Maya Angelou Quarter

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 Maya Angelou with her arms uplifted. Behind her are a bird in flight and a rising sun, images inspired by her poetry and symbolic of the way she lived.

Please select the Mint and the Packaging from the options below.

Maya Angelou Quarter – American Women Quarters™ Program – Uncirculated Collectible Coin with Historical Tribute

Celebrate the life, legacy, and groundbreaking achievements of one of America’s most influential literary and cultural icons with the Maya Angelou Quarter, the very first release in the American Women Quarters™ Program. This beautifully designed U.S. Mint coin honors Maya Angelou—a celebrated writer, poet, performer, and civil rights activist whose voice shaped generations and whose work continues to inspire millions around the world.

Struck with exceptional detail and rich symbolism, this collectible quarter is a meaningful keepsake for coin collectors, educators, historians, and admirers of Angelou’s extraordinary contributions to literature, the arts, and social justice.

Honoring Maya Angelou – A Literary and Cultural Trailblazer

Maya Angelou’s rise to international prominence began with the publication of her groundbreaking 1969 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a book that redefined memoir writing and became a cornerstone of modern American literature. Over her lifetime, Angelou authored more than 30 bestselling works, spanning poetry, essays, plays, and fiction. Her writing explored identity, resilience, race, and the human spirit, earning her global acclaim and a permanent place in literary history.

Angelou’s career extended far beyond the page. She was a dancer, singer, actress, journalist, educator, and powerful voice in the civil rights movement. She performed on Broadway and off‑Broadway, co‑wrote the musical Cabaret for Freedom, and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Her influence touched nearly every corner of American culture.

In 1992, Angelou made history again when she delivered her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the presidential inauguration of Bill Clinton. She became the first African American woman to write and present a poem at a presidential inauguration and only the second poet in U.S. history to do so, following Robert Frost in 1961.

Throughout her life, Angelou received more than 30 honorary degrees, was inducted into the Wake Forest University Hall of Fame for Writers and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010—America’s highest civilian honor.

A Beautiful Coin Design Rich with Symbolism

The Maya Angelou Quarter features two historically significant designs:

Obverse (Heads)

The obverse displays a portrait of George Washington, originally sculpted by acclaimed artist Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. Although Fraser’s design was recommended at the time, it was not selected for the circulating quarter. Nearly a century later, her elegant portrait finally appears on U.S. coinage through the American Women Quarters™ Program—an overdue recognition of one of America’s most talented sculptors.

Reverse (Tails)

The reverse showcases Maya Angelou with her arms uplifted in a powerful, expressive pose. Behind her, a bird in flight and a rising sun symbolize themes central to her poetry—freedom, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. These elements pay tribute to the imagery found throughout her work, especially the symbolism that made I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings a literary masterpiece.

The design captures Angelou’s grace, resilience, and enduring influence, making this quarter a meaningful collectible for admirers of her life and legacy.

A Collectible Coin with Historical Significance

As the first coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program, the Maya Angelou Quarter holds special importance for collectors. The program, launched by the U.S. Mint in 2022, honors trailblazing American women who shaped the nation’s history in fields such as civil rights, science, government, education, and the arts. Each coin in the series features a unique design celebrating the achievements of these remarkable women.

Because of its position as the inaugural release, the Maya Angelou Quarter is especially sought after by collectors building complete sets of the American Women Quarters™ series.

A Meaningful Gift and a Lasting Tribute

This coin makes a thoughtful gift for:

• Literature lovers
• Students and educators
• Civil rights historians
• Coin collectors
• Fans of Maya Angelou’s poetry and activism

Whether displayed in a collection, used as an educational tool, or given as a commemorative gift, the Maya Angelou Quarter serves as a lasting reminder of a woman whose words and actions changed the world.

Celebrate an Icon. Preserve Her Legacy.

The Maya Angelou American Women Quarter is more than a collectible—it is a tribute to courage, creativity, and the power of the human voice. Add this historic coin to your collection and honor the legacy of one of America’s most inspiring figures.