Semi-Numismatic

2022-S Maya Angelou Quarter Silver Proof

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In 2022, the United States Mint embarked on a four year initiative running from 2022 to 2025 to honor the monumental contributions of women throughout the nation's history. This silver proof quarter, struck at the San Francisco Mint, serves as a stunning tribute to the celebrated author and poet Maya Angelou, widely known for her landmark work "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and her prolific career spanning thirty-six published books. The reverse of the coin presents a powerful image of Maya Angelou with her arms raised toward the sky, set against the backdrop of a soaring bird and a rising sun. These design elements draw direct inspiration from her poetry and the symbolic themes of her life. Inscriptions on this side include her name, the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and the name of the issuing country. On the obverse, viewers will find a distinct portrait of George Washington. This particular likeness, crafted by Laura Gardin Fraser, offers a fresh perspective that differs from the portrait used in the preceding quarter series. Alongside the profile of the first president, the obverse features the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST", the year 2022, and the "S" mint mark, indicating its origin from the San Francisco facility. Containing 0.199 troy ounces of silver, this proof coin combines historical celebration with exquisite artistic detail.