American Women Quarters (2022-2025)

American Women Quarters™ Program

The American Women Quarters™ Program is a groundbreaking initiative launched by the United States Mint to honor the significant contributions of American women to the nation's history and culture. By celebrating women from diverse backgrounds, this program seeks to inspire future generations and raise awareness of the vital roles women have played throughout American history. The initiative not only highlights the achievements of individual women but also emphasizes the importance of gender equality and representation in America's historical narrative.

Launched in 2022, the American Women Quarters Program will run through 2025, with five unique quarter designs released each year. These American Women Quarters commemorate different women who have made noteworthy contributions to society in fields such as civil rights, science, arts, and politics. This schedule allows for a rich tapestry of stories to be told, ensuring that a broad spectrum of women's accomplishments is recognized and celebrated.

Designs and Honorees

The American Women Quarters™ Program showcases a series of unique designs celebrating the contributions of influential women throughout U.S. history. Each quarter features a distinct design that captures the essence of the honoree's achievements and legacy. The first quarter, released in 2022, honors Maya Angelou, an acclaimed poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. The design depicts her with outstretched arms, symbolizing her inspiring presence and the impact of her words on generations.

Following Angelou, the American Women Quarters honor other remarkable women such as Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Ride's quarter portrays her in a space suit, reflecting her pioneering spirit of exploration, while Mankiller’s design incorporates the traditional Cherokee Nation symbol, emphasizing her dedication to Indigenous rights and community development.

The artistic elements and symbolism in these designs play a crucial role in conveying their stories. Each American Women Quarter features intricate details that reflect the honoree's achievements and the context of their contributions. For instance, the design for Nina Otero-Warren, a suffragist and the first female superintendent of Santa Fe public schools, includes motifs that represent education and empowerment, encapsulating her commitment to women's rights and the importance of education in society.