The United States Mint continues to celebrate trailblazing women through its American Women Quarters Program. As part of this initiative, the Mint has announced the inclusion of a design featuring Laura Gardin Fraser’s iconic bust of George Washington on the reverse side of the 2023 American Women Quarters. This design not only honors Fraser’s artistry but also highlights her historical significance in the world of numismatics.
A Historical Design Ahead of Its Time
Laura Gardin Fraser’s Washington bust was originally created in 1931 when she entered a contest to design the obverse of the quarter to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Fraser, an accomplished sculptor and artist, submitted a design widely praised for its elegance and accuracy in capturing Washington’s likeness. Her rendition, showing a refined and stately profile of the first U.S. president, was selected as the winning entry by the Commission of Fine Arts.
However, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled the recommendation and chose John Flanagan’s design instead. Despite this decision, Fraser’s Washington bust gained recognition over the years for its artistic merit and historical resonance, eventually appearing on commemorative gold coins in 1999.
Reviving Fraser’s Legacy on the American Women Quarters
In 2022, the U.S. Mint decided to bring Fraser’s design into the spotlight by featuring it on the reverse side of the American Women Quarters. This program, which began in 2022 and runs through 2025, celebrates significant contributions by American women in various fields, from civil rights and suffrage to science and the arts. Including Fraser’s design is a fitting tribute, as she herself broke barriers in a field historically dominated by men.
Fraser was one of the most renowned sculptors of her time, and her contributions to U.S. coinage include designs for the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar and the Grant Memorial Gold Dollar. By placing her work on this modern series, the U.S. Mint not only celebrates the women depicted on the quarters but also honors a pioneer of American numismatics.
Details of the American Women Quarters Program
The American Women Quarters Program features five new designs each year, each honoring a different woman. The coins highlight figures such as Maya Angelou, Wilma Mankiller, and Sally Ride, showcasing the diverse achievements of women who shaped America’s history. Fraser’s Washington bust design will serve as the common reverse for these quarters, complementing the unique obverses for each honoree.
Why Collectors Are Excited
Collectors and historians alike are thrilled to see Fraser’s Washington bust included in this series. The design’s return underscores its timelessness and Fraser’s enduring influence. Additionally, these quarters provide a unique opportunity to collect coins that honor both influential women and an iconic piece of American artistry.
With its blend of historical significance and artistic excellence, the American Women Quarters Program continues to captivate numismatists. Laura Gardin Fraser’s Washington bust is not only a tribute to the nation’s first president but also a celebration of a woman whose work has stood the test of time.
This design is a reminder of how far women have come in fields like numismatics and beyond, and it serves as an inspiring addition to a program dedicated to honoring extraordinary achievements.
FAQs
What is the significance of Laura Gardin Fraser’s Washington bust design?
Laura Gardin Fraser’s Washington bust was praised for its elegance and accuracy when it was created in 1931.
What is the American Women Quarters Program?
The American Women Quarters Program, running from 2022 to 2025, celebrates the achievements of American women by featuring five new quarter designs each year, with Laura Gardin Fraser’s Washington bust appearing as the reverse design.
Why was Fraser’s design not used on the original 1932 quarter?
Despite being recommended by the Commission of Fine Arts, Fraser’s design was overruled by Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, who chose John Flanagan’s design instead.