Key Takeaways:
- The “lady on the back” on 2023 quarters comes from the American Women Quarters Program, which honored: Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanaka‘ole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief.
- These quarters carry a new right-facing George Washington portrait on the front and detailed artwork that tells each honoree’s story.
- Most 2023 quarters are worth only face value, but condition, special circumstances, and rare errors can increase their demand and worth.
In 2023, people wondered who the woman on the back of the quarter was and why she was there. This was the result of the American Women Quarters Program, which highlights individuals who shaped history in aviation, culture, human rights, journalism, and the arts.
The program aims to share these stories with the masses. In this guide, we’ll cover the history of this coin, why it’s so important, and highlight everything American Hartford Gold has to offer precious metals collectors.
What Does the “Lady on the Back” Mean?
The phrase “lady on the back” is often used in reference to one of the five 2023 American Women Quarters. These are circulating U.S. quarters that feature a unique design on the back honoring women who paved their own way and are responsible for key moments in history.
The American Women Quarters Program began in 2022 and runs through 2025, with five designs each year. The U.S. Mint ships them to banks just like with any other quarter. That widespread release is the main reason these coins spark so much conversation. People want to know the story behind the image.
The front features George Washington, but not in the same way he’s appeared for decades before this. In this series, Washington is turned to his right. The adjustment here is based on a historic design by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser.
Who Are the Five 2023 Honorees?
The 2023 lineup covers five powerful stories. Each coin’s back design includes symbols that align with the person’s achievements, and carries inscriptions that help tell their story.
Since there are five designs, some believe there is only one “lady on the back” when they have actually seen several. The best way to distinguish them is to examine the coin closely under a lamp.
Bessie Coleman and Edith Kanaka‘ole
Bessie Coleman’s quarter honors the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. The back shows her in flight gear, with a plane soaring above. This is meant to symbolize her courage and ambition. Coleman and her journey inspire many people.
Edith Kanaka‘ole’s quarter honors a Hawaiian cultural leader who taught both traditional hula and chanting. Her portrait features flowing hair and natural elements that represent her deep connection to the earth.
She helped preserve meaningful traditions, so this coin deeply resonates with people who value cultural heritage.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief
Eleanor Roosevelt’s quarter honors a woman who gave a new meaning to the role of First Lady and then carried her advocacy to a global stage.
The back side features imagery that highlights her work on human rights, with symbols representing fairness and dignity. People who follow history admire this coin because its message feels timeless.
Jovita Idár’s quarter honors a journalist and community organizer. She fought injustice and worked to encourage the pursuit of education and civic engagement. On the coin, she holds a pen. Behind her, design elements reinforce her commitment and deep ties to the community.
Maria Tallchief’s quarter honors America’s first prima ballerina, a dancer of Osage heritage who rose to international prominence. The design captures motion with lines that mimic fabric and grace. Dance fans value the piece for its connection to ballet, while many others value the representation of Native American heritage.
Design Details and Symbols To Look For
You don’t need special tools to appreciate a quarter. Begin by studying the portrait.
Then, note the inscriptions, which should include the honoree’s name and other key phrases. When you roll the coin slightly, the light reveals textures that shift from soft to sharp lines. The artist made those changes intentionally so your eye follows the most important shapes first.
Washington’s right-facing portrait and the arrangement of the letters make the coin look consistent. That consistency builds trust among collectors. You can easily tell it belongs to the same family without needing to read the date.
Reading the Back of a Coin
Each 2023 coin back includes icons that help tell the honoree’s story. On Bessie Coleman’s quarter, you’ll see flight gear and an aircraft. On Edith Kanaka‘ole’s coin, you’ll see movement in her hair and other key details. Eleanor Roosevelt’s quarter represents fairness.
The inscriptions help confirm what you are seeing, and are standard on all U.S. coins. The text is balanced so it doesn’t overshadow the artwork. Designers use size and placement to keep the focus on the main elements.
Reading the Front of a Coin
Flip the coin and note Washington’s right-facing profile. For those comparing it to older quarters, the difference is apparent. It honors a historic sculptor while bringing a refreshing look to a new series.
Study the mint mark next. Philadelphia coins carry a “P,” Denver coins carry a “D,” and San Francisco proof coins carry an “S.”
The mark appears on the front and helps reveal where the coin was struck. Most coins in circulation are from Philadelphia and Denver. San Francisco coins in 2023 were made for proof sets and are not typically used as everyday spending money.
Where and How Were 2023 Quarters Made?
The U.S. Mint produces quarters at several locations, each with its own unique mark. Philadelphia and Denver strike the coins that most people see on a daily basis. San Francisco focuses on proof coins with mirror-like fields and designs that are sold in sets.
All three locations use high-speed presses and detailed dies to create clean images that hold up. The American Women Quarters Program’s balance helps it reach a wide audience. Bank rolls push the designs into everyday life, while uncirculated and proof options are perfect for those who want untouched coins.
Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
Philadelphia is one of the main production sites for quarters that are distributed for spending. The “P” mint mark tells you the coin came from that city.
Philadelphia’s output feeds the eastern half of the country, which is why people in those states might see more “P” coins in their change. The coins have sharp detail when new and acquire a soft sheen after a few months in circulation.
Denver carries the “D” mint mark and serves much of the western United States. Like Philadelphia, it produces large volumes of everyday quarters that hold up well when used. People who live closer to Denver often report finding more “D” coins locally. If you travel, you may notice the mix of change from region to region.
Circulate, Uncirculated, and Proof
Circulation coins are what you find in bank rolls and the change you get at the grocery store. Uncirculated coins are struck with extra care and packed in a specific way to reduce contact marks, then sold in special sets.
Proof coins from San Francisco use polished dies and special planchets to create a strong contrast between mirrored fields and frosted designs.
Proofs are made for collectors and sold in protective cases. If you like the designs and want pristine examples, uncirculated and proof sets are one way to obtain them.
They arrive sealed from the U.S. Mint and include coins from the current year’s lineup. Many choose to purchase a set for a child or grandchild as a keepsake to pass down. The sets also help you easily compare finishes side by side. The more you see proof and uncirculated coins next to circulation coins, the easier they will be to tell apart.
Acquire Precious Metals With AHG
The 2023 quarter, featuring “the lady on the back,” is a conversation starter that opens a window into aviation, culture, public service, community journalism, and ballet. The American Women Quarters program turns five historical figures and their stories into collectible items everyone can appreciate.
If you want keepsakes that will last a while, consider building a simple set of bars and coins from American Hartford Gold.
For clients thinking about their retirement options, we offer a Gold IRA that allows IRS-approved gold to be held for wealth protection. Get started on your future today.
FAQs
What is the 2023 quarter with the lady on the back?
It is one of the American Women Quarters issued by the U.S. Mint in 2023. Each design honors a different woman, so there are five versions for that year instead of a single coin.
Who are the five women featured in 2023?
The honorees are Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanaka‘ole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idár, and Maria Tallchief. Each coin includes designs that symbolize both their life and work.
Why does George Washington face right on these quarters?
The American Women Quarters series includes a right-facing Washington portrait that is based on a design by sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser. The goal is to provide a fresh look that pairs well with the new designs.
Are the 2023 American Women Quarters valuable?
Most in circulated condition aren’t worth more than face value. Uncirculated and proof versions, plus coins with rare mint errors or very high grades, can earn premiums from collectors.
Where can I find these quarters?
You can find circulation strikes in the change you get from banks and grocery stores. Uncirculated and proof versions are offered by the U.S. Mint in annual sets, but typically do not enter circulation.
How were the 2023 American Women Quarters made?
The U.S. Mint produces quarters across several locations, each with its own unique mark. Philadelphia and Denver strike the coins that most people see on a daily basis.
San Francisco focuses primarily on proof coins with mirror-like fields and designs that are sold in sets. All three locations use high-speed presses and detailed dies to create clean images that hold up over time.
Sources:
American Women Quarters™ Program | Smithsonian
Bessie Coleman | National Women’s History Museum
SAB Trailblazer – Maria Tallchief | School of American Ballet
