Anna May Wong appears on the 2022–2025 American Women quarters program, a U.S. Mint initiative that honors women’s contributions to American history. As the first Chinese American movie star and a pioneering Asian actress in Hollywood, Wong broke barriers despite facing discrimination and typecasting. The quarter design features her profile alongside the inscriptions “Anna May Wong” and “American Women.” The program aims to expand representation on U.S. coinage and highlight diverse achievements. Below, we clarify who Wong was, why she was selected, and how the coin fits into the broader series.
The American Women Quarters Program
The American Women quarters program, launched by the U.S. Mint in 2022, honors suffragists, scientists, civil rights leaders, educators, and other trailblazers. Each year through 2025, five reverse designs celebrate women from different backgrounds and fields. The Treasury and U.S. Mint selected honorees after bipartisan congressional approval and review by multiple federal partners, emphasizing historic impact and verifiable public contributions.
Selection Criteria and Process
Honorees are chosen for their impact on American history or significant contributions to the United States. Recommendations consider fields such as suffrage, civil rights, science, humanities, and government. The process involves consultation with organizations like the Smithsonian and the U.S. Mint, ensuring factual accuracy and broad recognition of the honoree’s legacy. Official records and historical documentation support each selection.
Anna May Wong: Profile and Contributions
Anna May Wong (1905–1961) was a Chinese American film actress who worked during Hollywood’s silent and early sound eras. She faced restrictive roles and racial stereotyping yet built a long international career, performing in the United States and Europe. Known for her distinctive style and poised screen presence, she used her platform to advocate for more nuanced roles and challenged discriminatory casting practices.
Career Milestones and Advocacy
- Leading roles in films such as The Toll of the Sea (1922) and Shanghai Express (1932).
- First Chinese American movie star and a symbol of Asian representation in cinema.
- Conscious efforts to speak out against typecasting and to support humanitarian causes during the war era.
Her persistence in navigating a segregated industry created opportunities for later generations of Asian American actors.
Design, Specifications, and Mint Details
The 2022 American Women quarter features a right-facing portrait of Anna May Wong designed by artist Paul C. Balan. The obverse retains George Washington’s portrait with the inscriptions “United States of America” and “Quarter Dollar.” The reverse highlights Wong’s name and a design evoking her on-screen presence and legacy. Production includes circulation strikes and finished sets for collectors.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Year(s) Issued | 2022–2025 (four-year program) | U.S. Mint Official |
| Honoree | Anna May Wong (1905–1961) | U.S. Mint Press Release |
| Coin Series | American Women quarters | U.S. Mint Program Page |
| Mintage | Proof and uncirculated sets; exact mintage varies by finish | U.S. Mint Annual Reports |
| Designer (Reverse) | Paul C. Balan | U.S. Mint Media Release |
| Legal Tender | Face value: $0.25 | U.S. Mint Fact Sheet |
Where to Find and Collect the Coin
You can find the 2022–2025 American Women quarters in everyday circulation, rolls, and bags from banks, as well as in official mint sets sold by the U.S. Mint. Coin shops, bank branches, and online listings often show availability. For collectors, the Mint offers proof and uncirculated sets with different finishes. Condition, finish, and year determine value, so verify specifics with grading standards and mint marks when assessing pieces.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
Placing Anna May Wong on a quarter advances representation and acknowledges the longstanding presence and impact of Asian Americans in the United States. It builds on earlier efforts to diversify coinage and provides a visible reminder of women’s roles in shaping culture and industry. For educators, the coin can support lessons on immigration, media history, and civil rights, while the public can learn more by consulting resources from the Smithsonian and the U.S. Mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Anna May Wong now? The American Women quarters program intentionally selects notable women from diverse backgrounds, and Wong’s historic achievements in film and advocacy meet the program’s criteria.
- Is the coin valuable? Circulation coins hold face value; collectible versions may be worth more depending on condition and finish.
- How can I verify authenticity? Check mint marks, finish, and purchase from official U.S. Mint channels or reputable dealers.
- Are other quarters planned beyond 2025? The program initially runs through 2025; future extensions require new legislation.
Summary and Takeaways
Anna May Wong appears on the quarter as part of a multiyear program that elevates women’s accomplishments in American history. Chosen for her groundbreaking career and advocacy, she represents progress in representation and visibility. The American Women quarters series, verified by the U.S. Mint, honors a wide range of fields and backgrounds, and the coin is available to the public in circulation and collector sets.