The much-anticipated Maya Angelou quarter will be released in the spring of 2021. The United States Mint has revealed that this is one of five coins it will celebrate within its 2021 America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Take a look at what we know so far about the Maya Angelou quarter and what the coin will commemorate.
As part of the program, the US Mint has selected a national park or a federal recreational site in each of the 50 states, five US territories and the District of Columbia to be featured on a United States quarter. The Mint will issue five coins a year, honoring each of these chosen sites with a national park quarter. The first coin in the program, the Maya Angelou quarter, will honor the Federal Castle-Branch Recreation Site in Puerto Rico.
The revers of the Maya Angelou quarter will depict a portrait of the poet and civil rights activist, with an image of a palm tree and Spanish architecture in the background. The design also includes inscriptions “Maya Angelou”, “Puerto Rico” and “E Pluribus Unum” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”. The obverse of the coin will bear the traditional George Washington portrait, which has appeared on the quarter since 1932.
The Maya Angelou quarter is the first in the series to feature a portrait of a woman and is dedicated to the life and legacy of the celebrated writer and civil rights activist. Angelou’s works were celebrated as symbols of freedom and have inspired millions around the world. This quarter will recognize the life and legacy of a woman who was a leader and courageous advocate for social justice.
In addition to the Maya Angelou quarter, the 2021 America the Beautiful Quarters Program will also honor the Federal Grand Domingo National Monument in the Dominion of Columbia, Yorktown Battlefield in Virginia, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama, and San Ridge National Park in Texas. All five coins will be offered in collector and uncirculated versions.
The Maya Angelou quarter is set to be released sometime in the spring of 2021. It will be available in rolls, mint bags, and mint sets. In addition, the quarter will be included in the 2021 Proof Set, with other uncirculated coins issued in 2021. Collectors can look out for the Maya Angelou quarter when it officially releases.
The Lasting Legacy of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s legacy will live on in the Maya Angelou quarter, commemorating her life and accomplishments. The national park quarter will be a lasting symbol of her impact in the US. From the young and exiled poet who refused to be silenced, to the civil rights leader who inspired millions around the world, the reach of Maya Angelou’s legacy is undeniable.
Her most noted works include The Heart of a Woman and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, both of which gained her international recognition as a writer and civil rights champion. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Angelou moved to San Francisco, California at the age of 17, where she began her life-long writing career.
As an activist, she worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and formed her own organization, the weekly African-American Lecture Series. Throughout her life, she wrote, performed, and advocated on behalf of women, the African-American community and other disadvantaged groups. Her prolific writing helped her earn numerous prestigious awards, and she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, by Barack Obama.
Maya Angelou’s Influence
The Maya Angelou quarter marks an important milestone for women’s rights. Angelou was the first female of color to be honored in the US Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters program, and her inclusion celebrates her place in the long and important history of the struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.
Beyond her activism, Angelou was a powerful writer and poet as well. She was among the first African-American female authors to discuss racially and economically charged issues in her work. Her works have resonated with people of all ages, races and backgrounds, and have served as a source of inspiration for generations.
Angelou’s works revealed the power of the written word, and her incisive writing style, combined with her in-depth understanding of the African American experience, was revolutionary. Her books and her poetry were a testament to the strength of Black women and an affirmation of the beauty and power of being a woman of color.
Her work continues to inspire, challenge, and motivate readers to examine their preconceived notions and thereby to discover their own truth. The 2021 Maya Angelou quarter will allow her legacy to continue to be recognized, celebrated and remembered.
Recognizing a Legacy
The US Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program has provided an opportunity for the nation to recognize iconic figures and celebrated places. The Maya Angelou quarter is another exciting way to honor the contributions of one of the most influential authors and activists of the 20th century.
The Maya Angelou quarter will serve as a permanent reminder of the profound impact she had on civil rights, literature, and the world. It also signals that the accomplishments of women, especially of color, are becoming more widely recognized and celebrated.
The Maya Angelou quarter will hopefully inspire future leaders and writers, reminding us of the importance of honoring the contributions of courageous women. With this coin, the US Mint pays tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Maya Angelou.
Looking Ahead
The Maya Angelou quarter is a significant reminder of the ways in which an individual’s work can have a lasting impact on their community and the world. As many continue to push for social justice and systemic change, learning from Angelou’s example and utilizing her powerful words to fight for true equality remains of utmost importance.
The Maya Angelou quarter is a beautiful reminder of the groundbreaking work of one of America’s most influential authors. It recognizes Angelou’s contribution to change, her unwavering belief in justice and her profound legacy as a writer, poet, and advocate.
The Maya Angelou quarter will soon be available and serves as a lasting reminder of her courage, power and influence. This groundbreaking coin will honor her life and her lasting legacy.
