Women have been featured on coins in the United States and other parts of the world, including mythical figures like Lady Liberty, as well as real women.
Historically, U.S. coins featured the mythical figure of Liberty. It was almost 200 years before a circulating coin featured a real woman.
Women on U.S. coins include Susan B. Anthony, the first real woman on a circulating U.S. coin, featured on the dollar coin from 1979-1981 and in 1999. Sacagawea replaced her on the dollar coin in 2000 and is still featured on the obverse as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. Helen Keller appeared on the Alabama state quarter in 2003 as part of the 50 State Quarters Program. The American Women Quarters Program, launched in 2022, honors women’s contributions by featuring different women each year, including Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, and Nina Otero-Warren.
Women have been featured on coins globally for centuries, such as Queen Arsinoe II of Egypt in the 3rd century BCE and Empress Maria Theresa of the Holy Roman Empire. Other examples include Queen Naganika of India and Indira Gandhi of India. The representation of women on coins highlights their increasing recognition for their societal contributions. For more examples of women featured on coins internationally, see [DW.com].
Why is there a woman on my quarter?
Thanks for asking. The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year program that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of our country. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the U.S. Mint will issue up to five new designs each year.
Who is the only woman on US currency?
Editor’s Note: Martha Washington is the only woman to have her portrait as the central feature on paper currency.