The 2022 release of the Anna May Wong American Women Quarter has brought renewed attention to both her legacy and the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters program.
Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress in Hollywood, is now honored on a quarter-dollar coin as part of this significant commemorative series. The coin is the fifth in the American Women Quarters program, initiated to celebrate historical and cultural icons.
About Anna May Wong: Hollywood’s Chinese American Star
Anna May Wong, born Wong Liu Tsong on January 3, 1905, in Los Angeles, became a pioneering Asian American actress. Growing up in early 20th-century L.A., Wong was captivated by the emerging world of cinema.
By age 11, she had already chosen her stage name and started appearing in films as an extra. Her breakthrough came with roles in the silent film Bits of Life (1921) and her leading role in The Toll of the Sea (1922).
Despite her talent, Wong faced typecasting due to racial prejudice in Hollywood. She often found herself cast in roles that leaned into stereotypes, known as the “dragon lady” roles, rather than the leading roles she deserved.
Frustrated, Wong moved to Europe in search of better roles, finding critical acclaim in films such as Piccadilly (1929). Her career continued in both American and European cinema, where she fought to represent her heritage with dignity.
Design Highlights of the Anna May Wong Quarter
The Anna May Wong Quarter features unique designs on both its obverse and reverse sides. Instead of the usual bust of George Washington, the obverse side of this quarter showcases a portrait of Washington sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser, which was initially created to commemorate Washington’s 200th birthday. It’s a shift from the long-running design by John Flanagan.
On the reverse, a striking portrait of Anna May Wong is displayed. Captured in an iconic pose, Wong rests her chin on her hand, representing her elegance and poise during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Surrounding her portrait is a marquee design, inspired by classic movie theater lights, and her name is prominently displayed.
The reverse design is credited to Emily Damstra and was sculpted by John P. McGraw. The coin’s edge features traditional reeding, adding texture and authenticity to the collectible.
Collector Interest and Value Insights
Since its release on October 25, 2022, the Anna May Wong Quarter has been met with enthusiasm from collectors. Unlike earlier programs that showcased natural landscapes or historic landmarks, this series celebrates individual achievements, bringing a personal connection to the coins.
The Mint distributed Anna May Wong Quarters from Philadelphia and Denver mints, offering different sets for collectors.
The coin’s availability included:
- 100-coin bags from either the Philadelphia or Denver Mint, priced at $40.00.
- Two-roll sets (one roll each from Philadelphia and Denver), available for $36.00.
- Three-roll sets from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, priced at $54.00.
These products are still actively traded, with raw, uncirculated quarters selling around $1.50 on resale platforms like eBay. Quarters graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are valued higher, especially in near-perfect Mint States (MS67 and MS69). Error coins, which are highly sought after by collectors, command even greater prices.
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Specifications and Historical Significance
The Anna May Wong Quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s ongoing effort to honor influential women in American history. This quarter exemplifies not only numismatic value but also a historical acknowledgment of the contributions and struggles of Chinese Americans in early Hollywood.
Below is a table summarizing key details of the Anna May Wong Quarter:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2022 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents USD) |
| Mintmarks | Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
| Mintage | 226,800,000 |
| Alloy Composition | .750 Copper, .250 Nickel over copper core |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (119 reeds) |
| Obverse Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse Designers | Emily Damstra, John P. McGraw |
| Quality | Business Strike |
The Anna May Wong American Women Quarter stands as a unique addition to any collection, celebrating a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for Asian Americans in Hollywood. This coin not only honors her legacy but also invites collectors to engage with an essential part of American cinema and history.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert.