2022 UFO Variety WUFO-001

Description

A circular die ring cutting through the right side of the earring provides the primary diagnostic for WUFO-001, the first cataloged Unidentified Fascinating Oddity on the 2022-P Maya Angelou American Women Quarter. "UFO" varieties in the Wexler system capture die anomalies that defy classification under standard doubled die, repunched mintmark, or die break categories — oddities whose formation mechanism remains unexplained but whose die-origin status is confirmed by their consistent reproduction across multiple struck coins. Obverse die markers designated WMDO-001 include a die crack at the back of the mouth, a large die gouge above the 0 in the date, and a die gouge left of the Y in LIBERTY. Reverse die markers designated WMDR-001 reveal a small die gouge below the A in QUARTER, multiple die gouges between and below ES in STATES, and a die gouge inside the O of OF. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 2022-P 25¢ MA WUFO-001, the Maya Angelou quarter was the inaugural issue of the American Women Quarters program that began in 2022 and continues through 2025. The extensive array of secondary die markers — six distinct gouges and a crack — suggests this die had accumulated significant service wear, and the circular ring through the earring may represent a mechanical anomaly in the die-sinking or polishing process rather than a hub-related doubling event.

Attribution History

• Discovered by George W. Powell, Jr. Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2022-P 25¢ MA WUFO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References