UTSA Libraries Special Collections (Idár); The Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation (Kanaka‘ole); George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images (Coleman); Hulton Archive/Getty Images (Roosevelt); Jack Mitchell/Getty Images (Tallchief)

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Money Makeover

United States Mint/Department of Treasury

What do a pilot, a ballerina, and a first lady have in common? They are among the five women being featured in a special set of quarters this year. The new coins are part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program, which started last year. The Mint is the government agency that produces all the nation’s coins. 

The Mint has already released the first two of the 2023 quarters, featuring Bessie Coleman and Edith Kanaka‘ole. The three others will follow later this year. Here’s a look at the five pioneering women.

Bessie Coleman

Born: 1892

Died: 1926

In 1921, she became the first Black American woman and first Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Edith Kanaka‘ole

Born: 1913

Died: 1979

This Native Hawaiian composer, hula dancer, and instructor worked to preserve Hawaiian history and traditions.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Born: 1884

Died: 1962

The former first lady dedicated her life to promoting racial equality, women’s rights, and reforms to help the poor.

Jovita Idár

Born: 1885

Died: 1946

A journalist and activist from Texas, she fought for equal rights for Mexican Americans, especially women.

Maria Tallchief

Born: 1925

Died: 2013

A member of the Osage Nation, she was America’s first prima ballerina. That is the main female dancer in a ballet company.

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