Zitkala-Ša
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Issued Date: October 21, 2024
Description: The 2024 Zitkala-Ša quarter, 15th in the American Women Quarters™ Program, honors the Yankton Sioux writer, composer, and activist (also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin). The reverse design features her in traditional attire holding a book, with a sun (referencing The Sun Dance Opera), a cardinal (symbolizing her name "Red Bird"), and a Yankton Sioux diamond pattern.
Key Features and Design
Reverse Design: Sculpted by Renata Gordon and designed by Don Everhart of the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion Program.
Symbolism: The book represents her literary work and activism; the sun represents The Sun Dance Opera; the red bird (cardinal) symbolizes her name, Zitkala-Ša; and the diamond pattern is inspired by Yankton Sioux artwork.
Obverse Design: Features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser.
Inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "QUARTER DOLLAR," and "ZITKALA-ŠA".
The coin highlights her role in advocating for Native American rights, including her work towards the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
Description: The 2024 Zitkala-Ša quarter, 15th in the American Women Quarters™ Program, honors the Yankton Sioux writer, composer, and activist (also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin). The reverse design features her in traditional attire holding a book, with a sun (referencing The Sun Dance Opera), a cardinal (symbolizing her name "Red Bird"), and a Yankton Sioux diamond pattern.
Key Features and Design
Reverse Design: Sculpted by Renata Gordon and designed by Don Everhart of the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion Program.
Symbolism: The book represents her literary work and activism; the sun represents The Sun Dance Opera; the red bird (cardinal) symbolizes her name, Zitkala-Ša; and the diamond pattern is inspired by Yankton Sioux artwork.
Obverse Design: Features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser.
Inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "QUARTER DOLLAR," and "ZITKALA-ŠA".
The coin highlights her role in advocating for Native American rights, including her work towards the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.