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 (tails) design portrays Althea Gibson with a racket in one hand and a ball in the other while standing confidently by a net on a tennis court, as if in preparation before playing a match. Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “ALTHEA GIBSON,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” and “TRAILBLAZING CHAMPION.”

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The 2025 Althea Gibson Quarter: Honoring a Trailblazing Champion

The 2025 Althea Gibson Quarter marks the 20th and final release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a groundbreaking initiative by the United States Mint that celebrates the achievements of women who shaped American history and culture. This coin not only closes out the series but also immortalizes the legacy of Althea Gibson, a pioneering athlete whose accomplishments in tennis and golf broke barriers and inspired generations.

Obverse Design: A Classic Tribute to Washington

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a portrait of George Washington, designed by acclaimed sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser. Originally created in 1931 as part of a competition to commemorate Washington’s bicentennial, Fraser’s design was considered one of the finest artistic renderings of the nation’s first president. Although it was not selected for the 1932 quarter, the design has since been revived for the American Women Quarters series. The inscriptions include:

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

This obverse connects the coin to America’s numismatic heritage while providing continuity across the entire program.

Reverse Design: Althea Gibson, Trailblazing Champion

The reverse (tails) of the coin portrays Althea Gibson standing confidently on a tennis court, holding a racket in one hand and a ball in the other. Positioned near the net, she appears poised and ready for play, symbolizing her determination and competitive spirit. The inscriptions read:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• “ALTHEA GIBSON”
• “QUARTER DOLLAR”
• “TRAILBLAZING CHAMPION”

This imagery captures Gibson’s essence as both an athlete and a cultural icon, emphasizing her role in breaking racial barriers in professional sports.

Althea Gibson’s Historic Achievements

Born in 1927 in South Carolina and raised in Harlem, Althea Gibson rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated athletes of the 20th century. Her career is defined by a series of historic “firsts”:

• In 1950, she became the first Black player to compete in the U.S. National Championships (now the U.S. Open).
• In 1951, she broke another barrier by competing at Wimbledon, the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament.
• By the end of the 1950s, Gibson had won 11 Grand Slam titles, including singles and doubles championships at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the French Open.
• After retiring from tennis, she turned to professional golf, becoming the first Black woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Her achievements extended beyond the court. Gibson’s victories were celebrated worldwide, making her a symbol of American excellence during the civil rights era. She paved the way for future athletes such as Arthur Ashe, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams, who followed in her footsteps to dominate global tennis.

Historical Significance of the Coin

The Althea Gibson Quarter is more than a collectible; it is a tribute to resilience, courage, and progress. By honoring Gibson, the U.S. Mint acknowledges the role of sports in advancing social change and highlights the importance of representation in American history. As the final coin in the American Women Quarters Program, it underscores the program’s mission: to celebrate women who broke barriers and reshaped the nation’s narrative.

Numismatic Appeal and Collectability

Collectors and historians alike will find the 2025 Althea Gibson Quarter especially significant:

• It is the 20th and final coin in the American Women Quarters series, making it a key piece for completing collections.
• The design combines historical artistry (Fraser’s Washington portrait) with modern recognition of Gibson’s legacy.
• Its inscriptions, particularly “TRAILBLAZING CHAMPION,” distinguish it from other quarters and highlight its commemorative nature.

As with other coins in the program, the Althea Gibson Quarter will be released in circulation and available in numismatic products such as proof sets and collector rolls.