The Maya Angelou quarter is a commemorative quarter is the first one released in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This brilliant coin was released in 2020 and is adapted from the line of poetry by the renowned and beloved Maya Angelou.While this commemorative quarter is not intended to circulate, it can be found in coin rolls and bags as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.
This quarter is also unlike any other found in circulation today for its content and design. Its obverse is essentially the same as all other quarters in circulation with an image of President George Washington, the motto “In God We Trust”, and other important inscriptions. However the images on the reverse of this quarter are far more complex than any other found in circulation.
The reverse design includes a portrait of Maya Angelou with her signature, a line from her poem “Still I Rise”, and a design of three birds emerging from the same frame of branches. It is a beautiful design that is meant to reflect inspiration and hope, two of the qualities that Maya Angelou herself was well known for.
The Maya Angelou quarter is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Mint to honor American heroes and inspire American citizens. It is also the first commemorative coin to honor an African American woman, a milestone sure to be celebrated and also reproduced often.
However, the Maya Angelou quarter is not considered to be in general circulation and is not counted towards the total mintages of coins produced. It is intended to be a collectible coin and is meant to be celebrated and admired by the millions of people who feel inspired by its beautiful design and message.
In spite of not being intended for general circulation, the Maya Angelou quarter can still be found in coin rolls and bags by the U.S. Mint or through private coin dealers. It is a remarkable coin and an inspiring work of art that has made the rounds throughout the country, bringing Maya Angelou’s message of hope and inspiration to those who may not have been previously familiar with her name or her works.
Design and Features of The Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou quarter is a stunning tribute to the renowned poet and civil rights leader. The obverse features the same image of George Washington found on all U.S. quarters, but the reverse is where this quarter truly stands out.
The reverse features a portrait of Maya Angelou and the line from her poem “Still I Rise”. To the left of the portrait are three birds emerging from a single frame of branches, symbolizing unity and hope. This design serves as a wonderful reminder of not just Maya Angelou’s influence, but also the greater push towards equity and justice in our society.
The Maya Angelou quarter has a special edge lettering around the circumference of the coin. This lettering reads, “Joy and Rage”, an ode to Maya Angelou’s famous quote, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
The mintages of the Maya Angelou quarter are not expected to be very high, as the coin is not intended to circulate in circulation. However, numerous private coin dealers have purchased them in bulk, and these coins are accessible to the public. Additionally, the U.S. Mint currently has a limited inventory of the coin, and these coins can be purchased directly from the Mint’s website.
Collectors and coin enthusiasts alike have been immensely impressed with the design and features of the Maya Angelou quarter. It is a remarkable coin that carries within its design a powerful message that the world needs now more than ever.
What the Maya Angelou Quarter Represents
The Maya Angelou quarter is more than just a beautiful coin. It is a commemorative piece that represents the achievements of a remarkable woman, as well as what Americans can achieve when they come together and strive for greatness.
The Maya Angelou quarter is a reminder of the progress that has been made in American society, but it is also a reminder that much work still needs to be done. It is a testament to the power of individual accomplishment, but also a symbol of how far we have come in our collective journey towards justice and equality.
The Maya Angelou quarter also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience. Maya Angelou was a pioneer in many ways, and her legacy speaks to the power of the individual to make change. The design of the coin, with its three birds emerging from the same frame of branches, is a perfect representation of the strength that is found in unity and collective effort.
The message of the Maya Angelou quarter is truly inspiring, and it is one that the world needs to hear. The coin’s stunning design and incredible features make it a powerful reminder of the greatness that can be achieved when we come together as a society.
Flaws of The Maya Angelou Quarter
Despite its inspiring design, the Maya Angelou quarter has come under some criticism for certain weaknesses that are associated with it. For example, the edge lettering which reads “Joy and Rage” has been criticised as not being reflective of the entire complex biography of Maya Angelou.
In addition, some numismatists have criticized the design of the obverse of the coin, which features the same image of George Washington as all other quarters in circulation. These numismatists suggest that this is an unnecessary traditionalism, as the U.S. Mint could have chosen to feature a more interesting and impactful portrait to honour Maya Angelou.
Other than the design, some have questioned the significance of the Maya Angelou quarter in the grand scheme of coinage and numismatic history. After all, the purpose of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program is to honour U.S. national parks and sites, and many critics have suggested that Maya Angelou is not necessarily a park or a site.
Regardless, the Maya Angelou quarter is a remarkable coin that has been celebrated by many both in the U.S. and around the world. It represents not just Maya Angelou’s legacy, but also the progress that we have made as a society towards equity, justice, and unity.
Understanding the Valuation of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou quarter is an incredibly valuable coin, both for its numismatic value and also for its artistic and historic value. The coin was released with a face value of 25 cents, but it can now be found selling for upwards of $100 in certain cases.
The value of the Maya Angelou quarter is of course based on its rarity, its condition, and its provenance. Furthermore, the value of the coin can also be affected by its special features, such as its edge lettering, which is unique to this coin.
The value of the Maya Angelou quarter can also be attributed to its symbolism. As discussed, the Maya Angelou quarter is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman and a reminder of the progress we have made as a society, and this carries with it a certain emotional value.
Numismatists and coin collectors alike have praised the Maya Angelou quarter, and it has become a highly sought after coin. With its stunning design and its meaningful symbolism, the Maya Angelou quarter truly is a remarkable coin that is sure to be cherished for generations to come.
The Cultural and Social Impact of The Maya Angelou Quarter
The Maya Angelou quarter has been highly praised for its culturally and socially significant design. This coin has been celebrated by those who are inspired by Maya Angelou’s legacy, but it has also resonated with the general public in its reflective and inspiring message.
The release of the Maya Angelou quarter has been covered extensively in the press, and many magazines and newspapers have praised the message of the coin. In addition, the coin has gained an enthusiastic following on social media, with a dedicated group of fans who are passionate about the coin’s symbolism and message.
Moreover, the coin has been embraced by young people especially, who view it as a symbol of the potential for positive change in our society. The Maya Angelou quarter is viewed by many as a reminder of the power of individuals to make real change and make a difference in the world.
The Maya Angelou quarter has made a major impact in the cultural landscape, and it is sure to be an important part of numismatic history for many years to come. Its unique design, powerful message, and cultural significance have made it a highly sought after commodity by coin collectors and those who are inspired by its message.
Wrapping up
The Maya Angelou quarter is a stunning tribute to a remarkable woman, and its design and features honor the beauty and power of Maya Angelou’s legacy. Despite not being intended to circulate, the coin can be found in coin rolls and bags by the U.S. Mint or private coin dealers.
The value of the Maya Angelou quarter is based on its rarity, condition, provenance, and special features, and it can be found selling for upwards of $100 in certain cases. Furthermore, the coin has become a highly sought after item by both coin collectors and those who are inspired by its message.
The Maya Angelou quarter has become immensely popular and has received highly positive coverage in the press. It has been embraced by young people especially, and it is viewed as a symbol of hope and resilience for the future. The Maya Angelou quarter is a remarkable coin that is sure to be cherished for generations to come.
