The fourth year of the United States Mint American Women Quarters Program in 2025 will include honors to Ida B. Wells and Althea Gibson, writes Rayna Reid Rayford for Essence. 

The US Mint launched the program to help tell the nation’s story through the contributions of women.

Wells was a prominent civil rights activist, feminist, journalist, researcher, and educator who was an outspoken critic of segregation, advocate against lynching, and fought for Black women’s suffrage.

She was also a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Gibson, on the other hand, was a notable tennis star who broke the color barrier and paved the way for equal opportunities within the sport. 

She was the first African American to compete at the U.S. National Championships, en route to winning 11 titles throughout her career. 

She was also the first African-American to compete on the women’s professional golf tour. 

The coins featuring Wells and Gibson will be produced at the Denver and Philadelphia Mint facilities.

“It’s a privilege for the Mint to connect America through coins, and to tell our nation’s story through honoring the women in this amazing program.” said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson in a statement. 

Learn more about these two women’s legacies in Essence. 

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