2023 American Women Quarters Program,Maria Tallchief, D Mint

Own this American Women Quarters Program coin honoring America’s First Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief

This quarter was issued in 2023 as part of the first series of US coins to honor the achievements of women. The reverse design on this quarter features an image of Maria Tallchief in the midst of a graceful leap.  Under...  more

Own this American Women Quarters Program coin honoring America’s First Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief

This quarter was issued in 2023 as part of the first series of US coins to honor the achievements of women. The reverse design on this quarter features an image of Maria Tallchief in the midst of a graceful leap.  Under her English name is her Osage name, which means “Two Standards.”  This coin was minted at the Denver Mint.

About the American Women Quarters Program

The American Women Quarters Program is a multi-year tribute to women from diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and parts of the US.  They were chosen for their contributions to the abolition of slavery, civil rights activism, roles in government, as well as expertise in science, the arts, humanities and much more.

From 2022 through 2025, five new coins were released each year.  Each coin features a distinctive reverse design honoring an American woman, along with her name, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”   The obverse side showcases a new design of George Washington. 

Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) belonged to the Osage Tribe and was the first American to hold the rank of prima ballerina.  She and four other Native American ballerinas became known as the “Five Moons.”  

At a time when Russian dancers dominated ballet, including in America, Tallchief worked with determination to become a soloist.  When choreographer George Balanchine was hired by the New York dance company Tallchief was part of, he began casting her for more important roles.  In 1948, became America’s first prima ballerina with the New York City Ballet.  Balanchine created roles specifically suited for Tallchief including the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and the Swan Queen in Swan Lake.

During her career, Tallchief became the first American to dance with companies in Paris and Moscow.  She also appeared on television, bringing ballet to a larger audience.  After retiring, she continued to be involved in the dance form as a teacher and director.  Tallchief inspired generations of ballerinas throughout her career.