The United States Mint continues its American Women Quarters™ Program in 2024 by honoring Zitkala-Ša, an extraordinary Native American woman who made lasting contributions as an author, composer, educator, and activist. With her life dedicated to preserving Native American culture and advocating for civil rights, Zitkala-Ša’s legacy is one of resilience, brilliance, and dedication to justice. This commemorative quarter serves not only as a tribute to her, but also as an important educational piece for those who wish to learn more about Native American history and women's achievements.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the design, significance, and historical context behind the 2024 American Women Quarters™ honoring Zitkala-Ša, along with its investment and collecting potential.
The Design: Celebrating Zitkala-Ša’s Life and Legacy
The 2024 American Women Quarter honoring Zitkala-Ša features a powerful and symbolic design on its reverse (back), created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer. The central figure is Zitkala-Ša herself, shown with her signature braids and traditional Lakota dress. She is depicted holding a book, symbolizing her role as an author and educator who fought to preserve Native American stories and traditions in a rapidly changing world. Behind her, rays of light stretch outward, representing the influence she had on both Native American and American culture.
Inscriptions surrounding her image include “AUTHOR,” “ACTIVIST,” and “COMPOSER,” highlighting her multifaceted contributions to literature, civil rights, and music. Additionally, her name, Zitkala-Ša, meaning “Red Bird” in the Lakota language, is proudly displayed on the lower part of the coin, ensuring that her identity and heritage are front and center.
The obverse (front) of the quarter features the classic portrait of George Washington, which has been redesigned specifically for the American Women Quarters™ Program. It serves as a reminder of the coin's place in this historic series and connects Zitkala-Ša’s story to the broader narrative of American history.
Who Was Zitkala-Ša?
Born in 1876 on the Yankton Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Zitkala-Ša (also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin) was a member of the Yankton Sioux tribe. From an early age, she showed a passion for music, storytelling, and education, but she also faced the harsh realities of being caught between two worlds: her Native American heritage and the Western culture imposed upon her through the U.S. boarding school system. Despite this cultural conflict, Zitkala-Ša became a prominent voice advocating for Native American rights and cultural preservation.
As an author, Zitkala-Ša used her writing to communicate the struggles of Native Americans, particularly through her stories and essays that depicted the loss of identity experienced by those forced to assimilate. She co-authored the first Native American opera, "The Sun Dance Opera," blending Western classical music with Native themes, and served as a key figure in the movement to grant U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. As an activist, Zitkala-Ša co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926, fighting for voting rights, citizenship, and educational opportunities for Native Americans.
Significance of the American Women Quarters™ Program
The American Women Quarters™ Program is a four-year initiative launched in 2022 by the United States Mint to honor influential women who have made significant contributions to American history. Each year, the program releases five quarters featuring designs that celebrate trailblazing women from diverse fields and backgrounds. The program is an important step toward recognizing the role of women in shaping the country, bringing greater awareness to their stories and achievements.
Zitkala-Ša’s inclusion in the 2024 series is particularly meaningful as it highlights not only her personal accomplishments but also the struggles and contributions of Native American women. Through her writing, music, and activism, Zitkala-Ša amplified the voices of those who were often silenced, making her an apt choice for a program dedicated to honoring female pioneers.
Collecting the 2024 Zitkala-Ša Quarter
For coin collectors, the American Women Quarters™ series offers a unique opportunity to own pieces of numismatic art that tell the stories of influential figures in U.S. history. The 2024 Zitkala-Ša quarter is no exception, offering both aesthetic appeal and historical significance. With its detailed design and the powerful story behind it, this quarter is likely to become a prized addition to any collection.
These quarters will be available in various finishes, including uncirculated, proof, and silver proof versions, each offering different levels of detail and craftsmanship. The limited mintage of these special quarters also adds to their value, as collectors will be eager to acquire a coin that celebrates such an influential figure.
Why Zitkala-Ša’s Story Matters Today
Zitkala-Ša’s story remains relevant in today’s discussions about cultural preservation, identity, and civil rights. At a time when Native American communities continue to face challenges related to land rights, cultural survival, and systemic inequalities, her advocacy for Native rights continues to inspire.
Her writings offer a firsthand account of the impacts of assimilation policies, such as the forced attendance of Native American children in government-run boarding schools, where they were often forbidden from speaking their language or practicing their culture. Zitkala-Ša not only survived these experiences but also turned them into powerful stories that highlighted the deep cultural loss many Native Americans endured.
Her commitment to preserving Native traditions through music, storytelling, and activism is a testament to the power of cultural resilience. As an educator, she understood the importance of passing down traditions and stories, helping future generations understand their heritage while navigating the complexities of modern life. Her work as an activist, particularly with the National Council of American Indians, helped lay the groundwork for many of the civil rights advancements that Native Americans achieved in the 20th century.
Investment Potential
Beyond its numismatic appeal, the 2024 American Women Quarters™ honoring Zitkala-Ša also holds investment potential. Commemorative coins like these often see an increase in value over time, especially when they feature limited mintage numbers or honor historically significant figures. Investors in rare coins and precious metals may find this quarter appealing not only for its artistic design but also for its cultural significance.
With growing interest in coins that tell the stories of marginalized communities and women’s achievements, the Zitkala-Ša quarter is poised to be a sought-after piece in the years to come. Its potential to appreciate in value, combined with the historical importance of the figure it honors, makes it a smart investment for both seasoned and novice collectors.
Conclusion
The 2024 American Women Quarters™ honoring Zitkala-Ša is more than just a commemorative coin—it is a tribute to a woman whose life’s work left an indelible mark on American history. Through her writings, music, and activism, Zitkala-Ša fought for the rights of Native Americans and preserved a cultural legacy that might have otherwise been lost. By featuring her on a U.S. quarter, the United States Mint recognizes her invaluable contributions to American society and ensures that her story will continue to inspire future generations.
For collectors, investors, and history enthusiasts alike, this quarter offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history while celebrating a figure who truly embodies the spirit of resilience, freedom, and justice.