Change-Makers

In the United States, money features images of people. They’re important people from history. Almost all of the people on money have been men. But new quarters feature famous women. That’s thanks to a program that started in 2022. It’s called the American Women Quarters Program.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen speaks after touring the Denver Mint in 2022. This mint helps manufacture the new quarters.

Memorable Money

The United States Mint is part of the U.S. Treasury. It runs the American Women Quarters Program. The Mint produces all U.S. coins. These include quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies.

Nina Otero-Warren worked to get women the right to vote in New Mexico.

For the past four years, the Mint has been making new quarters. They show famous women. The Mint chose 20 women for the quarters. The women had different backgrounds. They all made an impact on our world.

Celia Cruz is a musician. She had an expression: “¡Azúcar!”—or “Sugar!”

One quarter honors Celia Cruz. She was a musician. She was born in Cuba. Another honors Bessie Coleman, from Texas. She flew airplanes. She was the first Black woman and the first Native American woman to become a licensed pilot.

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.

Honoring Important Women

The Mint will be producing the last batch of these quarters through 2025. They will make their way into banks all over the country. You might see them soon in your change.

Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.

Brent Thacker works for the U.S. Mint. He wants young people to learn about the women on the quarters. He hopes people will celebrate the “life and legacy” of each woman. “Their achievements, journeys, tenacity, and spirit are remarkable,” he says.

Maya Angelou was an author, poet, and civil rights activist.