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The Stacey Park Milbern quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, which honors notable women who made significant contributions to American history. Milbern was a trailblazing disability rights activist, best known for co-founding the Disability Justice Movement and championing inclusion and intersectionality. Her appearance on a U.S. quarter is a powerful tribute, symbolizing the nation's growing recognition of her advocacy and impact.
Released in 2025, this quarter has resonated with collectors and supporters of Milbern’s legacy. The reverse design features her in a wheelchair, surrounded by symbols representing her fight for accessibility and equity. As a modern cultural artifact, the coin highlights the importance of inclusion—but its numismatic value remains largely commemorative.
While the coin holds meaning for collectors and historians, those focused on long-term financial value and asset appreciation should understand the distinction between commemorative coins and investment-grade coins.
Stacey Park Milbern's Legacy in Disability Rights
Stacey Park Milbern's tireless advocacy was instrumental in reshaping the national conversation on disability rights. As a co-founder of the Disability Justice Movement, she emphasized the intersectionality of disability, race, gender, and class.
Milbern's approach was deeply inclusive, advocating not only for physical access but also for social and economic equity for people with disabilities. Her work inspired a generation of activists to challenge systemic barriers and pursue a world that accommodates all abilities, making her recognition on a U.S. quarter especially poignant.
A Symbol of Representation
The depiction of Milbern on the quarter, seated in her wheelchair, is an important symbol for the disability community. It captures her leadership in promoting equal access and opportunities. By featuring Milbern on such a widely circulated coin, the U.S. Mint honors her as a key figure in American social justice movements, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to recognizing and valuing the contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Release and Design Details
The Stacey Park Milbern quarter was officially released in early 2025 as part of the fourth year of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. The program, launched in 2022, celebrates women from diverse backgrounds who made significant contributions to the United States.
Designed by artist Sharia Radford and sculpted by medallic artist Joseph Menna, the reverse of the coin features Milbern working on her laptop, surrounded by magnolia blossoms—symbolizing her North Carolina roots—and a crescent moon, which reflects her Korean American heritage and her belief in the power of community. The design thoughtfully illustrates her advocacy, tech-savvy leadership, and identity as a disabled woman of color.
Understanding the Market: Commemorative vs. Investment-Grade Coins
Commemorative coins are typically issued to honor individuals, causes, or events. Their value is influenced by factors such as public interest, mintage numbers, and uniqueness. However, these qualities often translate to sentimental or collector-driven value, rather than investment potential. The Stacey Park Milbern quarter, like others in the American Women series, is primarily produced for circulation and basic collecting—not for long-term wealth preservation.
For new investors, the line between collectible and investment-grade coins can be confusing. While commemorative coins may be marketed as “collectibles,” they rarely possess the grading, intrinsic precious metal content, or sustained demand that define true investment-grade assets.
In contrast, investment-grade coins are certified by third-party grading agencies for their condition, rarity, and quality. These coins—especially those graded at the highest levels, such as Proof 70—are produced in strictly limited quantities, struck with exceptional detail, and sealed in tamper-evident holders to preserve their pristine state. As a result, they tend to appreciate more consistently over time, offering greater stability and long-term value.
What Makes Investment-Grade Coins a Smarter Choice?
Unlike commemorative quarters, investment-grade coins are backed by intrinsic precious metal value, third-party certification, and global market demand. These attributes make them more than collectibles—they are financial assets.
Consider two examples offered by the U.S. Gold Bureau:
2024 $1 Silver American Eagle Proof 70: This coin features a mirror-like finish and is graded a perfect Proof 70. With its high silver content and impeccable strike, it's both a stunning addition to any collection and a solid asset with tangible value.
2025 Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set: This limited-edition set includes multiple denominations of Gold American Eagles, each graded Proof 70. Backed by the U.S. Mint and composed of pure gold, these coins are trusted by investors worldwide and offer significant appreciation potential amid rising gold demand.
Both options offer qualities that commemorative quarters typically do not: liquidity, precious metal content, and consistent market performance. For investors seeking quality, rarity, and long-term preservation of wealth, certified coins are a far more strategic choice.
The Role of Certification in Coin Value
Certification is a key element in the value of investment-grade coins. Reputable third-party grading agencies like the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) evaluate coins based on strict industry standards. A coin graded Proof 70 indicates a flawless specimen with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification—the highest grade possible.
Certified coins are more liquid, easier to sell, and more attractive to investors and collectors alike. Their encapsulation ensures authenticity and helps maintain condition over time, all of which increase their market value and investment appeal.
Why Precious Metals Matter
In periods of economic volatility or rising inflation, gold and silver have long been trusted as stable stores of value. While commemorative coins like the Stacey Park Milbern quarter offer meaningful cultural significance, they aren't designed to provide financial security. In contrast, investment-grade coins—such as the Gold American Eagle Proof 70 Set—are backed by the intrinsic value of precious metals. These tangible assets serve as a time-tested hedge against inflation, helping to preserve purchasing power and provide peace of mind when traditional markets fluctuate.
Invest with Confidence at the U.S. Gold Bureau
Since 2003, the U.S. Gold Bureau has helped clients invest over $2 billion in physical precious metals. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our team offers expert guidance, secure storage options, and access to certified investment-grade coins backed by the U.S. Mint.
While the Stacey Park Milbern quarter honors an important voice in the fight for justice and inclusion, those looking to build wealth and secure their financial future should consider assets designed for long-term growth. Investment-grade coins offer a unique combination of beauty, rarity, and financial security that commemorative pieces cannot match. Download our free Precious Metals Investor Guide today and discover how certified gold and silver coins from the U.S. Gold Bureau can help you protect and grow your legacy.
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byUnited States Gold Bureau