• On Monday, the United States Mint announced they have begun shipping new quarters which feature American poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014).
• These quarters are the first coins released as part of the U.S. Mint's American Women Quarters (AWQ) Program, which will honor 20 pioneering American women by featuring their image on the reverse (tails) side of these unique quarters to be minted from 2022 - 2025.
• The "heads" side of the quarter featuring Angelou, who was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 by Pres. Barack Obama, displays an image of George Washington originally sculpted in the 1930s by Laura Gardin Fraser - the first woman to ever design a U.S. commemorative coin.

Why It Matters: Of the new quarter, the Senate sponsor of the AWQ Program said, "Maya Angelou’s writing and activism inspired countless Americans and her legacy helped fuel greater fairness and understanding across our nation ... This coin will ensure generations of Americans learn about Maya Angelou's books and poetry that spoke to the lived experience of Black women."

Interested in obtaining one of the new coins? The U.S. Mint advises: "Please consult with your local banks regarding availability of AWQ Program quarters honoring Maya Angelou in late January and early February."

United States Begins Shipping First American Women Quarters™ Program Coins (United States Mint)

US Mint begins shipping quarters honoring Maya Angelou (Associated Press)

American Women Quarters™ Program (United States Mint)