The new United States quarters recently unveiled by the U.S. Mint feature the iconic Maya Angelou on the front side of the coin. The portrait was created by renowned artist and sculptor, Dina Forester. As an esteemed American poet, Angelou has been a revered beacon of inspiration for millions over her lifetime, and her iconic image will now be a part of American history. Her presence on this coin helps to formalize her legacy and celebrates her exceptional achievements in literature and activism.
The quarter is the second to come out as part of the U.S. Mint’s “Celebrating America” lineup of quarters. Each quarter in this series celebrates an upstanding American individual or event, with Angelou’s design being the second in the series. Her quarter was chosen by the U.S. Mint to celebrate her literary and activism work, in particular her poems, writings, and speeches.
Angelou’s portrait was carefully drawn and crafted by Forester, a master engraver and sculptor, who was cautiously commissioned by the U.S. Mint in 2020. The D.C. native graduated from the Corcoran School of the Arts in 2015 and has worked for the U.S Mint since then. Forester utilised a traditional bas-relief style in the creation of the portrait, expertly combining a level of realism with a level of abstraction. The coin also includes the motto “Steadfast and Courageous” that encapsulates the type of life that Angelou strived for and achieved in her many decades of accomplishments.
The inclusion of Angelou’s portrait on the quarter is a huge honor for her and her family, and a show of respect from the U.S. Mint. Angelou is the first black woman and the second poet to be featured on a U.S. quarter. What’s more, Angelou’s quarter is the first coin ever to feature an actual crime survivor, a reflection of her lifetime of surviving the horrors of racism in the U.S.
The U.S. Mint receives more than 30,000 submissions for each new coin’s design, but Angelou’s proposal was chosen as the winner. This shows the magnitude of her legacy and how deeply she has touched lives. Angelou has lived an extraordinary life and her presence on the front of the Maya Angelou quarter serves as a testament to her unabashed courage, perseverance, and belief in always staying true to oneself.
Her Impact in Literature
Maya Angelou had an immeasurable impact on both American and global culture, beginning with her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, first published in 1970. The memoir is considered to be one of the seminal works of African-American literature and has been widely studied in university courses. Angelou’s work was pivotal in illustrating the experience of African-Americans within society during the racial turmoil of the 1960s and is praised for its frankness and honesty.
Angelou tackled a variety of topics in her writings, many of them deeply meaningful and emotionally charged. She wrote poignantly about the strength and ferocity women carry within, to persevere and thrive under adverse conditions. Throughout her writing she captured the essence of being a woman in the world, a debate that is still pertinent today. Her illustrious career was marked by numerous awards and accolades, for both her poetry and prose, including a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 1972.
Her poetry was distinguished by a resounding, vibrant eloquence. Angelou transformed her words into definitions and truths, carefully crafted to deliver inspiring messages about the power and beauty of life. She experienced both the highs and lows of the human condition, and portrayed this in her work. She often wrote about love and its associated emotions, imbued with her own formidable and lyrical style.
Angelou remained an undying optimist. Poetry was a way to express what she found beautiful in the world, whilst also serving as a tool to discuss the hardships African-Americans faced and the broader political issues of race and gender. She often ended her speeches with a foreboding sense of resistance, resilience, and hope that could fill an auditorium with awe.
A true educator, Angelou inspired people all around the world to break any barriers they faced, to reach out and fight for a brighter future. Her words were filled with a profound sense of remarkable wit and wisdom, and to this day, continue to inspire a new generation.
Her Activism
Beyond her profound writing, Maya Angelou was a tremendously influential civil rights activist. In the 1950s, she was invited to speak alongside Martin Luther King Jr, where she became a mentor and close friend to the civil rights leader. Her words, strength, and inspiration to fight against the racial injustice of the time, often influenced the civil rights movement.
Angelou’s stories of struggle and resilience spoke to a generation, spurring many influential projects, ranging from politics to education. She founded nonprofits to provide free education curriculum and her famous poem set to music was performed in the live television broadcast of the inaugural ceremonies of President Bill Clinton.
Even in her late years, Angelou’s activism carried on. In 2013 she stressed the importance of voting in the United States and encouraged individuals to use their power towards something worthwhile. Her famed poem “Still I Rise” was a clear reminder of the racial discrimination African Americans faced at the time and continues to resonate with people today.
Angelou’s activism has been noticed and admired beyond her years. In addition to being the first black female on a U.S. Coin, Angelou was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and she was sought after to continue advocating for social justice, speaking in front of the United Nations in 1999.
Maya Angelou was an infinitely powerful civil rights leader, who shed light on the racism, gender inequality, and other human injustice. Even in her passing, her influence continues to manifest itself in ways that carry her legacy onward.
Maya Angelou Quarter Release
On April 6, 2021, the United States Mint officially released the Maya Angelou commemorative quarter. Coin enthusiasts, Angelou supporters, and collectors flocked to banks and retailers to get the first piece of circulating U.S. currency featuring the iconic poet and civil rights leader.
Since the launch, the quarter has been highly sought-after, with thousands of pre-orders placed for the coin online. The demand has seen the quarter’s value soar, but for many individuals, the quarter represents a meaningful moment in time, more valuable than its intrinsic worth.
Alongside the coin, the Mint also released a limited edition trailer, where Angelou’s son, Guy B. Johnson, narrated a reflective story around his mother’s courage and success. He spoke fondly of her, revealing how her words had shaped generations of people around the world.
Now that the quarter is out, thousands of individuals will be moved by its presence in their pockets, a reminder of the beauty of Angelou’s life and its indelible mark on American culture and history.
Angelou Legacy Lives On
The presence of Maya Angelou’s face on the front of the U.S. quarter is a symbolic moment for both Angelou and her family. The recognition of her lifetime of achievements offers her a level of immortality, as her portrait will circulate through the pockets of hundreds of people. Her legacy will continue to impact generations to come, a presence that can be felt through her writing, her activism and her words of resilience.
Angelou was dedicated to her family and was a giver to others. She raised five children, four of whom she adopted and helped to raise. Each of her children had a special relationship with their mother, and it is clear from their tributes how much she meant to them and their families.
Now that Angelou’s portrait appears on the U.S. quarter, she will be remembered for eternity. To many, her presence on the coin represents a culture of respect and acknowledgment of a great life, showcasing how a single person can create a lasting impact on American identity.
In a society filled with both subtle and overt racism, Angelou formulated an indomitable spirit and an unwavering sense of pride in her racial identity. This strength and determination is now present on the quarter, an honor that is a testament to her brilliance and courage.
The inclusion of Maya Angelou’s portrait on the quarter is a monumental moment and her legacy will live on despite her passing. Her presence on the coin will continue to touch and motivate people around the world, a reminder of the power of a single person to have a lasting impact on society.
