Aug 9, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
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.
Aug 2, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
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.
Jul 25, 2022 | News, U.S. Mint
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.
Jul 14, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the fourth release in its U.S. Armed Forces Silver Medals Program on July 15, 2022, at noon ET. The latest 2.5 inch medal in the series honors the U.S. Marine Corps.
Designs featured on this medal are emblematic of the history and mission of the U.S. Marine Corps. The obverse (heads) depicts three Marines with M4 rifles moving ashore just after an amphibious landing. In the foreground, one of the Marines lies hidden in the grass, providing cover for the other two about to crest the hill, while a U.S. warship is seen in the distance. Inscriptions are “U.S. MARINE CORPS” and “EVERY MARINE A RIFLEMAN.”
The reverse (tails) depicts the familiar Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem encircled by a rope border. Its core values, “HONOR,” “COURAGE,” and “COMMITMENT,” and the Marine Corps motto “SEMPER FIDELIS” (Always Faithful) are inscribed around the outer border.
Medals in the Armed Forces Silver Medals Program are struck in 99.9 percent fine silver. Each is encapsulated and packaged in a presentation case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The 2.5 inch U.S. Marine Corps Silver Medal is priced at $160. To set up a REMIND ME alert for this product (item number: S22MD), visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/u.s.-marine-corps-2.5-ounce-silver-medal-S22MD.html. Production is limited to 10,000 units, with orders limited to one per household.
To view the Mint’s complete portfolio of medals, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/shop/medals/.
Anticipated future releases in the Armed Forces Silver Medals Program include medals honoring the U.S. Army and the U.S. Space Force.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to its products, the Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of July 15, 2022, at noon ET.
Please use the catalog site https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on products and services, or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Jul 8, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The 2022 United States Mint (Mint) Uncirculated Coin Set will be available for purchase on July 12 at noon (EDT). The set contains two cards of ten coins each—one from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and the other from the United States Mint at Denver. The following coins are included, along with a certificate of authenticity:
Five 2022 American Women Quarters™ honoring:
- Maya Angelou–celebrated writer, performer, and social activist
- Dr. Sally Ride–physicist and first American woman in space
- Wilma Mankiller–first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation
- Nina Otero-Warren–a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement
- Anna May Wong–first Chinese American woman to be a Hollywood film star, director, and producer
One Native American $1 Coin featuring Ely S. Parker, who served as military secretary to Ulysses S. Grant during the U.S. Civil War. During the surrender at Appomattox, Parker rendered formal surrender documents in his own hand. Parker is shown with a quill pen and book, and a likeness of his graceful signature, as symbols of his experience as an expert communicator. The inscriptions “TONAWANDA SENECA” and “HA-SA-NO-AN-DA” recognize his tribe and the name given to him at birth. Additional inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “$1.” The obverse retains the central figure of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coin.
One Kennedy half dollar
One Roosevelt dime
One Jefferson nickel
One Lincoln penny
The 2022 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set is priced at $25.25. Production is limited to 250,000 units. To initiate a REMIND ME alert, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/uncirculated-coin-set-2022-22RJ.html (product code 22RJ). This recurring set is also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Structured like a magazine subscription, this program affords customers the convenience of signing up to receive automatic shipments of products in a series. The shipments continue until the enrollment is cancelled. For details, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/uncirculated-coin-set-enrollment-MW.html.
This set is sold through the Numismatic Bulk Purchase Program and the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program.
Additional United States Mint annual coin sets are available at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-sets/annual-sets/.
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 of June 28, 2022, at noon EDT.
Please use the United States Mint catalog site at as your primary source of the most current information on products and services, or call 800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Jun 22, 2022 | News, U.S. Mint
Ventris Gibson
WASHINGTON – On Friday, Ventris C. Gibson took the oath of office as Director of the United States Mint. President Biden nominated Ms. Gibson on December 13, 2021. On May 4, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs advanced her nomination. The full Senate approved the nomination by voice vote on June 15.
Director Gibson becomes the 40th Director of the Mint. She is the first African-American to serve as Director, and the seventh woman to serve in this position.
“I am honored and humbled to be confirmed as Director of the Mint,” said Gibson. “Since joining the Mint last October, I have been tremendously impressed by the dedication and professionalism of its workforce, and the outstanding quality of the circulation coins, bullion coins, and numismatic products made by the Mint.”
Director Gibson is a U.S. Navy veteran who joined the Mint from the District of Columbia government, where she served as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, Ms. Gibson provided executive oversight and execution of human capital programs and services for nearly 37,000 employees. Prior to that, she served as Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She was responsible for the development, articulation, and delivery of Department-wide human resources policies, plans, and programs.
Director Gibson’s career with the Federal Government includes leadership roles in the Federal Aviation Administration, where she was Assistant Administrator for Human Resources, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Management and its first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resolution Management. She was the VA’s highest-ranking woman veteran and directed human resources management and civil rights programs affecting 230,000 employees.
During a career spanning more than 40 years in human resources executive and professional positions, Director Gibson earned numerous awards and commendations. She received an Exceptional Service and a Meritorious Service Award from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, an Exceptional Service Award from the Secretary of Transportation, FAA Manager Association’s Leadership Award, National Hispanic Coalition’s President’s Award, and the Northern New Jersey Metropolitan Area’s prestigious “Woman of the Year” award.
A graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, Executive Technique, and Aspen Institute, Director Gibson attended the University of Maryland, University College. She has three children and four grandchildren.
Jun 16, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The 2022 United States Mint (Mint) Silver Proof Set will be available for purchase starting on June 23 at noon EDT. This year’s set includes the first five coins in the American Women Quarters™ Program, the four-year series that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of America..
Priced at $105.00, the set includes the following 10 San Francisco-minted coins:
- Five American Women Quarters Program Coins with reverse (tails) designs honoring Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, Wilma Mankiller, Nina Otero-Warren, and Anna May Wong. The obverse (heads) of each coin in this series depicts a portrait of George Washington, originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate design for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2022.”
- One Native American $1 Coin with a reverse design honoring the contributions of Ely S. Parker of the Tonawanda Seneca, who is depicted in his Army uniform, serving as military secretary to General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. During the surrender at Appomattox, Parker rendered formal surrender documents in his own hand. He is shown with a quill pen, book, and likeness of his signature—symbols of his experience as an expert communicator, and his graceful penmanship. The inscriptions “TONAWANDA SENECA” and “HA-SA-NO-AN-DA” recognize his tribe and birth name. Additional inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “$1.” The obverse design retains the central figure Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year of minting, mint mark, and inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins.
- One silver Kennedy half dollar
- One silver Roosevelt dime
- One Jefferson nickel
- One Lincoln penny
The quarters, dime, and half dollar are all struck in 99.9 percent fine silver.
For 2022, the new image on the front of the carton features a traditional design in black with a textured background and a close-up of the eagle on the reverse of the half dollar. The images on the back of the carton include photographs of all five 2022 American Women Quarters Program honorees and partial coin images of the obverse of the Kennedy half dollar, Lincoln penny, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, and Native American $1 Coin. A certificate of authenticity is also included with each set.
To set up a REMIND ME alert for this set, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/silver-proof-set-2022-22RH.html (product code 22RH).
The United States Mint Silver Proof Set may also be purchased through the Product Enrollment Program. Enrollments work like a magazine subscription. Sign up once and you will receive the next product released in the series after the date of your registration, then continue to receive products until you end your enrollment. Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/silver-proof-set-enrollment-MV.html to learn more.
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 nor honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of June 23, 2022, at noon EDT.
Please use the United States Mint catalog site https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on products and services or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Jun 13, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will accept orders for the 2022 American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin beginning on June 16 at noon EDT. Production is limited to 9,000 coins, and orders are limited to one coin per household for the first 24-hour sales period.
Struck in 22-karat gold, the American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin is the collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin.
After 35 years, the design was updated in 2021, with the reverse (tails) featuring a stunning portrayal of an eagle created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “50 DOLLARS,” and “1 OZ. FINE GOLD.”
The obverse design, also enhanced in 2021, features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ full-length figure of Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Using technical advancements, the United States Mint returned to its historical assets to render a current design that is a closer reflection of Saint-Gaudens’ original vision and detail. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “2022.”
In addition to redesigning the reverse and enhancing the design details on the obverse of the American Eagle Coins, the Mint introduced anti-counterfeiting features that include a reeded edge variation on the one ounce coin.
To complement these designs, each coin is encapsulated and placed in a black presentation case with the United States Mint seal on the lid. The case fits into an outer sleeve incorporating a beautiful gold foil image of Liberty, and the accompanying certificate of authenticity includes artwork of the obverse design.
The American Eagle Gold Uncirculated Coin is priced according to the range in which it appears on the Mint’s Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum and Palladium Products table. Current pricing information is available here.
To sign up for a REMIND ME alert, please visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2022-one-ounce-gold-uncirculated-coin-22EH.html (product code 22EH). This product is included in the Numismatic Bulk Purchase Program as well as the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program.
View additional United States Mint American Eagle products at: https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins.
Jun 7, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) American Women Quarters 2022 Rolls and Bags–Wilma Mankiller will be available for purchase on June 14 at noon EDT. The Wilma Mankiller quarter is the third coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a four-year program that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women who have shaped our Nation’s history.
The rolls and bags product options include:
- Priced at $40.00, a bag of 100 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia (product code 22WBE).
- Priced at $40.00, a bag of 100 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Denver (product code 22WBF).
- Priced at $36.00, a two-roll set containing a total of 80 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia and Denver (product code 22WRE).
- Priced at $54.00, a three-roll set containing a total of 120 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco (product code 22WRF).
Sign up to receive REMIND ME alerts by visiting the official product listing page.
The Wilma Mankiller quarter reverse (tails) depicts her with a resolute gaze to the future. The wind is at her back, and she is wrapped in a traditional shawl. To her left is the seven-pointed star of the Cherokee Nation. Additional inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “WILMA MANKILLER,” “PRINCIPAL CHIEF,” and the name of the Cherokee Nation written in the Cherokee syllabary.
United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Benjamin Sowards created the Wilma Mankiller quarter reverse design, which United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill sculpted.
Each coin in this series features a common obverse (heads) design depicting a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. The inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2022.”
Products in the American Women Quarters Program can also be purchased through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Enrollments work like a magazine subscription. After you sign up, you will receive the next product released in the series and continue to receive products until you end your enrollment. Visit our enrollments page to learn more.
Inspire women everywhere. Shop the American Women Quarters Program today and start collecting this historic series honoring extraordinary women whose achievements, triumphs, and legacies reflect the strength and resilience of our Nation.
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 of June 14, 2022, at noon EDT.
Please use the United States Mint catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Jun 6, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) has begun shipping the third coin in the American Women Quarters (AWQ) Program. These circulating quarters honoring Wilma Mankiller are manufactured at the Mint facilities in Philadelphia and Denver. Coins featuring additional honorees will begin shipping later this year and through 2025.
“It is my honor to present our Nation’s first circulating coins dedicated to celebrating American women and their contributions to American history,” said Mint Deputy Director Ventris C. Gibson. “Each 2022 quarter is designed to reflect the breadth and depth of accomplishments being celebrated throughout this historic coin program. Wilma Mankiller was a leader in the Cherokee Nation and a strong voice worldwide for social justice, Native people, and women.”
Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected chief of the Cherokee Nation. Mankiller’s administration revitalized the Cherokee Nation through extensive community development, including improvements to health care and education. Mankiller’s leadership on social and financial issues made her tribe a national role model.
Designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Artist Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, the reverse (tails) design depicts Wilma Mankiller with a resolute gaze to the future. The wind is at her back, and she is wrapped in a traditional shawl. To her left is the seven-pointed star of the Cherokee Nation. It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Artist Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “WILMA MANKILLER,” “PRINCIPAL CHIEF,” and the name of the Cherokee Nation written in the Cherokee syllabary.
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 Frazer’s work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design. Of Fraser, Deputy 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 was the first woman to design a U.S. commemorative coin, and her 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 trailblazing American women. The Mint will issue five quarters per year beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025. 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. Additional 2022 quarters still to be released will honor Nina Otero-Warren, a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement and the first female superintendent of Santa Fe public schools; and Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood, who achieved international success despite racism and discrimination.
“Principal Chief Mankiller demonstrated that the power to change our communities is limited only by our vision,” said AIP Artist Benjamin Sowards. “She saw her people as the source of hope for the Cherokee Nation. She believed the strength of the community offered solutions to the challenges they were facing.
Please consult with your local banks regarding availability of AWQ Program quarters honoring Wilma Mankiller in late June and early July.
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 AWQ numismatic products.