U.S. Mint announces new face on quarters: poet Maya Angelou

The U.S. Mint announced that their newest coin features the face of poet Maya Angelou on the reverse side of each quarter, replacing former president Thomas Jefferson and designer James Biddle with a new design for 2018. The change will go into effect in 2020.,

The “maya angelou quarter release date” is the U.S. Mint’s decision to replace President George Washington on the quarter with poet Maya Angelou.

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The United States Mint has issued a course correction about women’s contributions to American history.

Instead of Presidents, Founding Fathers, and other masculine figures, the poet Maya Angelou’s visage will now be featured on the United States quarter, where George Washington typically sits.

Angelou’s portrait will be the first in a series commemorating women who have made significant contributions in many disciplines. That sounds promising. My only qualm is with how this news was reported in the press:

When there isn’t a racial problem at hand

A typical title in the New York Times read, “Maya Angelou Becomes First Black Woman on a Quarter.”

The award was given to her for her contribution to American culture via poetry, not because of her skin color.

True, Angelou’s race influenced parts of her work, such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” But not all of them. For example, her poetry about aging is on the human predicament of growing old:

“Don’t think I need your babbling when you see me sitting peacefully,” she sang. “I’m listening to my own voice…” “Ain’t I glad I can still breathe ren,” she said at the end.

Setting Angelou aside because of her color is similar to Mitch McConnell’s recent comment, “Black folks vote just as much as Americans.”

When it comes to language,

The term “black” was not used once in Director of the United States Mint Gentris C. Gibson’s statement.

“Maya Angelou utilized words to inspire and elevate,” she stated of American women’s contributions to history.

The picture of Angelou on the quarter, created by Emily Damstra, is backlit by the sun’s blazing rays with her arms extended in front of a bird on the wing, as if to exemplify Gibson’s words.

Angelou was the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress.

On Eunomia, you may discuss this news.

She isn’t a piece of cash. Five years ago, the Mint released a commemorative gold coin depicting a Black Lady Liberty.

And, according to the Treasury Department, in 2030, abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s likeness will replace Andrew Jackson’s on the $20 note.

As a result, the Times title, et al, is both wrong and inappropriate.

The point is made in a letter from California Democrat Barbara Lee, who is a supporter of the new coin series celebrating women:

Let the words “Be assured that you do not die without having done something good for mankind” come to mind when you obtain one of those quarters carrying Angelou’s picture, Lee advised.

Characteristic that sets you apart

But wait, there is a Characteristic that sets you apart to the Angelou quarter that has nothing to do with her race and everything to do with her claim to fame.

You don’t only receive a face as you do with other coins, such as the quarter with Washington on it. You are given a story. For the artist who shared her approach with Artnet, it was no easy effort.

Recognizing the challenge of portraying Angelou’s impact to American society, Damstra chose to characterize her gestures in a cheerful, exciting manner.

This not only characterized her poetry recitals, but also “better conveys the passivate manner she lived,” she stated.

There is one more thing. If there’s one thing that this news about the Angelou coin ought to be shouted about, it’s that a poet, not a politician, received the honor!

DISCLAIMER: ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED

The “maya angelou quarter for sale” is a new face on the U.S. quarters that was announced by the U.S. Mint at the end of last month. The new design will be featured on coins minted in 2020 and 2021, with a circulation period of 2023-2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maya Angelou on a us quarter?

A: Yes, she is on the coin of the United States.

Why is Maya Angelou on the quarter?

A: Maya Angelou is on the quarter for her contribution to American literature.

How to get Maya Angelou quarter?

A: You can purchase a quarter at your nearest bank or coin shop.

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