AMERICAN WOMEN
Zitkala-Ša "S"

This quarter is the fifth in 2024 and 15th overall in the American Women Quarters Program. 

The American Women Quarters™ Program is a four-year series celebrating the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of the U.S. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the Mint will issue five new quarters each year featuring reverse designs honoring a group of prominent American women.

Zitkala-Ša is featured on the fifteenth coin released in this program.

Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a writer, composer, educator, and political activist for Native American rights and citizenship in the early 20th century. Zitkala-Ša was staunchly opposed to the annihilation of indigenous culture through assimilation after she was forced to give up her own Native American customs and traditions in exchange for an education. Additionally, her advocacy work directly led to the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted American Indians US Citizenship while still maintaining their tribal standing and citizenship.

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.”

The common obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2024.”

AMERICAN WOMEN - ZITKALA-ŠA "S" (BU) - 2024 UNITED STATES COINS 15 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 09- UNITED STATES COINS / 4- 25 CENTS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.