Ida B. Wells

The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2025.”

The reverse (tail) design features Ida B. Wells as she gazes courageously and proudly toward the future. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IDA B. WELLS,” “25 CENTS,” “JOURNALIST, SUFFRAGIST, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST.”

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2025 Ida B. Wells Quarter – Honoring a Pioneer of Civil Rights, Journalism, and Women’s Suffrage

The 2025 Ida B. Wells Quarter is the 16th release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a groundbreaking initiative by the United States Mint that celebrates the achievements of influential women who have shaped the nation’s history. This commemorative coin pays tribute to Ida B. Wells, a fearless journalist, educator, suffragist, and civil rights activist whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Ida B. Wells: A Voice for Justice and Equality

Born in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells-Barnett rose to prominence during the post-Reconstruction era as one of the most courageous and outspoken advocates for racial justice in American history. As an investigative journalist, she used the power of the press to expose the brutal realities of lynching and racial violence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her groundbreaking pamphlets, including Southern Horrors and The Red Record, documented these atrocities with unflinching detail, challenging both public indifference and institutional racism.

In addition to her journalism, Wells was a dedicated educator and suffragist, advocating for equal rights for African Americans and women. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and played a pivotal role in the early formation of the NAACP. Her activism extended to organizing protests, delivering lectures across the country, and championing social reform. Wells’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and equality—values that resonate deeply in today’s ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Obverse Design: A Timeless Tribute to George Washington

The obverse (heads) of the 2025 Ida B. Wells Quarter features a classic portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This design was originally created by renowned sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of Washington’s birth. Though not selected at the time, Fraser’s design has since been recognized for its artistic excellence and historical significance.

Inscriptions on the obverse include:

• “LIBERTY”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• “2025”

This side of the coin connects the legacy of Ida B. Wells with the foundational ideals of American democracy and leadership.

Reverse Design: A Portrait of Strength and Vision

The reverse (tails) of the coin presents a dignified image of Ida B. Wells, gazing proudly and resolutely toward the future. Her posture and expression reflect her courage, intellect, and determination—qualities that defined her life and work. The design captures Wells’s strength as a truth-teller and her vision for a more just and equitable society.

Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• “IDA B. WELLS”
• “25 CENTS”
• “JOURNALIST, SUFFRAGIST, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST”

These inscriptions serve as a powerful reminder of Wells’s multifaceted contributions to American society and her enduring impact on civil rights, journalism, and women’s empowerment.

Why This Coin Matters

The 2025 Ida B. Wells Quarter is a meaningful addition to any numismatic collection, especially for those interested in African American history, women’s rights, and social justice movements. As part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, it not only honors a trailblazing woman but also educates the public about her legacy.

Collectors, educators, and history enthusiasts will appreciate the coin’s artistic detail, historical relevance, and symbolic power. It’s also a valuable resource for teaching about the intersection of race, gender, and activism in American history.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Ida B. Wells Quarter stands as a powerful tribute to a woman who used her voice to challenge injustice and demand change. As the 16th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program, it continues the tradition of honoring trailblazing women whose legacies deserve national recognition. With its rich symbolism and historical significance, this quarter is a timeless addition to any collection and a lasting reminder of the courage it takes to speak truth to power.