Released as part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program honoring the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, the 2021 Denver-minted Alabama quarter memorializes black pilots who battled fascism while abroad and segregation while at home. The back side depicts a pilot beside a P-51 Mustang, with the Moton Field control tower in the distance.
Above the scene, designer Chris Costello included the inscription “They Fought Two Wars,” a phrase meant to capture the Airmen’s struggle for victory and equality. Collectors admire the coin because it sheds light on a civil-rights narrative rarely highlighted on circulating currency.
In this article, we’ll cover design choices, cultural impact, market perception, and unique errors.
What Was the “They Fought Two Wars” Coin Design’s Impact?
The Alabama Tuskegee Airmen quarter closes the America the Beautiful series, making it the final entry before the redesign mandated by Public Law 116-330. Its imagery tells a layered story, encouraging viewers to imagine the moment when pilots left the safety of Moton Field to take their chances with the turbulent skies over Europe.
Costello found a way to balance historical accuracy with his own artistic style. The flight jacket and parachute harness represent WWII gear, while the Mustang’s polished body alludes to the 332nd Fighter Group’s “Red Tails.” The control tower represents both the training site and the home-front community supporting the squadron.
With the motto “They Fought Two Wars,” the coin acknowledges systemic discrimination. Collectors who are passionate about social justice themes often seek out this quarter specifically when browsing the coin market.
What Is the Value of the “They Fought Two Wars” Coin?
Denver struck 302 million Tuskegee Airmen quarters across the United States, but even abundant pieces can hold some value. Modern quarters can go for premium prices when their luster is practically flawless, especially in grades MS-67 and higher. Generally, this coin can go for up to $20 depending on condition, or as low as their face value of 25 cents.
Population reports reveal that fewer than one percent of submitted Denver coins achieve an MS-68 grade, and those that do tend to perform well in auctions. Collectors seeking out error coins often look for die chips near the pilot’s goggles, as these die breaks resemble “droplets” of metal on the piece’s surface.
Another popular misstrike among collectors features a die break along the coin’s rim that creates a raised wedge, interrupting the text. Eye-catching deviations like these can increase value dramatically, as long as proper authentication can confirm the anomaly.
Acquire Unique Coin Pieces With AHG
Coins like the 2021 D Alabama quarter preserve untold stories of courage and social progress. Metals like gold carry that same storytelling power, distilled into an attractive form; it has maintained its value across countless generations, including the current one. Many individuals opt into a Gold IRA for this reason.
When collectors purchase precious metals, they secure tangible links to both history and future stability. Whether you’re new to the world of gold and silver or a seasoned veteran, American Hartford Gold is committed to exploring the narratives behind certain metals alongside clients to help them locate the perfect pieces for their portfolio.
Sources:
American Women Quarters™ Program | Smithsonian
America the Beautiful Quarters | U.S. Mint Kids
The Tuskegee Airmen: 332nd Fighter Group’s “Red Tails” | VA News
Population: Definition in Statistics and How to Measure It | Investopedia
