Bessie Coleman
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Issued Date: January 3, 2023
Description: The 2023 U.S. Mint Bessie Coleman quarter, the sixth in the American Women Quarters™ Program, features a reverse design of the pioneering aviator suiting up for flight with a determined expression, symbolizing her pursuit of freedom in the skies. Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Eric David Custer, it includes the inscription "6.15.1921," marking the date she became the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot's license.
Key Design Details:
Reverse (Tails): Shows a close-up of Coleman preparing for flight, with her Curtiss "Jenny" biplane in the background.
Inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "BESSIE COLEMAN," and "6.15.1921".
Obverse (Heads): Features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser for the 1932 quarter.
Significance: Celebrates the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, who was renowned for her stunt flying and advocacy against segregation in aviation.
Description: The 2023 U.S. Mint Bessie Coleman quarter, the sixth in the American Women Quarters™ Program, features a reverse design of the pioneering aviator suiting up for flight with a determined expression, symbolizing her pursuit of freedom in the skies. Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Eric David Custer, it includes the inscription "6.15.1921," marking the date she became the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot's license.
Key Design Details:
Reverse (Tails): Shows a close-up of Coleman preparing for flight, with her Curtiss "Jenny" biplane in the background.
Inscriptions: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "BESSIE COLEMAN," and "6.15.1921".
Obverse (Heads): Features a portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser for the 1932 quarter.
Significance: Celebrates the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, who was renowned for her stunt flying and advocacy against segregation in aviation.