From 2022 to 2025, the U.S. quarter dollar coin has served as a canvas to honor the achievements of remarkable women throughout American history. The American Women Quarters Program, authorized by Congress through Public Law 116-330, celebrates the accomplishments of women in diverse fields such as civil rights, suffrage, science, space, the arts, and more. This groundbreaking program aims to showcase the contributions of women from various ethnic, racial, and geographical backgrounds, creating a lasting legacy on American currency.
Wilma Mankiller: A Legacy of Leadership
Wilma Mankiller, born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on November 18, 1945, was the first woman to serve as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her journey to this historic position was marked by resilience and dedication to her community. Despite facing numerous personal and health challenges, Mankiller’s leadership shaped the Cherokee Nation’s development for over two terms.
Early Life and Activism
Raised in a family that faced financial struggles, Mankiller moved to California in 1956. By the time she graduated high school, she had already become involved in activism, advocating for civil rights, women’s rights, and ethnic minorities. After her divorce in 1974, Mankiller returned to Oklahoma, where she worked in tribal offices and furthered her education.
Leadership in the Cherokee Nation
Mankiller’s political career took off when she was elected Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1983. Despite facing opposition due to her gender, Mankiller’s determination led to her re-election in 1985. In 1985, she succeeded Chief Ross Swimmer as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her tenure was marked by transformative community development, securing millions in grants to improve the lives of the Cherokee people.
Lasting Impact and Recognition
Mankiller’s contributions were recognized nationwide. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 1998. Mankiller passed away in 2010, but her legacy as a pioneering leader remains an inspiration.
The Wilma Mankiller Quarter: A Symbol of Her Legacy
The Wilma Mankiller quarter, released on June 6, 2022, as part of the American Women Quarters Program, commemorates her significant contributions. The design, created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Benjamin Sowards and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, features Mankiller’s likeness alongside the seven-pointed star of the Cherokee Nation. Her name is displayed in both English and Cherokee, making this the second U.S. coin to feature the Cherokee language, following the 2017 Native American Dollar honoring Sequoyah.
Market and Collector Interest
The Wilma Mankiller Quarter has also caught the attention of collectors. Coins struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints were released for both commercial and numismatic markets. As of November 2024, raw 2022-P Wilma Mankiller quarters have been selling for around $5, with error coins, such as those featuring the “die cud in hair” or “Drooling Washington,” drawing special interest.
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A Lasting Tribute to Wilma Mankiller
The release of the Wilma Mankiller quarter is a fitting tribute to a woman who broke barriers and changed the course of history for the Cherokee Nation and the United States. As part of the American Women Quarters Program, Mankiller’s legacy continues to inspire future generations through her remarkable achievements, immortalized on U.S. currency.
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