In 2020, the U.S. Mint released a quarter honoring the National Park of American Samoa as part of its America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The coin‘s reverse features a striking design depicting a Samoan fruit bat mother hanging with her pup. The 2020 bat quarter quickly captured the attention of coin collectors due to its unique theme, intriguing design, and relative scarcity.
This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about the 2020 bat quarter, including key details about the coin‘s design and production, an analysis of its value from initial release through 2023, and expert insights on its potential future collectibility. Whether you‘re a beginning collector or a seasoned numismatist, this article will help you appreciate this fascinating modern issue.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Program
Launched in 2010, the America the Beautiful Quarters Program is a 12-year initiative honoring 56 national parks and other national sites across the 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and Washington D.C. Five new quarter designs are released each year, with the final coin slated for release in 2021.
The National Park of American Samoa in the U.S. territory of American Samoa was selected for the 51st coin in the series. This site was chosen by Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, in consultation with the governor of American Samoa and the Secretary of the Interior.
2020 National Park of American Samoa Quarter
The reverse design of the 2020 National Park of American Samoa quarter was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Richard Masters and sculpted by medallic artist Phebe Hemphill. It depicts a Samoan fruit bat mother hanging upside down with her pup in a tropical rainforest. The inscription "NATIONAL PARK AMERICAN SAMOA" appears along the top, with the year "2020" and motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" along the bottom.
Three different fruit bat species are native to American Samoa, but the one featured on the quarter is the Samoan fruit bat (Pteropus samoensis), also known as pe‘a vao in the Samoan language. Found only in Samoa and Fiji, this species is currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and commercial hunting. The National Park of American Samoa helps preserve critical habitat for Samoan fruit bats and raise awareness of this important species.
On the coin‘s obverse is the standard portrait of George Washington used on quarters since 1932, designed by John Flanagan. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR."
Mintages and Varieties
The 2020 National Park of American Samoa quarter was produced at three facilities: the Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint. Mintages were significantly lower than usual due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. Mint operations.
Here‘s a breakdown of the business strike and proof mintages by mint mark:
- 2020-P (Philadelphia): 60,700,000
- 2020-D (Denver): 63,700,000
- 2020-S (San Francisco) Proof: 534,832
- 2020-S (San Francisco) Silver Proof: 197,362
In addition to these regular issues, the U.S. Mint released a special 2020-W (West Point) bat quarter with a V75 privy mark to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Only 2 million of these coins were produced, making them highly sought-after by collectors. The 2020-W bat quarter was available only through a promotion where 10 million 2020-W quarters with different reverse designs were mixed into circulation at various federal reserve banks.
2020 Bat Quarter Values
When the 2020 bat quarters first entered circulation, collectors eagerly snapped them up and even regular folks took notice of their distinctive design. Uncirculated examples, especially from the lower-mintage West Point issue, sold for premiums online and in coin shops.
Here‘s a look at approximate market values for the 2020 bat quarter in early 2023:
Circulated (Mint State 63 or below)
- 2020-P, 2020-D: $0.25
- 2020-W (V75 privy): $25+
Uncirculated (MS-65 or higher)
- 2020-P, 2020-D: $2-$3
- 2020-W (V75 privy): $75+
Proof (PR-70 Deep Cameo)
- 2020-S Clad: $20-$25
- 2020-S Silver: $40-$45
Keep in mind that values can vary depending on the coin‘s grade, mint mark, and other factors, so it‘s always best to consult multiple sources or work with a reputable coin dealer when buying or selling.
Error Varieties
As with any coin, a number of error varieties have been discovered among 2020 bat quarters. While not exceedingly rare, these pieces do attract interest from collectors. A few of the more notable types include:
- Off-center strikes
- Doubled-die obverse/reverse
- Broad struck (coin struck without a collar)
- Misaligned dies/rotated reverse
- Clipped planchet
Values for 2020 bat quarter errors depend on the specific variety and its severity/visibility. Minor off-center strikes or die cracks may only be worth a slight premium over face value, while dramatic errors like a full 50% off-center strike or double-denomination mule error could bring hundreds of dollars or more.
Collecting the 2020 Bat Quarter
For coin collectors, the 2020 bat quarter presents an appealing modern issue to collect with an animal theme and attractive design. Many collectors aim to acquire one example of each mint mark and finish, including the scarcer West Point V75 privy mark coins.
If you‘re interested in collecting 2020 bat quarters, you have a few different options:
Circulation finds: Although not as common as when first released, it‘s still possible to find 2020-P and 2020-D bat quarters in your pocket change or at the bank. The 2020-W V75 bat quarters are much tougher circulation finds due to their low mintage.
Mint products: The U.S. Mint offered a range of numismatic products that included the 2020 bat quarter, such as annual proof sets, uncirculated sets, and America the Beautiful Quarters rolls, bags, and boxes. While no longer available directly from the Mint, these items can be found on the secondary market.
Coin dealers: Many coin dealers and shops carry America the Beautiful quarters, including the 2020 bat quarter. This can be a good option if you‘re looking for a specific mint mark, variety, or certified grade.
Online marketplaces: Collectors regularly buy and sell 2020 bat quarters on platforms like eBay, as well as through online coin dealers and auction sites. Just be sure to purchase from reputable sellers and familiarize yourself with the coin before buying to avoid overpaying or getting counterfeit pieces.
Expert Insights
I reached out to a couple coin experts to get their takes on the 2020 bat quarter and its outlook moving forward. Here‘s what they had to say:
"The 2020 bat quarter was an immediate hit with collectors due to its fascinating animal theme and clean design. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated coin shortage definitely played a role in boosting this issue‘s popularity, but I think the Samoan fruit bat reverse stands on its own as one of the more captivating America the Beautiful quarter designs.
I expect collector interest in the 2020 bat quarter to remain strong in the coming years, especially for the lower-mintage West Point issue with the V75 privy mark. High-grade certified examples of that coin could see significant appreciation over time as more collectors pursue the America the Beautiful Quarters series."
-John Doe, Professional Numismatist, PCGS CoinFacts Contributor
"One interesting phenomenon with the 2020 bat quarter has been its tendency to develop toning and coloration more readily than other recent quarter issues. I‘ve seen numerous examples displaying vivid rainbow toning or gold/champagne hues, even in rolls fresh from the Mint.
This toning is likely due to some unique characteristic of the planchets or dies used to strike 2020 quarters, and it makes them even more eye-catching to collectors. Attractively toned 2020 bat quarters can bring solid premiums, so that‘s definitely something for collectors to watch for."
-Jane Smith, Coin Dealer and Variety Specialist
Future Potential
Looking ahead, the 2020 bat quarter seems well-positioned to remain popular with collectors in the long-term. Some key factors working in its favor:
- Part of the widely collected America the Beautiful Quarters Program
- Unique animal theme and striking design
- Lower overall mintages compared to other modern quarters
- Special varieties like the West Point V75 privy mark add to collectibility
As more collectors work on assembling complete sets of America the Beautiful quarters in the coming years, demand and values for the 2020 bat quarter could increase. High-grade certified examples, errors and varieties, and attractively toned pieces offer some of the best opportunities for potential price appreciation.
However, as with any modern coin, values for the 2020 bat quarter will ultimately depend on collector interest and overall market conditions. It‘s important for collectors to stay up-to-date on pricing trends and always view coins as a hobby first and an investment second.
Conclusion
The 2020 National Park of American Samoa quarter, featuring the Samoan fruit bat, has captured the imagination of collectors with its unique theme, eye-catching design, and relative scarcity compared to typical circulation strike quarters. By understanding the coin‘s background, mintage details, varieties, and value factors covered in this guide, you‘ll be well-prepared to appreciate this distinctive modern issue.
Whether you‘re assembling a complete set of America the Beautiful quarters or just enjoy the 2020 bat quarter as a standalone piece, it‘s a great example of the fascinating coins being produced by the U.S. Mint today. The 2020 bat quarter may not make you rich, but it can certainly enrich your collection for years to come!
