American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls And Bags
The United States Mint has officially released the 2024 American Women Quarters Program rolls and bags, featuring new designs honoring prominent women in American history. Collectors and the general public can now acquire these coins, marking the third year of the four-year series. The program aims to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women to the development and history of the United States.
The American Women Quarters Program is a multi-year initiative authorized by Public Law 116-330. It features five new designs each year from 2022 through 2025. These quarters depict trailblazing women who have made significant impacts across various fields. The current releases focus on women who have excelled in fields such as education, science, and civil rights.
The 2024 Honorees
This year's honorees are Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray, The Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Celia Cruz, and Zitkala-Ša. Each woman's image is featured on the reverse (tails) side of the quarter, with a common obverse (heads) design featuring a portrait of George Washington. This portrait was sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to commemorate Washington's 200th birthday, though it was not selected for the quarter at the time.
Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray
Dr. Pauli Murray was a lawyer, activist, priest, and author. Murray made significant contributions to civil rights and women's rights. The quarter design depicts Murray looking outwards, toward a church, with the inscription "Hope" as a central element.
The Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color to serve in the U.S. Congress. She championed Title IX, a landmark law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Mink's quarter features her holding Title IX legislation, with a depiction of the U.S. Capitol in the background.
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a Civil War surgeon and women's rights advocate. She is the only woman to have received the Medal of Honor. The quarter design shows Walker in her Civil War attire, a testament to her pioneering role in medicine and her courage.
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz, known as the "Queen of Salsa," was a Cuban-American singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Her quarter depicts Cruz flashing her iconic smile while performing. The design embodies her vibrant energy and contributions to music.
Zitkala-Ša
Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Yankton Dakota writer, composer, educator, and political activist. Her quarter shows her writing, with a star quilt as a background design. This symbolizes her commitment to preserving Native American culture and heritage.
Availability and Options
The Mint offers these quarters in various forms. Collectors can purchase them in two-roll sets, consisting of 40 coins per roll, or in 100-coin bags. These options are available from the Mint's online catalog and select retailers.
The rolls and bags are minted at different U.S. Mint facilities, identified by mint marks "P" for Philadelphia and "D" for Denver. Each option is priced according to its size and the mint mark it features. Demand for these collectibles is expected to be high, given the popularity of the American Women Quarters Program.
Impact and Significance
The American Women Quarters Program has a significant impact on society by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women. It helps to ensure their stories are remembered. The program serves as an educational tool, teaching Americans about the diverse women who have shaped the nation.
The program also stimulates interest in coin collecting and numismatics. New collectors, especially younger generations, are drawn to the program's theme and designs. This helps to maintain the hobby for future generations.
Beyond its collectible value, the program underscores the importance of representation. By prominently displaying the faces of women on circulating currency, the Mint sends a powerful message about the value and contributions of women in all fields. The program ensures that these women are not forgotten, and it inspires future generations to continue their legacy.
