First 2023 AWQ Ships to Banks
On Jan. 3, the United States Mint began shipping the first coin in the 2023 American Women Quarters (AWQ) program. The Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver manufacture these circulating quarters honoring Bessie Coleman. The Mint says the quarter will be available at local banks in late January and early February.
Bessie Coleman was a pilot, advocate and pioneer who flew to great heights as the first African American and first Native American woman pilot, as well as the first African American to earn an international pilot’s license. Her determination and strong will continue to inspire today.
“The first coin of the 2023 American Women’s Quarters Program honors the life and legacy of Bessie Coleman,” said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “The woman known as “Brave Bessie” defied the odds and became an aviator. Her tenacious drive and fearless personality helped pave the way for future generations.”
The reverse of the coin depicts Bessie Coleman as she suits up in preparation for flight. Her expression is reflective of her determination to take to the skies, the only place she experienced a freedom she did not have on the ground. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “BESSIE COLEMAN” and “6.15.1921,” the date Coleman received her pilot’s license. The reverse was designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Eric David Custer.
“As I researched Bessie Coleman’s life, I discovered that the existing photographs and illustrations of her were posed and very familiar,” said Costello. “I challenged myself to create an original, never-before-seen portrait that was not based on any known photo. My wife and young daughter, who are of African and Native American heritage, modeled for my drawing that depicts her in a more active posture – readying her goggles as she takes to the skies. In the background, her Curtiss “Jenny” biplane is seen soaring through the clouds.”
Costello further provides a deeper insight of the image of Bessie Coleman.
“This new portrait of Bessie Coleman depicts her fierce determination and unyielding resolve to become a licensed pilot during a time of stiff opposition to ambitious women of color.”
The obverse design 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 women 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.”
Obverse inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “2023.” The design is common to all quarters issued in the series.
Coins featuring additional honorees will also ship in 2023 through 2025.
In addition to Bessie Coleman, the four women who will be honored in 2023 are:
Jovita Idar – a Mexican-American journalist, activist, teacher and suffragist.
Edith Kanaka ole – an indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, dancer, teacher and entertainer.
Eleanor Roosevelt – first lady, author, reformer and leader.
Maria Tallchief – America’s first prima ballerina.