The 2024-P Zitkála-Šá American Women Quarter, officially released on October 21, 2024, is the latest addition to the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters series. This program, which began in 2022 and will run until 2025, honors influential women in American history.
The Zitkála-Šá quarter, the 15th in the series, pays tribute to a groundbreaking Native American writer, musician, and activist whose contributions have left a lasting mark on American culture.
Availability and Minting Details
Collectors can purchase 2024-P Zitkála-Šá quarters directly from the U.S. Mint starting October 28, 2024, with various purchase options, including rolls and bags. Here’s a quick look at the product options:
- 100-Coin Bags: Limited to 8,250 units.
- Two-Roll Set (Philadelphia and Denver Mints): Limited to 6,000 units.
- Three-Roll Set (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints): Limited to 16,625 units.
Each option comes with household order limits, ensuring that more collectors can acquire these special coins.
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The Legacy of Zitkála-Šá: A Life of Achievement
Zitkála-Šá, meaning “Red Bird” in Lakota, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a respected advocate, author, and composer. Born in 1876 on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, she spent her life fighting for Native American rights, including the right to vote and U.S.
citizenship for Native people. Her works captured the beauty of Native American culture, and she even composed the first Native American opera, The Sun Dance Opera, in 1913.
Zitkála-Šá’s commitment to her heritage was unwavering. She not only worked on the preservation of Native stories but also played a key role in raising awareness of the issues faced by Native American communities, including fraud and exploitation.
Her life’s work remains a source of inspiration, making her an iconic figure in Native American history.
The Artistic Elements of the Zitkála-Šá Quarter
The coin’s design is filled with symbolic elements that reflect Zitkála-Šá’s life and accomplishments.
- Obverse: The front of the quarter features George Washington’s profile, designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1931. Fraser’s Washington profile was chosen for this series as a nod to her groundbreaking work as one of the first female coin designers for the U.S. Mint.
- Reverse: The back of the coin displays Zitkála-Šá standing in traditional attire, holding an open book to represent her literary contributions. A cardinal, symbolizing her Lakota name “Red Bird,” flies across a rising sun, while diamond patterns along the horizon reflect Sioux cultural elements. The words “Author,” “Activist,” and “Composer” honor her multifaceted legacy.
Design and Craftsmanship
This coin represents the collaborative work of talented artists:
- Laura Gardin Fraser designed the obverse image of Washington, which reflects her 1931 sculpted portrait, first submitted in a competition for the Washington Quarter.
- Don Everhart crafted the design concept for the reverse, portraying Zitkála-Šá’s influence and symbolism.
- Renata Gordon finalized the engraving, adding detailed textures to create a visually striking piece.
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The 2024 Zitkála-Šá Quarter: A Collector’s Piece
With its rich history and thoughtful design, the 2024-P Zitkála-Šá American Women Quarter is likely to be a valuable addition to any coin collection. Its limited availability and deep cultural significance make it a true collector’s piece.
If you’re a coin enthusiast or just looking to learn more about America’s historical figures, this quarter serves as both an educational tool and a tribute to the legacy of Zitkála-Šá.