Women have long been underestimated by society, though some global changes rested on the shoulders of ladies who strived to make the world a better place. These days, the US Mint tries its best to commemorate the most outstanding female figures in its history, which is why there was launched the American Women Quarters program to celebrate trailblazers of all sorts.
What achievements earned these women a place on the coins? What do these numismatic creations look like, and where to check coin value without unnecessary effort for free? Explore the captivating history of American coinage that we are lucky to witness today.
The American Women Quarters Program: The Basics
The American Women Quarters Program emerged so as to honor the vital contributions of women who have shaped the history and culture of the United States. This multi-year series, which started in 2022 and is to end in 2025, was initiated by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which required that the quarter be redesigned to highlight women who have had a significant influence on the country.
The program's objective is to demonstrate the whole scope of achievements in a range of disciplines, e.g., public service, civil rights, the arts, and science. Each year, there should be issued five quarters, and the designs are selected in a joint process that includes public nominations and collaboration with the Congressional Bipartisan Women's Caucus, the National Women's History Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Additionally, the American Women Quarters Program is like an institution of culture that promotes open conversations about equity and representation. The US Mint successfully reveals their stories and makes these more relatable to regular Americans in the form of circulated coins.
American Women Quarters List
As such, the quarters American Women Initiative possesses distinctive designs on the reverse of the coins. Nevertheless, the obverse remains the same as it depicts the recognizable portrait of George Washington that continues to serve as a uniting element and a customary anchor to the series. Now, let us turn to 2022, 2023, and 2024 American Women Quarters instances.
Year | Coin | Design Features | Value |
2022 | Maya Angelou Quarter (Poet and Activist) | Depicts Maya Angelou with her arms uplifted, a bird in flight, and rays of sunlight symbolizing freedom. | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2022 | Dr. Sally Ride Quarter (Astronaut) | Features Sally Ride next to a window on the space shuttle, symbolizing her groundbreaking journey in space | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2022 | Wilma Mankiller Quarter (Cherokee Nation Chief) | Shows Wilma Mankiller wrapped in a traditional shawl, with the Cherokee Nation seal in the background | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2022 | Nina Otero-Warren Quarter (Suffragist and Educator) | Displays Nina Otero-Warren with yucca blossoms, representing her New Mexico heritage | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2022 | Anna May Wong Quarter (Actress) | Features Anna May Wong resting her chin on her hand, with marquee lights framing her name | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2023 | Bessie Coleman Quarter (Aviatress) | Shows Bessie Coleman with an aviator cap and goggles, surrounded by airplane silhouettes | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2023 | Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter (Hawaiian Cultural Leader) | Highlights Edith Kanakaʻole with Hawaiian elements, including a woven kapa pattern and ʻōlelo noʻeau text | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2023 | Eleanor Roosevelt Quarter (First Lady and Human Rights Advocate) | Features Eleanor Roosevelt with scales of justice, symbolizing her human rights advocacy | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2023 | Jovita Idar Quarter (Journalist and Activist) | Depicts Jovita Idar with her hands clasped and inscriptions representing some of her greatest accomplishments and the newspapers for which she wrote | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2023 | Maria Tallchief Quarter (Prima Ballerina) | Displays Maria Tallchief in a graceful ballet pose, representing her iconic career as a prima ballerina | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2024 | Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter (Congresswoman) | Features Patsy Takemoto Mink with a gavel and open book, symbolizing her role in legislation and education. | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2024 | Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Quarter (Surgeon and Activist) | Highlights Dr. Mary Edwards Walker with a Civil War scene in the background, reflecting her medical service | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2024 | Pauli Murray Quarter (Civil Rights Activist and Lawyer) | Features Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray’s eyeglass-framed face within the shape of the word “HOPE” with the inscription “A SONG IN A WEARY THROAT” from her poem Dark Testament | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2024 | Zitkala-Ša Quarter (Writer and Native American Advocate) | Depicts Zitkala-Ša in traditional Yankton Sioux dress. with a book and a stylized sun representing her work on The Sun Dance Opera behind | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
2024 | Celia Cruz Quarter (Singer) | Celia Cruz performing in a rumba-style dress with her signature catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” inscribed on the right | $0.25–$5 (circulated); $10–$20 (proof) |
As for the 2025 American Women Quarters, these are to feature Ida B. Wells (Journalist and Civil Rights Activist), Juliette Gordon Low (Founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA), Vera Rubin (Astronomer), Stacey Milbern (Disability Rights Activist), and Althea Gibson (Tennis Champion and Professional Golfer).
By the way, do you know that coin values may fluctuate? If not, remember that it is vital to keep up with current market trends and review how much your possessions might potentially cost.
To do so, we recommend that you refer to trustworthy resources like Coin ID Scanner, scan your numismatic items, review their details regarding condition and background, and finally get feedback about the price. Stay up-to-date and know your coins inside out.
Sources: