The United States Mint received global recognition this week at the 32nd Mint Directors Conference (MDC) in Cape Town, South Africa. The 2023 American Women Quarter honoring Jovita Idar earned the top distinction in the Best Circulating Coin or Coin Series category—one of the most prestigious awards in international coin production and design.
The coin, part of the American Women Quarters Program, is the ninth release in the series and celebrates the life and legacy of Jovita Idar, a groundbreaking Mexican-American journalist, civil rights activist, teacher, and nurse.
The reverse side of the coin was crafted by United States Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw and features a powerful depiction of Idar with her hands gently clasped. Her silhouette is filled with inscriptions that highlight the movements, values, and publications she championed throughout her life.
Among the detailed engravings are phrases such as
- “MEXICAN AMERICAN RIGHTS”
- “TEACHER”
- “JOVITA IDAR”
- “NURSE”
- “EVOLUCIÓN”
- “ASTREA”
- “EL HERALDO CRISTIANO”
- “LA CRUZ BLANCA”
- “JOURNALIST”
- “LA CRÓNICA”
- “EL PROGRESO”
- “LA LIGA FEMENIL MEXICANISTA”
Standard coinage elements, including “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” are also incorporated into the intricate design.
This prestigious award was announced during the MDC Gala Dinner held at the scenic Cape Point Vineyards and was sponsored by MingFeng Packaging.
The Mint Directors Conference is a biennial event that gathers minting institutions from around the world to celebrate innovation and excellence in coinage. The 2025 event saw a total of 112 nominations from mints globally, making the U.S. Mint’s win a standout achievement.
The American Women Quarters Program aims to honor diverse and trailblazing women who shaped American history and culture. The Jovita Idar quarter exemplifies this mission by spotlighting a fearless advocate for education, equality, and press freedom during the early 20th century.
This international recognition places the U.S. Mint’s work on a global stage, reinforcing its reputation for artistic excellence, historical storytelling, and technical innovation in coin production.
FAQs
What is the American Women Quarters Program?
The American Women Quarters Program celebrates impactful women in U.S. history through specially designed circulating quarters released annually.
Who was Jovita Idar, and why is she featured?
Jovita Idar was a Mexican-American journalist, activist, and educator who fought for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and bilingual education.
What makes the Jovita Idar quarter design unique?
The design features her clasped hands and inscriptions within her silhouette that represent her life’s work and the causes she supported.
Where was the 2025 Mint Directors Conference held?
The 32nd Mint Directors Conference took place in Cape Town, South Africa, with awards presented at a gala hosted at Cape Point Vineyards.