American Women Quarters Program

American Women Quarters Program. This is a four-year initiative by the United States Mint to issue a series of circulating quarter-dollar coins featuring reverse designs emblematic of the accomplishments and contributions of prominent American women. Authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, the program runs from 2022 through 2025, releasing up to five new quarter designs each year. The obverse of each coin retains a portrait of George Washington, but one redesigned by contemporary sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser.

Program Overview

The program was established under public law 116-330, championed by representatives like Barbara Lee and Deb Haaland, to celebrate the historic achievements of women from a diverse spectrum of fields. It follows in the tradition of previous commemorative coin programs such as the 50 State Quarters and the America the Beautiful Quarters. The United States Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Smithsonian Institution's American Women's History Initiative, the National Women’s History Museum, and the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, plays a key role in the selection process. This legislative framework ensures the honorees represent contributions to civil rights, government, humanities, science, and the arts.

Design and Selection Process

The design process begins with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and the Commission of Fine Arts reviewing candidate concepts submitted by the United States Mint. These bodies provide recommendations on historical accuracy and aesthetic merit. For each honoree, the Mint's engraving staff, including artists like Craig A. Campbell and Eric David Custer, creates sculptural models based on approved designs. The selected reverse designs are required to be emblematic of the honoree's accomplishments, with inscriptions including her name and phrases like "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The obverse features a restored 1932 design by Laura Gardin Fraser, originally intended for the Washington quarter.

Honorees and Quarter Designs

The inaugural 2022 coins honored Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, Wilma Mankiller, Nina Otero-Warren, and Anna May Wong. The 2023 series featured Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanakaʻole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief. Honorees for 2024 include Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Pauline "Pauli" Murray, Zitkala-Ša, and Celia Cruz. Final honorees for 2025, such as Ida B. Wells, are also announced. Designs depict iconic imagery; for example, Maya Angelou's coin shows her with a bird and sun, while Sally Ride's depicts her next to the Space Shuttle.

Production and Release

Coins are struck at the Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint, bearing the mint marks P, D, and S, respectively. The San Francisco Mint produces special numismatic versions, including silver proof coins. Releases are staggered throughout the calendar year, with official launch events often held in locations significant to the honoree, such as the National Air and Space Museum for Sally Ride. The coins enter general circulation through the Federal Reserve Bank system, and collectible products are sold via the United States Mint's catalog and authorized retailers.

Public and Numismatic Reception

The program has been widely praised by organizations like the National Women’s History Museum and the American Numismatic Association for broadening the narrative of American history. Collectors have shown strong demand for annual proof sets and silver editions, particularly for figures like Anna May Wong and Celia Cruz. Some critique has focused on design elements or selection choices, but overall, the initiative is seen as a successful public education campaign. Exhibitions at the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and increased media coverage from outlets like NPR have further amplified its cultural impact, ensuring these quarters reach a wide audience.