-grade gold coins—like the 2024 Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set—offer tangible, time-tested benefits.
Explore a smarter path to financial security with the U.S. Gold Bureau today. And if you’re just getting started, a 1 oz gold bar offers a perfect entry point into the world of physical gold investing.
Posting in:
byUnited States Gold Bureau