Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 19 October conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed design alternatives for the final set of five reverse designs in the American Women Quarter Dollar Coin Program, for issue in 2025. The Commission provided the following recommendations and guidance for the designs:
Ida B. Wells. In accordance with the preference of Ms. Wells’s family, the Commission members recommended alternative IBW-06, with the inclusion of Ms. Wells’s hands, which results in a superior composition consistent with the tradition of portraiture; they requested revision of the awkward depiction of the right arm. They commented that the rendering of the denomination as “Quarter Dollar” is more dignified than the “25¢” inscription on alternative IBW-06A, and that Ms. Wells’s name is more clearly legible within the recommended alternative.
Juliette Gordon Low. Consistent with the preferences of the Mint’s liaison, the Commission members recommended alternative JGL-07. They requested careful detailing of the Girl Scouts trefoil insignia, as depicted on alternative JGL-02.
Dr. Vera Rubin. Consistent with the preferences of Dr. Rubin’s family, the Commission members recommended alternative VR-02, citing the portrait’s strong and upward-looking pose and expression of joy in pursuing astronomy research.
Stacey Park Milbern. Consistent with the preferences of Ms. Milbern’s family, the Commission members recommended alternative SPM-02A, with the request to adjust the text to be more balanced and subordinate to the portrait within the composition. They noted the importance of including the phrase “Disability Justice” to identify Ms. Milbern’s advocacy work.
Althea Gibson. Consistent with the preference of Ms. Gibson’s family, the Commission members recommended alternative AG-01 as the superior portrait that best conveys her personality. They cited Ms. Gibson’s victorious pose, with her tennis racket held across the net, and they suggested careful study of the proportions and detailing of the racket’s stringing.
The Commission looks forward to the Mint’s forthcoming response to its previous recommendation to attract a wider range of artistic talent given the increasing diversity of numismatic subjects. 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