US includes women in coins; Asian-American actress will stamp 25 cents

The United States Mint launched in 2022 the “American Women Quarters” project, which placed women stamped on the country’s coins. The program, which started this year, runs until 2025 and will print five women a year on quarters. The first woman to be honored was writer Maya Angelou in January of this year.

Coins in circulation, however, are limited – and collectors can order them. In addition to Maya, who is the author of more than 30 bestsellers, artist and activist honored by the White House, the US Mint chose the first woman in space, physicist and astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, to illustrate the 25 cents on the dollar. Maya died in 2014, and Dr. Sally in 2012.

The first woman to be elected head of the Cherokee in 1987, Wilma Mankiller, is the program’s third honoree. In addition to pioneering the leadership of the Cherokee Nation, Mankiller’s leadership on social and financial issues made his tribe a national model.

After being re-elected and stepping down at the end of her term in 1995, she remained a strong voice on issues of social justice, Native Americans and women. In 1998, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor bestowed on civilians in the United States. Wilma died in 2010.

Nina Otero-Warren, who died in 1965, was the suffrage leader in New Mexico and the first woman to head the Santa Fe public schools – she is the fourth American Women Quarters honoree. This year, the last woman to be honored on the government program is Asian-American actress Anna May Wong.

Wong was the first American star of Asian origin and recorded over 60 films. She faced the prejudice of the Hollywood industry and also performed in Europe, recording in English, German and French, as well as having productions filmed in London and New York. In the coin’s design, the actress appears with her hand under her chin.

She died in February 1961 and entered the history of American cinema, became a fashion icon and, to this day, is remembered as an example and inspiration for new actors.

Writer Maya Angelou

Women who will be honored in 2023

The US Mint has already decided who will be honored next year. Bessie Coleman, who was the first African American to become a pilot in the country, will be the first honoree of 2023. Hawaiian songwriter Edith Kanaka’ole will be the second woman of 2023 to be stamped on pennies.

Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady, author and civil rights advocate, will be the third honoree, according to the Mint. Journalist, teacher and suffragette, Jovita Idar, will also be featured in the quarters.

The last honoree of next year will be the American ballerina, Maria Tallchief.

Choice of coin design

The obverse (front) of each “American Women Quarters” coin features a portrait of George Washington, originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser.

It was the recommended design for the 1932 25-cent coins to mark Washington’s 200th birthday. The then Secretary of the Treasury selected the project proposed by John Flanagan, a well-known coin designer.

Laura Gardin Fraser was one of the most prolific sculptors and coin designers of the early 20th century. She designed the Alabama Centennial Half Dollar in 1921, becoming the first woman to design a US coin.

The Mint chose Emily Damstra for the design of the project with the face of Anna May Wong, the same one who modeled Maya Angelou in the so-called “quarter” of the dollar.

Source: CNN Brasil

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