American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags - Zitkala-Ša

The American Women Quarters honor a diverse group of notable American women who made significant contributions in a variety of fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The women honored are from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds.

Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a writer, composer, educator, and political activist for Native American rights and citizenship in the early 20th century. Zitkala-Ša was staunchly opposed to the annihilation of indigenous culture through assimilation after she was forced to give up her own Native American customs and traditions in exchange for an education. Additionally, her advocacy work directly led to the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted American Indians US Citizenship while still maintaining their tribal standing and citizenship.

The reverse (tails) depicts Zitkala-Ša in traditional Yankton Sioux dress. She is holding a book, which represents her work as an author as well as her successful activism for Native American rights. Behind her, a stylized sun represents her work on The Sun Dance Opera, while a cardinal symbolizes her name, which translates to “Red Bird.” A Yankton Sioux-inspired diamond pattern sits underneath the sun. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “AUTHOR,” “ACTIVIST,” “COMPOSER,” “25 CENTS,” and “ZITKALA-ŠA.”

The common obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2024.”

Honor the courage and accomplishments of extraordinary women who have created historic change by starting or adding to your collection of the new American Women Quarters!