Maya Angelou was a renowned American author and poet who has had her work immortalized on the official quarter of the United States. How many coins are there, you might ask? This article aims to answer that question, examining the production of these quarters and their distribution throughout the United States.
The Maya Angelou Quarter was produced by the United States Mint in 2020, as part of the ‘America the Beautiful’ Quarters Program. This program works in conjunction with the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The Mint released these coins in multiples of five, with the first group of coins consisting of five million pieces.
The mint conducted rigorous quality control checks and inspections to guarantee the coins met their stringent criteria. On the obverse, or heads side, of the coin is an image of Maya Angelou and her signature, with accompanying inscriptions reading, “Maya Angelou” and “In Art We Know Hope”. On the reverse, or tails side, of the coin is an image of a hummingbird hovering over a magnolia tree. It features the inscriptions, “United States of America”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “Liberty”, and “Shall Not Perish”.
It is estimated that the mint released around 7.75 million coins as part of this collection. This number is comprised of five million coins released as part of the initial run, a further two million coins produced as part of a supplemental release and an additional 750 thousand coins released by the mint directly.
The coins were then released in circulation across the United States. The ‘America the Beautiful’ Quarters program was created in 1996 and each year five coins are issued, releasing 25 quarters in total.
Of the seven point seven five million coins, it is estimated between four-and-a-half and five million can be found in circulation. This means that, depending on the sovereign state, church or institution, these coins may be more or less common.
The Maya Angelou Quarter was released as part of a wider attempt to feature prominent and influential Americans, with designs for coins that reflect the individual’s character or contribution to the nation. The other four coins of the ‘America the Beautiful’ Quarter series depict George H.W. Bush, National Mall and Memorial Parks, San Antonio Missions and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Where Can Maya Angelou Quarters Be Found?
The Maya Angelou Quarter can typically be found in circulation across all states, territories and the District of Columbia. The mint also released these coins through the ‘America the Beautiful’ quarters set, which can be bought online as a complete set, as a means of collection or as individual coins.
The quarter is also part of the mint’s 2020 ‘Silver Proof Set’, which included all ten coins released in 2020. The mint also released 1,000,000 coins as part of their uncirculated coin sets, with the uncirculated coins exhibiting a patent finish.
The Maya Angelou Quarter provides an opportunity for people to pay homage to important figures in the nation’s history. The coins were specially minted to recognize the importance of Angelou’s work and can be found in circulation throughout the United States.
The Origin & Design of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The design for the Maya Angelou quarter was created by artist Gary Whitley and sculptor Michael Gaudioso. Whitley was a recognizable face in coin design circles, having been responsible for the designs of several coins in the past, including the reverse design of the American Gold Eagles.
The design displays a composition of symbols, featuring a female figure, representing Maya Angelou, walking towards a sunrise. The image exudes a sense of hope, inherent in the inscription, “In Art We Know Hope”. The dawn represents the possibilities of a brighter future, denoting the importance of forging ahead with one’s dreams and aspirations.
The background of the scene is formed by an evergreen tree, representing timelessness, durability and resilience. The geometric shapes of the tree were inspired by the life and works of Angelou, protecting and influencing the shape of the journey of life.
Whitley and Gaudioso sought to modernize the design while still achieving a realistic presentation, and in doing so, created a series of distinct coins that depicted a recognizable figure, paying tribute the the influential life of Maya Angelou.
The Significance of the Maya Angelou Quarter
The production of the Maya Angelou quarter was significant for several reasons. Firstly, Angelou was the first female author to be featured on the U.S. quarter – a long overdue accolade for women writers. It was also an important step forward in introducing diversity into the most widely circulated U.S. coin.
Furthermore, the quarter serves as an inspiration to the marginalized and pushes for representation from minority voices. Angelou’s life and her career were a testimony to the struggles for authentic representation in the face of racism, sexism and the forces of inequality.
Moreover, the quarter pays tribute to the struggles of African Americans, making it a symbol of activism, highlighting the importance of equity and justice. The quarter is also a a reminder of the legacy of African Americans, as it provides a platform to reaffirm the complex, emotional and spiritual stories that shapes their lives and those of others.
Finally, the coin serves to diversify the coinage, offering an image that speaks to the modern America and resonates with the public. It also conveys a sense of pride, reminding holders of their identity and the importance of their culture.
The Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a renowned poet, author and civil rights activist, producing a body of work that has made a lasting impact on the lives of millions. Her poems were often inspired by her philosophy on life and how to live it. Her most famous pieces, such as ‘Still I Rise’ and ‘Caged Bird’, were incredibly personal and touched upon the issues of race and identity.
Angelou’s works are widely recognized by people around the world, and her events and addresses have been shared by many. Her final book, a collection of essays, was posthumously published in 2016. She was celebrated for her courage and strength, serving as a reminder of the importance of speaking out and delivering works of true meaning and value.
Angelou’s career has been a source of inspiration for young authors and artists, making her a household name in the U.S. and beyond. Her words have touched the hearts of many and her impact on culture and literature is incomparable. Furthermore, she served as a role model for many, inspiring people to pursue their dreams and to stand up for justice and equity.
Angelou’s works stand as a reminder of her resilience, her dedication and passion for life, and the importance of standing together. With the Maya Angelou Quarter, the U.S. Mint has immortalized her legacy, highlighting her life and deeds for years to come.
What is the Mint’s America The Beautiful Programme?
The ‘America the Beautiful’ Quarters program was launched in 1996 and each of the five coins released each year celebrates a national park or site of historical significance in the United States. The program was created to increase the appreciation of the vast array of national parks and sites spread throughout the country, presenting a unique opportunity to each individual state.
The programme is aimed at increasing awareness of the many brilliant locations and monuments throughout the country, and is collaborated with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. The coins produced have unique designs that represent each of the sites, providing an insight into their fascinating history and homage to important figures in the nation’s history.
Each of the five coins released consists of five million coins, and through the combination of the uncirculated sets and quarter sets, the programme also provides an opportunity to both experts and novices in the coin collecting world. The programme is immensely popular, with the coins often selling out rather quickly, indicating their immense popularity among avid coin collectors.
The Maya Angelou Quarter is one of the coins released in 2020, emphasizing the importance of diversity and the importance of promoting inclusivity and equity throughout the nation. The quarter is a reminder of Angelou’s life and an ode to her memory and impact on society.
