The United States Mint unveiled the fifth and final quarter in the 2025 American Women Quarters™ Program on October 20. The commemorative coin honors Althea Gibson, a groundbreaking multi-sport athlete who shattered racial barriers. Pre-orders for quarters, rolls, and bags are now available on the usmint.gov website.
This historic release marks the conclusion of the entire American Women Quarters Program. The Mint selected Gibson to close out the series celebrating pioneering women in American history. Her remarkable achievements in tennis and golf made her an ideal choice for this honor.
U.S. Mint Acting Director Praises Althea Gibson’s Legacy
Kristie McNally, Acting Director of the United States Mint, highlighted Gibson’s significance to the program. She emphasized how Gibson’s diverse talents made her perfect for this concluding position. The selection recognizes Gibson’s impact on American sports and society.
“It is fitting that someone so talented in so many areas closes out our program,” McNally said. “Althea Gibson’s accomplishments reflect her tenacity and dedication to the pursuit of her dreams.”
McNally’s statement captures the essence of Gibson’s extraordinary career. The tennis legend demonstrated excellence across multiple sports throughout her lifetime. Her determination and skill set new standards for athletes of all backgrounds.
Breaking Tennis Color Barriers and Winning Grand Slam Titles
Althea Gibson made history as the first Black athlete to compete at the highest levels of tennis. She broke the sport’s color barrier during a time of intense racial segregation. Her courage opened doors for countless athletes who followed.
Gibson dominated the tennis world during the 1950s with remarkable success. She won an impressive 11 Grand Slam titles by the end of the decade. These victories established her as one of the greatest players of her era.
Her achievements went beyond personal glory and championship trophies. Gibson paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in tennis. Stars like Arthur Ashe, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams followed the path she courageously forged.
Becoming the Face of American Sports Excellence
Gibson’s impact extended far beyond the tennis court and international boundaries. She became a symbol of American achievement in global sports competitions. Her success represented possibility and progress during the civil rights movement.
The tennis champion competed with grace and power that captivated audiences worldwide. She represented the United States with distinction at international tournaments. Gibson’s victories showcased American talent on the world stage.
Her multi-sport abilities further demonstrated her exceptional athletic talents. After conquering tennis, Gibson pursued a professional golf career with notable success. She became the first Black woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour.
Althea Gibson Foundation Partners with U.S. Mint
The Althea Gibson Foundation announced its partnership with the United States Mint for the quarter release. The organization expressed excitement about this recognition of Gibson’s contributions. The collaboration ensures her legacy reaches new generations of Americans.
“We are happy to announce our partnership with @unitedstatesmint to celebrate the release of the Althea Gibson quarter on Monday, October 20th,” the foundation shared. The organization encouraged supporters to pre-order coins through the official website.
The foundation’s involvement adds personal significance to the commemorative release. Family members and supporters can now own a piece of numismatic history. The quarter serves as a tangible reminder of Gibson’s groundbreaking achievements.
Collecting the Final American Women Quarter
Collectors and history enthusiasts can purchase the Althea Gibson quarter in multiple formats. The U.S. Mint offers individual quarters, rolls, and bags for purchase. All options are available for pre-order through the official usmint.gov website.
The release generated immediate excitement among coin collectors and sports fans alike. Social media responses showed enthusiastic support for honoring Gibson’s legacy. Many expressed their intention to purchase the commemorative quarters immediately.
This final coin completes a significant program celebrating women’s contributions to American history. The American Women Quarters series has honored diverse female pioneers since its inception. Gibson’s quarter provides a powerful conclusion to this important commemorative initiative. Her story of perseverance and excellence continues inspiring people worldwide decades after her groundbreaking achievements.
