In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a first in finance achieved by a woman who fought for women’s rights and inspired countless others. Over 70 years after her death, Susan B. Anthony became the first non-mythical woman to appear on a U.S. coin, simultaneously commemorating her remarkable life and continuing to forge a path for women.
Atlantic Union Bank may not have started the movement of women in finance, but we definitely believe in it and the outstanding individuals who are still blazing the trail today. Our Women’s Inclusion Network is focused on supporting and empowering women to achieve new heights and make a difference in the world.
When the Susan B. Anthony dollar was phased out it was to make way for a new dollar coin featuring another historic female figure – Sacagawea. Anthony’s coined paved the way for the 2000 coin featuring the Lemhi Shoshone native American woman who traveled with Lewis and Clark during their 1804-1806 exploration of the Louisiana Territory.
More women would go on to be honored on circulating coins over the next two decades. In 2003, disability rights activist Helen Keller debuted on the Alabama state quarter as part of the 50 State Quarters Program. Two years ago, the U.S. Treasury introduced the American Women Quarters program, minting coins featuring author Maya Angelou, astronaut Sally Ride. Former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Wilma Mankiller, suffrage leader Nina Otero-Warren, and film star Anna May Wong.
The stories of these amazing women live on today through the change they created and the undeniable mark they left on history.