United States Mint to Begin Shipping Fourth American Women Quarters™ Program Coins August 15
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin shipping the fourth coin in the American Women Quarters (AWQ) Program on August 15. These circulating quarters honoring Nina Otero-Warren are manufactured at the Mint facilities in Philadelphia and Denver. Coins featuring remaining AWQ honorees will begin shipping later this year and through 2025.
“The fourth coin in our American Women Quarters Program honors Nina Otero-Warren, a courageous advocate for women, children, and Hispanic and Native American communities,” said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “This quarter is designed to reflect the breadth and depth of accomplishments by Nina Otero-Warren who overcame challenges and obstacles she faced during her lifetime.”
As a leader in the suffrage movement, Otero-Warren emphasized the necessity of using the Spanish language to reach Hispanic women. She was also the first female superintendent of Santa Fe, New Mexico public schools. Her remarkable accomplishments include convincing predominantly male power brokers to support changes in favor of New Mexican women; advocating for passage of the 19th Amendment; and advocating for children by raising standards for New Mexico public schools.
The reverse (tails) design of the Nina Otero-Warren quarter depicts her on the left, flanked by three individual Yucca flowers—New Mexico’s state flower. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “NINA OTERO-WARREN,” and “VOTO PARA LA MUJER,” the Spanish counterpart for the suffragist slogan “Votes for Women.” It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Chris Costello and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig A. Campbell.
The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. Though her work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design. Of Fraser, Director Gibson said, “I am proud that the new obverse design of George Washington is by one of the most prolific female sculptors of the early 20th century. Laura Gardin Fraser’s work is lauded in both numismatic and artistic circles. Ninety years after she intended for it to do so, her obverse design has fittingly taken its place on the quarter.”
Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2022.” The obverse design is common to all quarters issued in the series.
Authorized by Public Law 116-330, the American Women Quarters Program features coins with reverse (tails) designs emblematic of the accomplishments and contributions of American women. Begun in 2022 and continuing through 2025, the Mint is issuing five quarters in each of these years. The ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse group of individuals honored through this program reflects a wide range of accomplishments and fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The fifth and final honoree in 2022 is Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, who achieved international success despite racism and discrimination.
“This quarter dollar design composes a portrait of Nina Otero-Warren, a powerful inscription, and a cluster of Yucca blossoms, the State flower of New Mexico,” said AIP Designer Chris Costello. “It recognizes Otero-Warren’s influence as a New Mexico politician, educator, and women’s suffragist in support of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The inscription “VOTO PARA LA MUJER” (Votes for Women) is a nod to Warren’s belief that the use of Spanish was critical in the New Mexico suffrage movement. The Art Deco typography reflects America’s progressive mood during the early 20th century. The portrait conveys Otero-Warren’s quiet confidence, patience, and determination while advancing her human rights agenda as a Spanish American woman in spite of the prevailing barriers confronting women in America. The design immortalizes a very courageous woman and is meant to inspire and inform all Americans of her impact on the Nation.”
Please consult with your local banks regarding availability of AWQ Program quarters honoring Nina Otero-Warren in late August and early September.
Numismatic Products
We invite you to learn more and enroll in the American Women Quarters Program today. Limited quantities will be produced, so sign up to ensure you receive a complete collection of American Women Quarters Program numismatic products.
United States Mint 2022 American Eagle (S) Silver Proof Coin Available on Aug. 9
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will accept orders for the 2022 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins from its San Francisco facility beginning on August 9 at noon EDT. Production is limited to 200,000, with orders limited to three coins per household for the first 24 hours of sale, subject to availability.
Due to overwhelming demand, the full production inventory for the 2022 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof (S) Coin (22EM) was previously accounted for through enrollments. However, as a result of cancellations, inventory may become available on the scheduled launch date of August 9, 2022.
Customers may still have an opportunity to purchase the products, subject to availability, after enrollment orders are reconciled. All inventory resulting from cancellations, invalid and/or fraudulent orders will be made available to the general public via “Remind Me” messages.
The American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins. Minted since 1986, these coins were updated in 2021 with a refreshed obverse (heads) and a completely redesigned reverse (tails) to mark the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program.
Like its West Point–minted counterpart, the San Francisco-minted coin’s obverse (heads) features a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The Mint has employed technological advancements that resulted in a design that is now a closer reflection of Weinman’s original vision and includes the addition of his traditional artist mark. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2022.”
The reverse depicts an eagle as it prepares to land, carrying an oak branch, as if to add it to a nest. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra created the design that retired United States Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso sculpted.
In addition to the redesigned reverse and enhanced design details on the obverse, the American Eagle Silver Coins are minted in high detail using new technology and include a reed pattern variation. The Mint benchmarked its efforts against anti-counterfeiting programs implemented by major mints around the world. These features will make the coins more difficult to counterfeit.
The 2022 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof (S) is priced at $73. To set up a “Remind Me” alert, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2022-one-ounce-silver-proof-coin-22EM.html (product code 22EM). This product is included in the Mint’s Numismatic Bulk Purchase Program, as well as the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program.
Additional coins in the American Eagle Coin Program are available at: https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins/.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of August 9, 2022, at noon EDT.
The 2022 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof (S) is also available at the Mint’s sales centers at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street); at the Denver Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue); and from the U.S. Mint Headquarters Coin Store in Washington, D.C., 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20220. Please visit the Denver or Philadelphia websites because sales centers will be closed when the COVID-19 community level is HIGH to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the public.
The Royal Mint unveils new Disney Kanga and Roo 50p coin
Two of Winnie the Pooh’s closest friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, the mother and son duo feature on a 50p to mark the penultimate release in the treasured nine-coin collection. Also featuring Winnie the Pooh, Owl, Tigger, Christopher Robin, Piglet and Eeyore, the 50p series is inspired by the original illustrations of E. H. Shepard from A. A. Milne’s stories published in 1926.
The Royal Mint designer Daniel Thorne combines craftsmanship and innovation to bring the timeless characters to life in miniature on gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated coins. With state-of-the-art colour printing technology, the classic watercolour effect of the original text is recreated with special-edition colour versions of the silver and BU coins. Adding an original twist, Thorne’s signature bee motif continues to feature alongside the classic design across the entire Winnie the Pooh and Friends range.
The latest Kanga and Roo design is available individually and as part of the Winnie the Pooh and Friends collection from today at The Royal Mint website. The childhood character range continues to attract new and existing collectors – A 2021 study, conducted by One Poll for The Royal Mint, found that 74% of 18- to 24-year-old and 51% of 35–45-year-old collectors were inspired to start a collection with childhood character coins.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint, said:
“The Winnie the Pooh and Friends 50p collection, inspired by Disney, is a popular choice for collectors, with the loveable bear and his woodland friends evoking such wonderful memories for people of all ages. In the penultimate release of the much-loved nine-coin collection, we celebrate the nurturing Kanga and playful Roo on a range of base and precious metals and special colour-edition 50p coins.
“The design is inspired by the original illustrations of E.H Shepard where the Winnie the Pooh stories first began and brought to life in miniature using craftsmanship and innovation at The Royal Mint. The mother and son duo are sure to be an exciting addition to gang as we continue to celebrate the Hundred Acre Wood characters for collectors and Winnie the Pooh fans.”
Speaking of the design, The Royal Mint’s designer Dan Thorne said: “Using inspiration from the original decorations of E.H. Shepard has been a fantastic experience but one that has also tested me as a designer. With each design, so much care and attention has been given to remastering the iconic decorations for the canvas of a coin while staying true to the texts people know and love.
“I also wanted to add something extra special for collectors, with the bee motif. Inspired by the original decorations the buzzy bee from the storybooks features on each of the nine coins in the collection. I hope collectors can appreciate the beauty in each design in the range and enjoy the special colour editions.”
The Royal Mint celebrates the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell with a new £2 collectable coin
The Royal Mint, original maker of UK coins, has today launched a collectable coin and historic coin set to celebrate Alexander Graham Bell in the centenary year of his passing.
The £2 collectable coin honouring the life and work of one of Britain’s most renowned inventors, Alexander Graham Bell, features as part of The Royal Mint’s, Innovation in Science coin series – a series which recognises British scientists and inventors have been responsible for some of the greatest discoveries in history.
Featuring a reverse design by the talented artist Henry Gray, the coin depicts the dial of a push-button phone along with the words ‘PIONEER OF THE TELEPHONE’ cleverly inscribed on the buttons – a tribute to honour the life of Alexander Graham Bell.
On 10 March 1876, Alexander Graham Bell completely revolutionised the world of communication when he achieved the world’s first successful telephone transmission. Changing the way in which we communicate forever, his innovation of the telephone is arguably one of the most important breakthroughs in modern history.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint said, “The Royal Mint’s Innovation in Science coin series is a wonderful tribute to British scientists and inventors that have made ground-breaking discoveries in science or brought to life revolutionary inventions. We are delighted to feature Alexander Graham Bell as part of this series, marking the centenary year of his passing. Alexander Graham Bell revolutionised the world of communication. We hope collectors will treasure this wonderful coin celebrating one of Britain’s most renowned inventors.”
In addition to the £2 collectable coin, experts at The Royal Mint have curated a historic set of coins relating to Alexander Bell’s life that were struck more than a hundred years ago. The set compromises of three coins and includes a US $5 coin from the 1870s in honour of Bell’s breakthrough in Boston in 1878, a classic Canadian Sovereign, which commemorates Alexander Bell’s settlement in Canada from 1870 and a 1847 London Sovereign to mark the year of Bell’s birth.
Both the collectable £2 coin and historic coin set are available from The Royal Mint website www.royalmint.com/alexander-graham-bell
Previous scientists honoured in the Innovation in Science range include Stephen Hawking, Rosalind Franklin and most recently, Alan Turing. More information about the full range is on The Royal Mint’s website The Innovation in Science Series | The Royal Mint.
United States Mint Public Tours and Gifts Shops in Denver and Philadelphia Have Reopened
WASHINGTON – Public tours of the United States Mint (Mint) facilities at Denver and Philadelphia have reopened. The gift shops at both of these locations have also reopened. Please note that during High COVID-19 community levels, tours of the Mint facilities at Denver and Philadelphia will be suspended, and gift shops will be closed.
Tour participants must comply with all COVID-19 safety requirements (including but not limited to mask wearing) in effect at the Mint at the time of the tour.
Tours are subject to cancellation, possibly with little or no notice, when circumstances warrant building closure or other cancellation at the Mint’s sole discretion.
In Philadelphia, tours are self-guided and will be open during the summer (now until Labor Day) Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entrance at 4:15 pm. The Philadelphia tour will be open on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Labor Day weekend. The tour will be open Monday through Friday from Labor Day until Memorial Day. All tours of the site are free of charge with no reservation required. Visitors must adhere to the latest state and local guidelines about the COVID-19 pandemic while on site. Please be aware that at times there is a line to enter the building. For more information on Philadelphia Mint tours, click here.
In Denver, the tours are guided, and availability is limited. For more information on Denver Mint tours, click here.
If you are unable visit in person, please download the U.S. Mint Virtual Tours mobile app from the Apple’s App Store® or Google Play™. With this app, numismatists of all ages can go behind the scenes at the Philadelphia Mint to see how coins are made. Explore the production floors and follow the steps of circulating coin creation through videos, images, and 3-D models. Along the way, collect hidden coins.