Jovita Idar

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) features a depiction of Jovita Idar with her hands clasped. Within her body are inscriptions representing some of her greatest accomplishments and the newspapers for which she wrote.

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2023 Jovita Idar Quarter – Honoring a Mexican-American Journalist, Educator, and Civil Rights Advocate

The 2023 Jovita Idar Quarter is the ninth release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a U.S. Mint initiative that celebrates the achievements of influential women who helped shape American history. This coin honors Jovita Idar, a pioneering Mexican-American journalist, teacher, activist, and suffragist who dedicated her life to advancing civil rights, education, and equality for Mexican-Americans and women.

Born on September 7, 1885, in Laredo, Texas, Jovita Idar was raised in a family deeply committed to social justice. Her father, Nicasio Idar, was a newspaper editor and civil rights advocate, and his work exposed Jovita to journalism and activism from an early age. Inspired by her upbringing, she pursued a career that blended education, writing, and political engagement.

Idar believed that education was the foundation for empowerment, especially for marginalized communities. She began her career as a teacher, working in schools that served Mexican-American children. Frustrated by the lack of resources and systemic discrimination, she turned to journalism as a tool for advocacy and change.

As a journalist, Idar wrote for several publications, including her father’s newspaper, La Crónica, and later El Progreso. Her articles addressed critical issues such as racism, segregation, women’s rights, and the Mexican Revolution. She used her voice to challenge injustice and promote unity among Mexican-Americans, often at great personal risk.

In 1911, Idar joined the First Mexicanist Congress in Laredo, a gathering of activists focused on improving the social, political, and educational conditions of Mexican-Americans. That same year, she helped found La Liga Femenil Mexicanista (The League of Mexican Women), a political and charitable organization aimed at empowering Mexican-American women through education and community support. Idar was elected as the league’s first president, and under her leadership, the organization provided free education and advocated for women’s rights.

Idar’s activism extended to direct confrontation with authorities. When the Texas Rangers attempted to shut down El Progreso for its critical stance on government policies, Idar famously stood in the doorway to block their entry, defending the freedom of the press and the right to speak out against injustice.

Throughout her life, Jovita Idar remained a tireless advocate for civil rights, bilingual education, and women’s suffrage. Her work laid the foundation for future generations of activists and educators, and her legacy continues to inspire those fighting for equity and inclusion.

Idar passed away on June 13, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, but her contributions to journalism, education, and civil rights endure. She is remembered as a courageous leader who used her intellect, voice, and determination to uplift her community and challenge systemic oppression.

Design Details of the 2023 Jovita Idar Quarter

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a classic portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. Though not selected at the time, Fraser’s design now honors women’s contributions to American history through numismatics.

The reverse (tails) design depicts Jovita Idar with her hands clasped, symbolizing her strength, resolve, and commitment to unity. Within her silhouette are inscriptions representing her most significant accomplishments and the newspapers for which she wrote, including La Crónica and El Progreso. The design reflects her dual role as a journalist and activist, and her unwavering dedication to justice.

The edge-incused inscriptions include:

• “2023” – 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 Jovita Idar Quarter Matters

The 2023 Jovita Idar Quarter is more than a commemorative coin—it’s a tribute to a woman who used education, journalism, and activism to fight for equality and uplift her community. As part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, this coin honors a legacy of courage, intellect, and social 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 celebrates a true American hero whose work continues to resonate today.