2025 Althea Gibson American Women Quarters Program Circulation Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, established 1792 by the Coinage Act. The US Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, known for world-class security and engraving standards.
Pattern: American Women Quarters™ Program, introduced in 2022. This specific Althea Gibson design is the 16th coin in the four-year series celebrating trailblazing American women.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, established 1792 by the Coinage Act. The US Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, known for world-class security and engraving standards.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad (8.33% nickel, balance copper). Note: This is not a silver coin. While it has a silver-colored appearance, standard circulation quarters contain no silver. The Mint produces separate .999 fine silver 'Proof' versions for collectors, which this piece does not appear to be based on the surface luster.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard weight: 5.67 grams. This is the standard size for a US Quarter.
Description
A 2025 United States Quarter celebrating Althea Gibson, the first Black athlete to cross the color line of international tennis. The coin features a dynamic portrayal of Gibson on the tennis court, capturing the motion of a match. It is part of a historic series that honors the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of the United States.
Key Features
Reverse design by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Eric David Cason. Features Althea Gibson's likeness, her name, the 'Trailblazing Champion' moniker, and the iconic tennis net backdrop.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad (8.33% nickel, balance copper). Note: This is not a silver coin. While it has a silver-colored appearance, standard circulation quarters contain no silver. The Mint produces separate .999 fine silver 'Proof' versions for collectors, which this piece does not appear to be based on the surface luster.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with relief engraving. The reverse features Althea Gibson in a tennis stance with a racket and tennis ball, including the text 'TRAILBLAZING CHAMPION' and 'ALTHEA GIBSON'. The obverse (not pictured) features the Laura Gardin Fraser portrait of George Washington.
Hallmarks & Stamps
United States Mint inscriptions: 'QUARTER DOLLAR', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. The obverse would contain the Mint Mark (P, D, or S) indicating the production facility (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco).
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin. Produced using high-speed coinage presses where a blank (planchet) is struck between two hardened steel dies under several tons of pressure. It features a reeded (milled) edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States, valued at 25 cents. Includes a reeded edge to prevent clipping/counterfeiting and tactile recognition for the visually impaired.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The detail in the tennis racket strings and facial likeness demonstrates the precision of modern US Mint computer-aided design and CNC die-cutting technologies.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details are sharp and consistent with US Mint official releases. Compositional appearance matches standard cupro-nickel planchets. No signs of cast counterfeiting or base-metal core exposure on the surface.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Produced at either the Philadelphia or Denver Mint for circulation, or the San Francisco Mint if from a specific set.
Era & Period
Modern Era (2020s). Designed as part of the 21st-century commemorative circulation programs authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020.
Age Estimate
Issued in 2025. This is a contemporary piece of currency representing the most recent release in the American Women Quarters series.
Cultural Significance
The American Women Quarters Program represents a significant shift in US currency, highlighting diverse historical figures who have often been overlooked. This coin specifically honors the breaking of racial barriers in professional sports.
Condition Notes
The item appears to be in 'Uncirculated' or 'About Uncirculated' condition, showing minimal surface contact marks. It retains its original 'mint luster'. Overall Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
Face value is $0.25 USD. Uncirculated examples may sell for a small premium ($1.00 - $3.00) to collectors. Silver proof versions (.999 silver) have a much higher melt and numismatic value, typically $30.00 - $45.00.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives. Handle by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing 'fingerprint' tarnish over time. Store in PVC-free coin flips or capsules if maintaining for a collection.
Similar Pieces
50 State Quarters (1999-2008), District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters (2009), America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021).
Interesting Facts
Althea Gibson was the first Black player to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships in 1956). She won 11 Grand Slam titles in total and was also the first Black woman to compete on the LPGA tour.