Maria Tallchief

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 Maria Tallchief spotlit in balletic pose. Her Osage name, which translates to “Two Standards,” is written in Osage orthography.

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2024 Maria Tallchief Quarter – Honoring America’s First Prima Ballerina and Osage Nation Icon

The 2024 Maria Tallchief Quarter is the 10th 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 Maria Tallchief, widely recognized as America’s first prima ballerina and a trailblazer who broke barriers as a Native American dancer in the world of classical ballet.

Born on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma, on the Osage Indian Reservation, Maria Tallchief was a proud member of the Osage Nation. From a young age, she demonstrated exceptional talent in both dance and piano, and her family nurtured her artistic pursuits. Her early training laid the foundation for a career that would redefine ballet in the United States and elevate Native American representation in the arts.

At just 17 years old, Tallchief moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional ballerina. She was selected as an apprentice with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, one of the most prestigious Russian ballet companies operating in the U.S. Her performances quickly gained acclaim, and she captivated audiences and critics alike with her strength, precision, and expressive artistry.

In 1946, Maria Tallchief married legendary choreographer George Balanchine, a partnership that would transform the landscape of American ballet. Balanchine’s innovative choreography paired with Tallchief’s dynamic technique and stage presence helped establish the New York City Ballet as a world-renowned institution. Even after their marriage ended, Tallchief remained a central figure in Balanchine’s works, performing iconic roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and the lead in Firebird.

Tallchief’s influence extended beyond the stage. In 1956, she married Henry “Buzz” Paschen, and in 1959, she gave birth to their daughter, Elise Paschen, who would go on to become a celebrated poet. Family life eventually led Tallchief to Chicago, where she retired from performing in the late 1960s. She continued to shape the future of ballet by founding the ballet school of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and later serving as artistic director of the Chicago City Ballet.

Throughout her life, Maria Tallchief received numerous honors for her contributions to the arts and her role as a cultural ambassador. She was named Woman of the Year by the National Women’s Press Club, received the National Medal of Arts, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Her legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and pride in her heritage.

The Osage Tribal Council honored Tallchief with the name “Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba,” meaning “Two Standards.” This name, chosen by her grandmother, reflects Tallchief’s dual identity as a world-class ballerina and a proud member of the Osage Nation. She carried both standards with grace and dignity, representing her people and her art on the global stage.

Maria Tallchief passed away on April 11, 2013, but her legacy continues to inspire dancers, artists, and Native American communities across the country.

Design Details of the 2024 Maria Tallchief Quarter

The obverse (heads) of the coin features a timeless 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 Maria Tallchief in a spotlit balletic pose, capturing her elegance and power as a performer. Her Osage name, “Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba,” meaning “Two Standards,” is inscribed in Osage orthography, symbolizing her cultural heritage and the duality of her life as both a dancer and a Native American icon.

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 Maria Tallchief Quarter Matters

The 2024 Maria Tallchief Quarter is more than a commemorative coin—it’s a tribute to a woman who redefined ballet in America and proudly represented her Native heritage. As part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, this coin honors a legacy of artistic brilliance, cultural pride, and groundbreaking achievement.

Whether you’re a coin collector, a dance enthusiast, or someone passionate about Native American history, this coin is a meaningful addition to any collection. It celebrates a true American icon whose life and work continue to inspire.