The United States Mint has officially begun shipping the 2023 American Women Quarters featuring Bessie Coleman, a pioneering figure in American aviation and an inspiration for generations. This quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, a four-year initiative that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of trailblazing women in U.S. history. Bessie Coleman’s quarter represents a fitting tribute to her legacy as the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license.
Bessie Coleman: A Trailblazer in the Skies
Born in 1892 in Texas, Bessie Coleman grew up in a time when opportunities for women, particularly women of color, were limited. Despite facing significant obstacles, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot. Denied entry to flight schools in the United States due to her race and gender, Coleman moved to France to obtain her pilot’s license from the prestigious Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921.
Coleman returned to the U.S. as a licensed aviator, becoming a celebrated barnstorming pilot known for her daring stunts and aerial performances. She also used her platform to advocate for racial and gender equality, refusing to perform at segregated events. Her determination and achievements remain a source of inspiration for aspiring aviators and activists worldwide.
The Design of the Bessie Coleman Quarter
The Bessie Coleman quarter is the first release of 2023 in the American Women Quarters Program. Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Eric David Custer, the coin features a portrait of Coleman wearing her iconic aviator cap and goggles. The reverse design captures Coleman in mid-flight, celebrating her passion for aviation and her fearless spirit. The inscription, “Bessie Coleman,” is accompanied by the phrases “E Pluribus Unum,” “United States of America,” and “Quarter Dollar.”
The obverse of the quarter continues to feature the portrait of George Washington, originally sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1931. This design was chosen for the program to honor Fraser, a renowned artist and the first woman to design a U.S. coin.
Availability and Circulation
The Bessie Coleman quarter is now in circulation and available through the U.S. Mint’s distribution channels, including banks and coin programs. Collectors can also purchase uncirculated and proof versions directly from the Mint. As part of the American Women Quarters Program, this coin aims to not only celebrate historical figures like Coleman but also bring renewed interest in U.S. coin collecting.
The program, which began in 2022 and runs through 2025, will honor 20 women across various fields, from activism and literature to science and aviation. Previous honorees include Maya Angelou, Sally Ride, and Wilma Mankiller.
Conclusion
The release of the Bessie Coleman quarter is more than a numismatic milestone—it is a celebration of her remarkable life and enduring impact. By including Coleman in the American Women Quarters Program, the U.S. Mint highlights her contributions to aviation and her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers.
Whether you’re a collector or someone who simply appreciates history, the Bessie Coleman quarter is a meaningful addition to the story of American coinage and a reminder of the power of determination and courage.
FAQs
1. Who was Bessie Coleman, and why is she featured on a U.S. quarter?
Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. She overcame racial and gender barriers in aviation, becoming a trailblazing aviator and an advocate for equality.
2. How can I get the 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter?
The 2023 Bessie Coleman quarter is available through banks and other distribution channels. Collectors can also purchase uncirculated or proof versions directly from the U.S. Mint.
3. What is the American Women Quarters Program?
The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year initiative (2022–2025) by the U.S. Mint that celebrates the accomplishments of 20 trailblazing women in U.S. history across various fields. Coins are released at a rate of five designs per year.