2023 P, D Edith Kanaka'ole American Women Quarter 2-Coin Set

Celebrate a Hawaiian Cultural Icon with This Historic 2-Coin Quarter Set

Honor the legacy of Edith Kanaka'ole, the revered indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, and cultural guardian, with this 2023 American Women Quarter 2-coin set. Featuring both Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mint marks, this set commemorates the seventh release in the groundbreaking American Women Quarters™ Program—a series dedicated to celebrating the achievements of pioneering American women who shaped our nation's history.

What Makes This Set Special

• Complete 2-Coin Set: Includes one quarter from the Philadelphia Mint (P) and one from the Denver Mint (D)
• Uncirculated Condition: Fresh from the U.S. Mint with sharp details and original luster
• Seventh Release: Part of the historic American Women Quarters™ Program honoring influential women
• Copper-Nickel Clad Composition: Standard quarter specifications with enduring quality
• Official U.S. Mint Issue: Legal tender backed by the United States government
• Cultural Significance: Honors a Hawaiian cultural treasure who preserved indigenous traditions and language

The Artistry Behind the Coin

Obverse: The obverse features Laura Gardin Fraser's elegant portrait of George Washington, originally designed to commemorate Washington's 200th birthday in 1932. This stunning design was recommended for the 1932 quarter but not selected at the time. Nearly a century later, Fraser's artistic vision finally graces America's circulating coinage, bringing fresh perspective to our nation's most recognized profile.

Reverse: The reverse presents a powerful depiction of Edith Kanaka'ole, with her flowing hair and lei po'o (head lei) gracefully transforming into elements of the Hawaiian landscape—mountains, ocean waves, and native flora. This symbolic imagery beautifully represents Kanaka'ole's lifelong dedication to preserving both the natural land and traditional Hawaiian culture. The inscription "E hō mai ka 'ike" (granting the wisdom) references the sacred role that hula and chants play in cultural preservation, echoing Aunty Edith's belief that oli (Hawaiian chants) form the foundation of Hawaiian values and history.

Why Collectors Choose This Piece

Edith Kanaka'ole, affectionately known as "Aunty Edith," was more than a performer—she was a cultural warrior who rescued disappearing aspects of Hawaiian history and traditions during a time of cultural suppression. As a renowned kumu hula (hula master), she founded Halau O Kekuhi, toured internationally in the 1950s, and developed the first Hawaiian language program for public schools. Her work in creating college courses on ethnobotany, Polynesian history, and Hawaiian mythology helped spark the Hawaiian cultural renaissance. In 1979, she received Hawaii's highest honor, the Distinction of Cultural Leadership award, just months before her passing.

This 2-coin set offers collectors an affordable entry point into the American Women Quarters series while honoring a figure whose influence extends far beyond numismatics. With both major mint marks represented, you'll own a complete snapshot of this historic 2023 release. Whether you're building a complete American Women Quarters collection, focusing on culturally significant issues, or seeking coins that tell powerful stories, this set delivers both historical depth and artistic beauty.

Images shown are stock photos. Actual coins will be in similar uncirculated condition.