US Mint -
The United States Mint (Mint) will begin shipping the third coin in the 2024 American Women Quarters™ (AWQ) Program on June 3. The Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver manufacture these circulating quarters honoring Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was the first woman United States Army surgeon, and the only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor. She was also a women's suffrage and dress-reform advocate. Dr. Walker was opposed to society's expectations of traditional women's dress codes and often wore "men's" clothing because she found this attire more practical, comfortable, and sanitary.
"The third coin of the 2024
American Women Quarters Program celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker," said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. "Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was relentless in her efforts to serve as a surgeon in the Civil War at a time when women were not permitted to serve in the military. She demonstrated tremendous courage for frequently crossing battle lines to care for wounded soldiers and as a prisoner of war for four months."
United States Mint Medallic Artist
Phebe Hemphill designed and sculpted the image.
"I was tremendously inspired by this brave woman's story and realized that she was at least one hundred years ahead of her time," said Hemphill. "My hope is that her quarter will make her life story widely known."
The reverse (tails) depicts Dr. Mary Edwards Walker holding her pocket surgical kit, with the Medal of Honor on her uniform, and surgeon's pin at her collar. After receiving the award, she continued to wear the Medal of Honor for the rest of her life. The left side of the design showcases the details of the Medal of Honor.
The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by
Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington's 200th birthday. Though her work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar
John Flanagan design.
Regarding Fraser, Director Gibson said, "I am proud that the new obverse design of George Washington is by one of the most prolific women sculptors of the early 20th century.
Laura Gardin Fraser's work is lauded in both numismatic and artistic circles. Ninety years after she intended for it to do so, her obverse design has fittingly taken its place on the quarter."
Obverse inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2024." The design is common to all quarters issued in the series.
Each 2024 AWQ honoree is a powerful, inspiring example of the breadth, depth, and range of accomplishments, and the experiences demonstrated by these extraordinary women speak to the contributions women have always made in the history of our country. Coins featuring additional honorees will continue to ship through 2025.
Check out Mary Edwards Walker Quarters on ebay.
US Mint Begins Shipping 2024 American Women Quarters Honoring Dr. Mary Edwards Walker On June 3
Posted 05/29/2024 08:29 am
