2026 Semiquincentennial Women’s Suffrage Quarter Designs Recommended

In 2026, to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary, circulating coins will showcase exclusive designs, including a series of five Semiquincentennial quarters that highlight defining periods in American history. Released sequentially, these quarters will center on key themes: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Abolitionism, Suffrage, and Civil Rights. With candidate designs for the series reviewed and approved, this article highlights the selected designs for the Women’s Suffrage quarter.

Designs for the 2026 quarters were reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on Oct. 15, followed by the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on Oct. 17.

The U.S. Mint’s narrative for the 2026 Women’s Suffrage quarter theme states, in part: "The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on August 26, 1920, and marked the single largest extension of voting rights in United States history, enfranchising 27,000,000 women in the United States.

The obverse design features a depiction of a United States Suffragist, at once an ‘Everywoman,’ to represent the thousands of Americans who contributed to this effort while also personifying … The reverse design is emblematic of the Suffrage movement and the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution."

A total of four obverse and six reverse candidates were evaluated, with both panels agreeing on the same obverse design but suggesting different reverses. The chosen pairings are displayed in the topmost images, with the CCAC’s selections in the first row and the CFA’s in the second.

CCAC Design Recommendations

The CCAC’s recommended obverse, O-01B, depicting an American Suffragist, striding forward propelled by her steadfast convictions. She hoists her "VOTES FOR WOMEN" banner as a beacon of the change she demands.

Their preferred reverse, R-04, features a rosette-style button inscribed with "VOTES FOR WOMEN," resembling those worn by some suffragists and symbolizing the movement’s unwavering demand. The CCAC recommended modifying the design, entrusting Mint artists to replace the text within the rosette to prevent repeating the slogan already shown on the flag carried by the suffragist on the obverse.

CFA Design Recommendations

CFA members also selected obverse O-01B but suggested applying the text placement approach used for O-01 and O-01A for "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "1776–2026."

For the reverse, the CFA preferred R-01, which conveys the generational impact of suffrage. A child’s hand reaches upward, ready to join the arms that bear the weight of a "foundation" of stone inscribed with "LIBERTY," "EQUALITY," "JUSTICE FOR WOMEN," and "SUFFRAGE."

Members proposed removing the small interpuncts framing the word "EQUALITY" at the top of the design.

Additionally, the CFA concurred with the Mint’s subject-matter experts in not supporting the CCAC’s preference for the rosette motif featured in reverse R-04.

U.S. Mint images and descriptions of all proposed 2026 Suffrage quarter designs are provided below.

Obverse Candidate Designs for the 2026 Women’s Suffrage Quarter

SQ-O-01, SQ-O-01A, SQ-O-01B and SQ-O-02 depict an American Suffragist, striding forward propelled by her steadfast convictions. She hoists her "VOTES FOR WOMEN" banner as a beacon of the change she demands. In Design 01, the Suffragist is flanked by fellow advocates outlined in silhouette, an allusion to the thousands of Americans who fought for voting rights across the country. In Design 01A, she marches by the U.S. Capitol Building, juxtaposing this potent symbol of government with her unwavering march for progress.

Reverse Candidate Designs for the 2026 Women’s Suffrage Suffrage Quarter

SQ-R-01 illustrates that the work and effects of suffrage are generational. A child’s hand reaches upward, poised to join the arms already shouldering the weight of a "foundation" of stone inscribed with "LIBERTY," "EQUALITY," "JUSTICE FOR WOMEN," and "SUFFRAGE."

SQ-R-02 depicts the hands of four women exercising their right to vote. Shown in a variety of dress, they symbolize the diverse coalition that pursued a shared vision of equality through suffrage. Each hand casts a ballot, representing not only a personal expression of civic action, but the collective victory and enduring legacy of the Suffrage Movement.

SQ-R-03 depicts an American woman holding a ballot, preparing to cast her vote. This civic action, in turn, casts the shadow of Lady Liberty bearing her torch, symbolizing the right to vote as key to American democracy.

SQ-R-04 features a rosette-style button emblazoned with "VOTES FOR WOMEN," similar to those worn by the Suffragists, reflecting the movement’s central unshakable demand.

SQ-R-05 shows a woman casting a ballot, depicted in a distinctly Art Deco art style that emerged in the years following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. The inscriptions are rendered in a flowing script to provide a graceful contrast to the angular elements of the stylized figure. The ballot boldly states "VOTES FOR WOMEN," no longer a battle cry, but a codified expression of American democracy.

SQ-R-06 depicts a banner held high, declaring "VOTES FOR WOMEN," the rallying cry for the fight for suffrage. This bold and clear message, held aloft by a gripping hand, body unseen, represents the countless everyday women who took up the mantle of protest for their voting rights in this country.