2023 P and D Bessie Coleman American Women Quarter 2-Coin Set

Celebrate the Pioneering Spirit of America's First Black Woman Pilot

Honor the extraordinary legacy of Bessie Coleman, the first African American and first Native American woman pilot, and the first African American to earn an international pilot's license. This 2-coin set features the first release in the 2023 American Women Quarters Program, with one quarter from the Philadelphia Mint (P) and one from the Denver Mint (D). Each coin celebrates Coleman's determination to soar above the barriers of racism and segregation to achieve her dreams of flight.

What Makes This Set Special

• Complete 2-Coin Set: Includes one P-mint (Philadelphia) and one D-mint (Denver) quarter
• First Release in 2023: Kicks off the 2023 American Women Quarters Program honoring trailblazing American women
• Circulating Quality: Authentic U.S. Mint quarters in brilliant uncirculated condition
• 6th Overall Release: Continuing the groundbreaking series celebrating women's contributions to American history
• Powerful Reverse Design: Features Bessie Coleman suiting up for flight, her expression reflecting her determination to take to the skies
• Historic Significance: Honors a woman who broke racial and gender barriers in aviation during the 1920s
• Laura Gardin Fraser Obverse: Showcases the celebrated Washington portrait originally designed for the 1932 quarter bicentennial
• Legal Tender: Backed by the United States government

The Artistry Behind the Coin

Obverse: The obverse features Laura Gardin Fraser's elegant portrait of George Washington, originally sculpted in 1931 to commemorate Washington's 200th birthday. Though recommended for the 1932 quarter, this design was passed over by then-Treasury Secretary Mellon in favor of John Flanagan's familiar profile. Nearly a century later, Fraser's vision finally graces America's circulating coinage, offering collectors a fresh perspective on our first president with refined detail and timeless artistry.

Reverse: The reverse design presents a powerful tribute to Bessie Coleman, depicting her as she suits up in preparation for flight. Her expression captures the determination and courage that defined her life, reflecting her resolve to take to the skies—the only place where she experienced a freedom denied to her on the ground. Born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, during an era of overt racism and segregation, Coleman faced rejection from every U.S. flying school she approached. Undeterred, she learned French and traveled to Paris in 1920 to attend the renowned Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France, where she was the only student of color in her class. On June 15, 1921, Coleman received her international pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, making history. She returned to the U.S. and performed in her first airshow in September 1922, becoming known for spectacular "loop-the-loops" and figure-eight maneuvers. Coleman used her growing fame to inspire others, giving flight lessons, performing in shows, and encouraging African Americans and women to pursue aviation. She refused to speak or perform anywhere that segregated or discriminated against African Americans. Though her flying career was tragically cut short when she died on April 30, 1926, her legacy continues to inspire generations of aviators. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "BESSIE COLEMAN," "QUARTER DOLLAR," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Why Collectors Choose This Piece

The American Women Quarters Program represents a watershed moment in U.S. numismatics, honoring women who shaped American history across diverse fields. Bessie Coleman's quarter celebrates a woman of extraordinary courage who refused to let racism, sexism, or poverty prevent her from achieving her dreams. As a pioneering aviator who broke barriers in the 1920s, Coleman paved the way for future generations of Black pilots and women in aviation. Her legacy lives on through aviation clubs, tributes, and the 1995 U.S. postal stamp issued in her honor. This 2-coin set allows collectors to acquire both major mint marks in one convenient package, making it an essential addition to any American Women Quarters collection. Whether you're completing the full series or honoring Coleman's inspiring legacy of determination and breaking barriers, these quarters offer both profound historical significance and accessible collecting value.

Images shown are stock photos and may not represent the exact coins you will receive. All coins are authentic U.S. Mint products.