The 2023 quarter marks a significant milestone in U.S. coinage, celebrating the achievements of women. The U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, launched in 2022, continues to release five new quarter designs each year through 2025. These quarters feature the likenesses of trailblazing American women on the coin's reverse (tails) side. In 2023, the women honored on these quarters are Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanakaʻole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief, showcasing their diverse contributions to American history and culture. The obverse (heads) side of these quarters features a restored design of George Washington, initially sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser.
The American Women Quarters Program
The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year initiative by the U.S. Mint to honor the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of the United States. This program, authorized by Public Law 116-330, directs the Mint to issue quarters featuring reverse designs emblematic of prominent American women. Spanning from 2022 to 2025, the program aims to recognize women from diverse ethnic, racial, and geographic backgrounds, highlighting their achievements across various fields, including civil rights, science, arts, and government. Each year, five different women are celebrated, adding unique stories and representations to the nation's circulating coinage.
The inception of this ambitious program reflects a broader societal movement towards inclusivity and representation in national symbols. The initiative not only commemorates historical figures but also serves as a tangible reminder of the pivotal roles women have played—and continue to play—in shaping American identity. By featuring these women on quarters, the U.S. Mint ensures their legacies are carried in the pockets and purses of millions of Americans, sparking conversations and inspiring future generations. This program enriches the narrative of American history by bringing forth stories that may have been previously marginalized or overlooked, fostering a more complete and equitable understanding of the nation's past.
The selection process for the women honored is meticulous, involving input from various sources, including the public, the National Women’s History Museum, and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. This collaborative approach ensures that the honorees represent a wide spectrum of achievements and backgrounds. The U.S. Mint considers factors such as the nominee's contributions to their field, their impact on American society, and their historical significance. This rigorous selection process underscores the program’s commitment to celebrating women who have made lasting impacts on the nation’s trajectory. — Commanders Vs. Steelers: Key Stats And Game Analysis
Each quarter's design is carefully crafted to reflect the essence and accomplishments of the woman it honors. The artistic details serve as visual narratives, encapsulating their life's work and legacy. For collectors and the general public alike, these quarters are more than just currency; they are miniature works of art that tell compelling stories of perseverance, innovation, and dedication. The program's long-term impact lies not only in its commemoration of individual women but also in its broader contribution to reshaping the collective memory of American history, ensuring that women’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
The 2023 Honorees: A Closer Look
In 2023, the American Women Quarters Program celebrated five remarkable women, each with a unique story and lasting impact on American society. These honorees represent a diverse array of fields, from aviation and dance to civil rights and education, underscoring the multifaceted contributions of women throughout history. The selection of Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanakaʻole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief for this honor not only recognizes their individual achievements but also provides a broader platform to educate the public about their legacies.
Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman pilot, is celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in aviation. Her determination to overcome racial and gender barriers paved the way for future generations of aviators. Born in 1892 in Texas, Coleman faced numerous obstacles in pursuing her dream of flying, including being denied entry to American flight schools due to her race and gender. Undeterred, she learned French and traveled to France, where she earned her pilot's license in 1921. Upon her return to the United States, Coleman became a barnstorming pilot, performing daring aerial stunts and inspiring countless individuals with her courage and skill. Her tragic death in a plane crash in 1926 cut short her career, but her legacy as a pioneer in aviation continues to resonate today.
The quarter honoring Bessie Coleman depicts her in flight, with her name emblazoned prominently on the coin. This design captures her spirit of adventure and her unwavering commitment to achieving her goals. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the breaking down of barriers in pursuit of one's dreams. Coleman's inclusion in the American Women Quarters Program ensures that her contributions to aviation and her legacy as a role model are celebrated and remembered by future generations.
Edith Kanakaʻole, a renowned Hawaiian dancer, chanter, and teacher, is honored for her efforts to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture and traditions. Kanakaʻole, born in 1913 in Hilo, Hawai'i, dedicated her life to the study and practice of hula and oli (chant), which are integral parts of Hawaiian cultural identity. As a kumu hula (hula teacher), she trained generations of dancers and chanters, ensuring the survival of these ancient art forms. Kanakaʻole also played a crucial role in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1970s, advocating for the revitalization of Hawaiian language, arts, and traditions. Her work as an educator and cultural leader earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Living Treasure of Hawai'i in 1979.
The quarter dedicated to Edith Kanakaʻole features a depiction of her in a hula pose, surrounded by native Hawaiian flora. This design pays homage to her profound connection to the land and her dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture. Her inclusion in the American Women Quarters Program highlights the importance of cultural preservation and the vital role of indigenous knowledge in shaping a nation's identity. Kanakaʻole's legacy serves as an inspiration to those working to protect and promote cultural heritage around the world.
Eleanor Roosevelt, a diplomat, activist, and former First Lady of the United States, is celebrated for her tireless advocacy for human rights and social justice. As First Lady from 1933 to 1945, Roosevelt redefined the role of the president's spouse, using her position to promote causes such as civil rights, women's rights, and poverty alleviation. She played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a landmark document that sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Roosevelt continued her work as a diplomat and activist after leaving the White House, serving as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations and championing human rights on a global scale.
The quarter honoring Eleanor Roosevelt depicts her delivering a speech, capturing her powerful presence and her commitment to speaking out for justice. This design reflects her enduring legacy as a champion of human rights and her dedication to creating a more just and equitable world. Roosevelt's inclusion in the American Women Quarters Program underscores the importance of political activism and the role of individuals in shaping public policy. Her life and work serve as an inspiration to those working to advance human rights and social justice around the world.
Jovita Idár, a Mexican-American journalist, activist, and educator, is celebrated for her advocacy for civil rights and her dedication to empowering marginalized communities. Born in 1885 in Laredo, Texas, Idár dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of Mexican Americans and other marginalized groups. She worked as a journalist for several Spanish-language newspapers, using her platform to expose injustice and advocate for social change. Idár was also a passionate advocate for education, establishing schools and community centers to serve Mexican-American children and adults. Her activism extended to the women's suffrage movement, where she fought for the right of women to vote. Idár's tireless efforts to promote equality and justice made her a prominent figure in the Mexican-American civil rights movement.
The quarter dedicated to Jovita Idár features a depiction of her as a journalist and activist, holding a newspaper and advocating for change. This design reflects her unwavering commitment to social justice and her powerful voice in the fight for equality. Her inclusion in the American Women Quarters Program highlights the importance of representation and the vital role of activists in challenging systemic injustice. Idár's legacy serves as an inspiration to those working to promote civil rights and social justice today. — Trump's 2016 Campaign Platforms: Key Policies & Promises
Maria Tallchief, a renowned Osage ballerina, is celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in the world of dance and her contributions to American ballet. Born in 1925 in Fairfax, Oklahoma, Tallchief became one of the first Native American prima ballerinas and a leading figure in American ballet. She danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the New York City Ballet, where she starred in numerous iconic roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine's — Best College Football Jerseys: Top Picks And Buying Guide
