WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United States Mint (Mint) will begin shipping the fourth coin of the American Women Quarters (AWQ) program on August 15th. These wraparound quarters are made in honor of Nina Otero-Warren at the Mint plants in Philadelphia and Denver. Coins with remaining AWQ award winners will be shipped later this year and through 2025.
“The fourth coin in our American Women Quarters Program honors Nina Otero-Warren, a courageous advocate for women, children, and Hispanic and Native American communities,” said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “This quarter is designed to reflect the breadth and depth of the achievements of Nina Otero-Warren as she has overcome challenges and obstacles she has encountered throughout her life.”
As a leader of the suffrage movement, Otero-Warren emphasized the need to use the Spanish language to reach Hispanic women. She was also the first female superintendent of public schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her notable accomplishments include convincing predominantly male leaders to support pro-women change in New Mexico; support passage of 19th Amendment; and championing children by raising the standards of New Mexico public schools.
The inverted (tail) design of the Nina Otero-Warren quarter shows her on the left flanked by three single yucca flowers – New Mexico’s state flower. The inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “QUARTER DOLLAR”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “NINA OTERO-WARREN” and “VOTO PARA LA MUJER”, the Spanish equivalent of the suffragist slogan “Votes for Women”. It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Chris Costello and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig A. Campbell.
The obverse (heads) features a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. Although her work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then Treasury Secretary Mellon eventually settled on the well-known design by John Flanagan. Of Fraser, Director Gibson said, “I am proud that George Washington’s new obverse design is by one of the most prolific sculptors of the early 20th century. Laura Gardin Fraser’s work has been acclaimed in both numismatic and artistic circles. Ninety years after she intended to, her front design has taken its place on the quarter.”
The inscriptions are “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “2022”. The design of the obverse is common to all quarters issued in the series.
The American Women Quarters Program, authorized by Public Law 116-330, includes coins with reverse (tail) designs that represent the accomplishments and contributions of American women. Beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025, the Mint will issue five quarters in each of those years. The ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse group of individuals honored through this program reflect a wide range of achievements and fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The fifth and final honoree in 2022 is Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American film star in Hollywood to achieve international success despite racism and discrimination.
“This quarter-dollar design features a portrait of Nina Otero-Warren, a bold inscription, and a cluster of yucca blossoms, the state flower of New Mexico,” said AIP designer Chris Costello. “It recognizes the influence of Otero-Warren as a New Mexico politician, educator and suffragist in support of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The inscription “VOTO PARA LA MUJER” (votes for women) is a nod to Warren’s belief that the use of Spanish was vital in the New Mexico suffrage movement. Art Deco typography reflects the progressive mood of America in the early 20th century. The portrait conveys Otero-Warren’s quiet confidence, patience and determination as she advances her human rights agenda as a Hispanic American woman, despite the prevailing barriers faced by women in America. The design immortalizes a very brave woman and is intended to inspire and educate all Americans about her impact on the nation.”
Please check with your local banks for quarters availability for the AWQ honoring Nina Otero-Warren program in late August and early September.
View images of the Nina Otero-Warren neighborhood here.
Numismatic Products
We invite you to learn more and enroll in the American Women Quarters Program today. Limited quantities will be produced, so sign up to ensure you receive a full collection of American Women Quarters Program numismatic products.
About the United States Mint
Congress established the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the nation’s sole maker of legal tender coins, the Mint is responsible for the manufacture of circulation coins for the nation to fuel its commerce and business. The Mint also manufactures numismatic products including Proof, Uncirculated Coins and Commemorative Coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and bullion coins of silver and gold. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and free to the taxpayer.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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United States Mint – Connecting America through Coins
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Nina Otero-Warren Quarters
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