Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to learn about how women have affected fields of study and industry around the world. In the realm of coin collectors, there is perhaps no piece of currency more appropriate for this celebratory month than the Unique Isabella Quarter Dollar—the first coin to picture a living, named woman. Learn how this one-of-a-kind coin came to be in the history breakdown below.

Who Is on the 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar?

The front of this late 19th-century coin features Queen Isabella I of Castille, who you may know as the sponsor of Christopher Columbus’ journey to America. Before 1492, she completed the Spanish Reconquista with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon. What makes this Quarter Dollar a landmark coin is not only the illustration of a named woman, but also that it was the first United States Mint product to depict a foreign monarch. While some coins in the past featured women, they were always anonymous and often based on real women the artist knew.

Who Invented & Designed It?

In the late 19th century, Susan B. Anthony—the famous leader of the suffrage movement—organized the  Board of Lady Managers. Among them was Mrs. Potter Palmer, who came up with the idea for the 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar, as she hoped to bolster gender-based legislation in conjunction with the Columbian World Exposition in Chicago. Charles E. Barber, the designer, decided to use a profile image of the Queen on the front. On the back, he chose an anonymous kneeling woman, who is meant to represent women and their industry as a whole.

Where Do the Coins Stand Today?

When the plans for the commemorative coin were first laid out, there were to be 40,000, but in the end, only 24,412 were distributed due to lower sales. Since the rest were melted, these coins are considered rare among coin collectors. None of the 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollars were released for circulation, which means none of those still around today show much wear and tear. The most damage you will encounter might be friction from those who bought the coins as souvenirs. As a result, these coins can be quite valuable.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about historical coins like the Isabella Quarter Dollar or you’ve been an enthusiastic coin collector for years, turn to Coins Plus for all of your buying and selling needs. They are the only National Award Winning and PNG Dealer in Cincinnati, OH, as well as a submission center for the country’s top three grading services. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. You can also call (513) 621-1996 to set up an appraisal appointment with an expert coin collector and evaluator.