Patsy Takemoto Mink

The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington, originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. A recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design.

The reverse (tails) depicts Patsy Takemoto Mink holding her landmark “TITLE IX” legislation. In the background, a view of the U.S. Capitol Building prominently features the south wing, home to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Mink served in Congress. The lei she wears represents her home state of Hawaii.

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2024 Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter – Honoring a Trailblazer for Gender and Racial Equality

The 2024 Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter is the 12th release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a U.S. Mint initiative that celebrates the achievements of influential women who shaped American history. This coin honors The Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink, a pioneering legislator, civil rights advocate, and co-author of Title IX, the landmark legislation that transformed education and athletics for women across the United States.

Patsy Mink was a third-generation Japanese American, born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Her early experiences with racial discrimination, especially while attending college on the mainland, deeply influenced her commitment to social justice. Despite facing segregated facilities and limited opportunities, Mink persevered and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawai‘i in 1948.

Originally aspiring to become a doctor, Mink applied to multiple medical schools but was rejected—likely due to her gender and ethnicity. Undeterred, she pivoted to law and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1951. She was one of only two women and two Asian Americans in her graduating class, a testament to her determination and resilience.

After returning to Hawaii with her husband and young daughter, Mink encountered further discrimination when seeking employment at law firms. Rather than accept defeat, she opened her own law practice, becoming the first Japanese American woman to practice law in Hawaii.

Mink’s political career began in the mid-1950s, when she served in Hawaii’s territorial legislature, followed by a term in the Hawaii State Senate. In 1964, she made history by becoming the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her election marked a significant milestone in American politics and paved the way for future generations of women and minorities.

During her 24 years in Congress (1965–1977 and 1990–2002), Mink was a tireless advocate for gender equality, racial justice, affordable childcare, education reform, and environmental protection. Her most enduring legacy is her role in co-authoring Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. Title IX opened doors for millions of women and girls, allowing them to participate in academic programs and school sports that had previously excluded them.

Mink’s advocacy extended beyond legislation. She was a vocal supporter of low-income families, working mothers, and civil liberties. Her work helped shape national conversations around equity and inclusion, and she remained a powerful voice for justice throughout her career.

After her passing in 2002, Title IX was officially renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, ensuring that her contributions would be remembered for generations to come.

Design Details of the 2024 Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a historic portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. Although Fraser’s design was not selected at the time, it now serves as a tribute to women in numismatics and American history.

The reverse (tails) design depicts Patsy Takemoto Mink holding her landmark “TITLE IX” legislation, symbolizing her pivotal role in advancing gender equality in education. In the background, the U.S. Capitol Building is prominently featured, with the south wing representing the House of Representatives, where Mink served. She wears a lei, a traditional Hawaiian garland, honoring her heritage and home state.

The edge-incused inscriptions include:

• “2024” – the year of minting
• Mint mark – indicating the production facility
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – Latin for “Out of many, one,” a motto of unity

Why the Patsy Mink Quarter Matters

The 2024 Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter is more than a commemorative coin—it’s a tribute to a woman who broke barriers and reshaped American society. Her legacy continues to inspire advocates, educators, and leaders who fight for equality and justice.

Whether you’re a coin collector, a history enthusiast, or someone passionate about civil rights and education, this coin is a meaningful addition to any collection. It honors a true American trailblazer whose work continues to impact lives today.