The 2020 Bat Quarter vs. Other America the Beautiful Coins — Which Are Worth Keeping?

The 2020 Bat Quarter quickly became one of the most talked-about modern coins. Its design shows a Samoan fruit bat holding her pup — a simple image that caught everyone’s attention. For collectors, the 2020 bat quarter value is worth talking about as this coin mixes meaning, rarity, and timing. Today, it remains one of the few modern quarters people still search for in circulation.

Design and Background of the Bat Quarter

The quarter shows a Samoan fruit bat mother hanging with her pup — a species native to the Pacific islands. The design was created to show the need to protect wildlife and preserve the natural balance of American Samoa.

Design Details

• Obverse: George Washington’s portrait (standard since 1932), designed by John Flanagan.

• Reverse: Mother and pup of the Samoan fruit bat, designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

The message behind the design was simple — even small lives deserve protection. That symbolism, combined with a limited “W” mint mark release, helped the coin gain popularity among collectors. However, this design also raised public curiosity because of its timing — early 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when bats were heavily discussed in the media.

Real 2020 Bat Quarter Value by Mint Mark and Type

The value of the 2020 Bat Quarter depends on its mint, finish, and condition. Ordinary circulation coins hold face value, but special strikes or errors can sell for more.

Circulation coins from Philadelphia and Denver are common and often show wear. Proof and silver proof versions, sold directly to collectors, are better struck with mirror surfaces. The “W” quarters attract the main attention — limited to only 2 million pieces, mixed randomly into general circulation to encourage coin collecting.

Tip: Even lightly circulated “W” quarters can bring dozens of dollars if they show clean surfaces and sharp details. Always check the area below “IN GOD WE TRUST” for the mint mark — “W” means West Point and higher value.

Valuable Errors and Varieties

Most 2020 bat quarters are normal, but some feature visible minting defects that increase their value. Errors are rare but easy to recognize once you know what to look for.

Strike-Through (“Blind Bat”) Error

This error appears when grease or debris covers part of the die during striking, making the bat’s eye or part of its face look missing.

• Minor strike-through marks usually sell for $100–$300.

• Dramatic “blind” examples verified by grading services can reach $2,000+.

Die Breaks, Cracks, and Chips

Worn dies can leave raised lines or metal bumps, especially near the rim or on the bat’s wings.

• Minor breaks or chips are valued around $50–$100.

• Large or well-placed die cracks may reach $200 or more.

Curved Clip / Missing Planchet Section

Part of the metal blank is missing before striking, leaving a visible “bite” on the coin’s edge.

• Small curved clips often sell for $200–$400.

• Large, dramatic clips with visible design distortion can reach $1,000+.

Off-Center Strike

The planchet was misaligned during minting, causing part of the design to shift or disappear.

• Off-centers of 10–20% are valued between $150–$300.

• Larger shifts of 30% or more can exceed $2,000, especially if the date remains visible.

The 2020 Bat Quarter Compared to Other Modern “America the Beautiful” Coins

The America the Beautiful program ran from 2010 to 2021, issued to honor national parks and landmarks from every U.S. state and territory. While most designs are common, some quarters (especially those with special mint marks) hold noticeable collector value. Example you can see in the table below:

The 2020 Bat Quarter often sells slightly lower than the 2019-W Lowell because of higher survival numbers, but demand remains strong due to its memorable design.

Practical Advice — How to Recognize a Valuable Coin

Collectors often overlook small signs that make one coin worth more than another. Use this checklist to evaluate your Bat Quarter or any modern quarter accurately.

Steps for checking:

1. Find the mint mark — It’s located under “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Look for a “W” (West Point), “P,” “D,” or “S.”

2. Examine the surface — Smooth, mirror-like shine or sharp edges may indicate a proof or SMS coin.

3. Check the weight — Normal quarters weigh 5.67 g. Noticeable differences could mean a minting error or wrong planchet.

4. Use magnification — Inspect for small die chips, doubling, or cracks. Even minor ones can raise value.

Tip: You can photograph and catalog your findings using Coin ID Scanner. Download it to track collection and check some minting details. The app won’t detect errors automatically, but offers other useful features.

Modern Coin Collecting Trends

In recent years interest in contemporary coins has increased. Younger collectors and hobbyists now start to  explore circulating issues instead of older silver series. And for this there are some reasons:

• Easier access — modern coins still appear in daily change.

• Affordable entry — you can start without major cost.

• Educational value — studying varieties and minting errors builds knowledge of U.S. minting history.

Online marketplaces also play a role. Certified Bat Quarters in top condition regularly appear on eBay and Heritage Auctions, often selling for well above face value. However, the gap between average and premium examples is huge, so check the condition carefully when you are going to sell or buy one.

FAQ 

Why the Bat Quarter Still Matters

The 2020 Bat Quarter remains one of the most memorable modern designs. Compared to other America the Beautiful coins, it remains accessible and still valuable — something rare in modern circulation pieces.

For anyone curious about the 2020 bat quarter value, the main points are simple: check the mint mark, preserve condition, and document what you find and then focus on what really matters: finding the next coin worth adding to collection.