If most people emptied a coin tray, one pattern would stand out: the faces on most coins are men’s. From FDR through JFK, coinage has largely featured male subjects. Even so, history includes several coins that display the faces of influential women, including those described below.
Helena, Constantine the Great’s Mother
Helena appears on AE3 and BI Nummus coins from the Roman Empire, dating to approximately 330 A.D. Catholic and Orthodox traditions regard Helena as a saint. She held influence during Constantine’s rule, especially in connection with the acceptance of Christianity. Her portrait appears on the coin’s obverse, while the reverse presents her image in the style of the Roman goddess Securitas.
Susan B. Anthony
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a woman. Anthony was known for her work in anti-slavery and women’s suffrage movements, and she devoted her life to pursuing racial, gender, and educational equality. The coin was struck through 1981 and then again in 1999. Although these dollars are not frequently found in circulation, gold coin dealers do not regard them as rare.
Women Veterans of World War II
American women could not serve in combat roles during World War II, yet they performed essential noncombat work in the armed forces. The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, were a civilian group of female pilots who moved cargo, towed practice targets, transported military aircraft, and completed other notable work. They received veteran status in 1977. The 1994-W Women’s Veterans Commemorative Silver Dollar recognizes their achievements and those of many other women who supported military efforts during World War II.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: In 1995, Eunice Kennedy Shriver became the subject of controversy. Shriver, President Kennedy’s sister and founder of the Special Olympics, dedicated her life to creating enrichment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Her service was recognized with her portrait on the obverse of the 1995-W Silver Dollar Special Olympics Commemorative coin. The issue was that Shriver remained alive, making her only the second living person shown on a U.S. coin. (The original article linked to an explanation of how a person lands on a coin.)
When this article was published, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers said it was interested in sharing the stories behind coins and presented these as only a few women honored through coinage. At that time, readers who came in to buy gold coins or sell your own were invited to hear additional stories. The original article invited readers to call 404-236-9744 to arrange a free appraisal appointment.
