Issued Date: January 3, 2022

Description: Released in 2022 as the first coin in the U.S. Mint's American Women Quarters Program, the Maya Angelou quarter features a portrait of the author with arms outstretched, a bird in flight, and a rising sun on the reverse. Designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Craig A. Campbell, this imagery is inspired by her poem, "Caged Bird".

Key Features of the Maya Angelou Quarter:

Significance: She is the first African American woman to appear on a U.S. quarter.

Reverse Design (Tails): Features Dr. Angelou with outstretched arms. Behind her are a bird in flight and a rising sun, symbolizing her life, poetry, and work.

Obverse Design (Heads): A portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser for the 1932 quarter.

Inspiration: The design is directly influenced by her 1969 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and her overall legacy.

Availability: Released in 2022, these coins are available in uncirculated, clad proof, and silver proof finishes.

The coin honors Angelou's, an influential 20th-century poet, actor, author, teacher, and activist.