Numismatic

2022-D Wilma Mankiller Women's Quarter BU

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In 2022, the United States Mint embarked on a four-year celebration of pioneering females spanning the years 2022 to 2025. This particular Denver-minted quarter dollar highlights the remarkable life of Wilma Mankiller, a leader who made history as the first female elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation, and later, in 1987, as its principal chief. Her immense contributions to her community and country earned her an induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993, followed by the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1998. The reverse side of this coin presents a powerful portrait of Mankiller wrapped in a traditional shawl, facing forward with the wind at her back. Behind her, the seven-pointed star of the Cherokee Nation stands out clearly. The Cherokee syllabary spelling of her name is inscribed alongside the English text, which reads WILMA MANKILLER and PRINCIPAL CHIEF. This side also includes the traditional national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM. On the obverse, the coin features a historic depiction of George Washington. Originally created to commemorate the first president's 200th birthday, this elegant portrait by Laura Gardin Fraser finally found its place on the circulating quarter decades later. Accompanied by the Denver 'D' mint mark, the year 2022, and the classic inscription IN GOD WE TRUST, this side completes a beautiful bridge between early American history and modern tribute.