The New Quarter Coin Americans May Come Across in 2024

In 2024, Americans will see a new quarter coin in circulation as part of a special series from the United States Mint. This coin is part of the American Women Quarters Program, celebrating the achievements of remarkable women in U.S. history. With five new designs featuring different honorees, the 2024 series will continue to reflect the rich culture and history of the United States. Let’s explore the history behind these quarter designs, who will be honored, and what this coin series means for collectors and the public.

A Quick Look at the History of U.S. Quarter Designs

Since its introduction in 1796, the U.S. quarter, a 25-cent coin, has gone through many design changes. At first, the quarter showed Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the other. But as time passed, the design changed to reflect important people and moments in American history.

In 1932, the Washington Quarter was introduced, showing the face of George Washington, the first president of the United States. This design remained in use for more than 60 years.

A major change happened in 1999 with the 50 State Quarters Program, where each state got its own unique design on the back of the coin. This was very popular and sparked a new interest in coin collecting. Other programs followed, like the America the Beautiful Quarters Program (2010-2021), and now the American Women Quarters Program (2022-2025).

The American Women Quarters Program

Starting in 2022, the American Women Quarters Program honors influential women from various fields, like politics, civil rights, and science. Each year, five different women are featured on the back of the quarter. The 2024 series will be the third release, showcasing five new women who made a difference in U.S. history.

The designs on these coins aim to tell the stories of these women’s lives and their impact on American society. Each coin will be a small, but powerful, reminder of the contributions they made.

The 2024 Honorees

The 2024 quarter series will honor five important women, each with a significant role in shaping U.S. history:

1. Patsy Takemoto Mink – Patsy Mink was the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She is best known for her work on Title IX, a law that made it illegal to discriminate based on gender in education programs. Her coin will honor her dedication to civil rights and education.
2. Mary Edwards Walker – Mary Walker was the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor. She was a Civil War surgeon and a strong advocate for women’s rights. Her courage and service during the war, along with her fight for equality, will be celebrated with her coin.
3. Pauli Murray – Pauli Murray was a poet, writer, and activist for civil rights and gender equality. She helped co-found the National Organization for Women (NOW). Her coin will recognize her efforts in advancing rights for both African Americans and women.
4. Zitkala-Ša (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin) – Zitkala-Ša was a Native American advocate who fought for citizenship and voting rights for Native Americans. She was also a writer and musician. Her coin will honor her work to preserve Native American culture and language.
5. Dr. Antonia Novello – Dr. Antonia Novello was the first woman and first Latina to serve as the U.S. Surgeon General. She focused on health issues like AIDS prevention and smoking cessation. Her coin will celebrate her achievements in public health.

How the 2024 Quarters Are Designed

Each of these women will be featured on the back of a quarter, with carefully designed images that represent their accomplishments. The U.S. Mint works with artists and the families of the honorees to ensure the designs truly capture their legacy.

On the front of the coin, you will still see George Washington, based on a design by Laura Gardin Fraser, who was the first woman to design a coin for the U.S. Mint in the early 1900s.

The designs often include symbols that represent the honorees’ work. For example, Dr. Antonia Novello’s quarter may show symbols of healthcare, while Patsy Mink’s quarter could feature images representing Title IX and education.

Why the 2024 Quarters Matter

These new quarters are more than just coins. They are a way to honor and educate people about the contributions women have made to U.S. history. The American Women Quarters Program helps bring attention to women who may not be as widely known but who have had a big impact on the country.

For many people, these quarters will introduce them to important historical figures like Pauli Murray or Zitkala-Ša. Every time someone uses one of these coins, they will be reminded of the legacy of these women and their contributions to civil rights, medicine, education, and public service.

The program also highlights the diversity of America, featuring women of different races, backgrounds, and professions. This reflects the changing way history is told and whose stories are considered important.

Collecting the 2024 Quarters

The 2024 quarters are sure to be popular among collectors, just like previous quarter series. Some people collect coins for fun, while others may collect them for their historical or artistic value. The U.S. Mint will release special collector’s versions of these quarters, including sets made of silver and with unique finishes.

For many young collectors, these coins will offer a fun and educational way to learn about American history and the incredible women who have shaped it.

Conclusion

The new 2024 quarter coins, as part of the American Women Quarters Program, will honor women who made a lasting impact on the country. These coins are more than just a form of money; they are a way to celebrate achievements in civil rights, education, medicine, and beyond. Honoring women like Patsy Takemoto Mink, Mary Edwards Walker, and Pauli Murray, these coins will inspire new generations to appreciate the important contributions women have made to shaping the United States.

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