All About Hollywood Icon Anna May Wong, the First Asian American To Be Featured on a U.S. Coin!
The U.S. Mint has just unveiled the quarter that features Anna May Wong—the first Asian American to be featured on a U.S. coin—and has announced that the coin will be available toward the end of October as part of their American Women Quarters Program (AWQ Program).
Anna May Wong joins four other notable women in the 2022 AWQ Program series, including Maya Angelou, Dr. Sally Ride, Wilma Mankiller and Nina Otero-Warren.
Eager to learn more? We've got all the details and facts about the latest AWQ trailblazer, including her truly impressive accomplishments throughout her life. We also dive further into the American Women Quarters Program and reveal who they'll be featuring in 2023!
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Who Is Anna May Wong?
Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson shares, “The fifth coin in our American Women Quarters Program honors Anna May Wong, a courageous advocate who championed for increased representation and more multi-dimensional roles for Asian American actors. This quarter is designed to reflect the breadth and depth of accomplishments by Anna May Wong, who overcame challenges and obstacles she faced during her lifetime.”
11 Facts About Anna May Wong
Although she was known professionally as Anna May Wong, her birth name was Wong Liu Tsong, which means “Frosted Yellow Willows.”
Anna May Wong was born in 1905.
Wong's grandfather emigrated to the United States in the 1850s from Taishan, China.
Growing up, she worked in her family's laundromat.
Wong's first leading role was in The Toll of the Sea (1922), which was the first feature-length film made by Technicolor.
She is likely best known for starring in Shanghai Express (1932) with Marlene Dietrich.
She is considered the first Chinese American Hollywood movie star.
In March 1924, she created her own production company called Anna May Wong Productions, and throughout her life, she advocated for greater representation of Asian American actors in Hollywood.
She appeared in over 60 movies throughout her career, which began during the silent film era.
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Wong passed away in 1961 from a heart attack.
What Is the American Women Quarters Program?
From 2022 and continuing through 2025, the U.S. Mint will be featuring five quarters each year that feature American women who have truly left a mark on our nation. According to the U.S. Mint, "The ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse group of individuals honored through this program reflects a wide range of accomplishments and fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts."
While the "heads" side of the quarter will still feature George Washington, the "tails" side of these coins will showcase these incredible women.
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What Does Anna May Wong's Quarter Look Like?
U.S. Mint
According to United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra, “Many prominent actors from the 1920s and 1930s saw their name framed by lightbulbs on movie theater marquees, so I thought it made sense to feature Anna May Wong in this way. Along with the hard work, determination, and skill Anna May Wong brought to the profession of acting, I think it was her face and expressive gestures that really captivated movie audiences, so I included these elements next to her name.”
U.S. Mint
The U.S. Mint reveals, "The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of George Washington originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. Though her work was a recommended design for the 1932 quarter, then-Treasury Secretary Mellon ultimately selected the familiar John Flanagan design."
When Will Anna May Wong's Coin Be In Circulation?
Anna May Wong's coin will begin shipping on Oct. 24, but the U.S. Mint recommends consulting with your local bank(s) about its availability in late October and early November.
You can also order quarters from the Mint's website after Oct. 24, and even purchase Christmas ornaments featuring Anna May Wong's coin as well!
What Is the United States Mint?
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792, and it became a part of the Department of Treasury in 1873. "The Mint is the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce," according to its website. "The Mint also produces coin-related products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The Mint’s programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer."
Which American Women Will Be Featured on Future U.S. Coins?
While we've already reviewed the five 2022 honorees, the next five women who have been announced include Bessie Coleman, Edith Kanakaʻole, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jovita Idar and Maria Tallchief. The Mint will begin producing the quarters featuring these next honorees starting in January 2023.
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