Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 16 February conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed design alternatives for the five reverse designs in the American Women Quarter Dollar Coin Program for issue in 2024. The Commission provided the following recommendations and guidance for the designs:
Celia Cruz. Consistent with the preference of Ms. Cruz’s estate representative, the Commission members recommended alternative CC-R-01, commenting that her prominence as a salsa singer is best conveyed by the lively composition, the microphone in her hand, and her distinctive Spanish-language phrase, “¡Azùcar!”
Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Consistent with the preference of Dr. Murray’s estate representative, the Commission members recommended alternative PM-R-02 with the inclusion of the pendant cross as seen in alternative PM-R-02A. They cited the strength of the portrait and the powerful quotation on PM-R-02, which conveys Dr. Murray’s energetic advocacy for civil rights.
Patsy Takemoto Mink. Consistent with the preference of the family liaison, the Commission members recommended alternative PTM-05, citing the dignified portrait and the inscription “Equity in Education,” which will be more widely understood than “Title IX” as a reference to her most notable legislative work.
Zitkala-Ša. Consistent with the preference of the family liaisons, the Commission members recommended alternative ZS-03B, which conveys a determined expression in the portrait, as well as the symbols of a cardinal and a book, which refer to her Lakota name and to her literary achievements.
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. The Commission members recommended combining the portrait of alternative MEW-02—the preference of Dr. Walker’s family representative—with the layout of alternative MEW-03A, which they said provides a better composition and a simpler depiction of the Medal of Honor. They commented that the inscription “Civil War Surgeon” and the nearly full-length portrait in MEW-03A better illustrate her profession and era.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris C. Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220