The U.S. Mint on Wednesday revealed special quarter-dollar coin designs for the U.S.′ 250th birthday featuring pilgrims and former presidents rather than previously floated civil rights themes.
Designs considered ahead of next year’s anniversary included those focused on abolitionist Frederick Douglass and images depicting suffragettes with “votes for women” banners. Also in the running were several showcasing Ruby Bridges, the first Black student to integrate her school.
Instead, the Mint’s five finalized designs for the 25-cent coin spotlight:
Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said in a press release that the selected designs “depict the story of America’s journey toward a ‘more perfect union,’ and celebrate America’s defining ideals of liberty.”
“We hope to offer each American the opportunity to hold our nation’s storied 250 years of history in the palms of their hands,” McNally said.
