Zitkala-Ša

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 Zitkala-Ša in traditional Yankton Sioux dress. She is holding a book, which represents her work as an author as well as her successful activism for Native American rights. Behind her, a stylized sun represents her work on The Sun Dance Opera, while a cardinal symbolizes her name, which translates to “Red Bird.” A Yankton Sioux-inspired diamond pattern sits underneath the sun. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “AUTHOR,” “ACTIVIST,” “COMPOSER,” “25 CENTS,” and “ZITKALA-ŠA.”

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2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter – Honoring a Native American Voice for Justice, Culture, and Citizenship

The 2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter is the 15th release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, a landmark initiative by the United States Mint that celebrates the contributions of trailblazing women who have shaped American history. This commemorative coin honors Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, a powerful advocate for Native American rights, a prolific writer and composer, and a cultural preservationist whose legacy continues to resonate today.

Zitkala-Ša: A Voice for Indigenous Identity and Citizenship

Born in 1876 on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Zitkala-Ša was a woman of extraordinary intellect and courage. As a child, she was sent to a boarding school where she was forced to abandon her Native American customs and language in exchange for a Western education. This experience ignited a lifelong commitment to preserving indigenous identity and resisting forced assimilation.

Zitkala-Ša became a writer, educator, and political activist, using her talents to expose the injustices faced by Native Americans. Her essays and autobiographical works, published in major national magazines, gave voice to the struggles of indigenous people and challenged dominant narratives. She also collaborated on The Sun Dance Opera, blending Native American themes with Western musical traditions—a groundbreaking effort to preserve and elevate indigenous culture through the arts.

Her advocacy culminated in a pivotal role in the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans while affirming their tribal sovereignty. Zitkala-Ša’s work bridged cultural divides and laid the foundation for future generations of indigenous activism.

Obverse Design: A Tribute to George Washington

The obverse (heads) of the 2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter features a classic portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932 to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. Although Fraser’s design was recommended at the time, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon ultimately selected the now-familiar John Flanagan version.

In recent years, Fraser’s design has been revived for its artistic excellence and historical significance. The obverse includes the inscriptions:

• “LIBERTY”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• “2024”

This side of the coin connects Zitkala-Ša’s legacy to the broader narrative of American democracy and leadership.

Reverse Design: Symbolism and Cultural Depth

The reverse (tails) of the coin presents a richly symbolic image of Zitkala-Ša in traditional Yankton Sioux dress, holding a book that represents both her literary achievements and her advocacy for Native American rights. Behind her, a stylized sun evokes her work on The Sun Dance Opera, while a cardinal—a red bird—symbolizes her name, which translates to “Red Bird” in Lakota.

Beneath the sun, a Yankton Sioux-inspired diamond pattern adds cultural texture and honors her tribal heritage. The inscriptions on the reverse include:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• “AUTHOR”
• “ACTIVIST”
• “COMPOSER”
• “25 CENTS”
• “ZITKALA-ŠA”

This design captures the multifaceted nature of Zitkala-Ša’s life and work, blending visual storytelling with historical reverence.

Why This Coin Matters

The 2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter is a compelling addition to any numismatic collection, especially for those interested in Native American history, women’s rights, and cultural preservation. As part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, it not only honors a remarkable individual but also educates the public about the enduring impact of indigenous voices in shaping American identity.

Collectors, educators, and historians will appreciate the coin’s artistic detail, symbolic richness, and historical relevance. It’s also a valuable resource for teaching about the intersection of race, gender, and citizenship in the United States.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter stands as a powerful tribute to a woman who used her voice, intellect, and artistry to fight for justice and preserve indigenous culture. As the 15th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program, it continues the tradition of honoring 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 strength it takes to protect one’s heritage.