American Women Quarters

Dr. Sally Ride was a pioneer for science, the astronaut corps, education, public service and humanity. While she will always be remembered as the first American woman in space, her life opened so many more doors for others – especially young women in this country and around the world. Space was just one part of her well lived life but as endless as space maybe, so too is the example of Dr. Ride.

As part of Space Foundation’s 2021 celebration of World Space Week (October 4-10), Space Foundation is proud to have worked with the US Mint to share the story behind the latest notable honor celebrating the life of Dr. Ride – a new US quarter to be issued in April 2022.

As part of the American Women Quarters Program, Dr. Ride is one of five notable American women that will have her image affixed to the reverse side of the US quarter. In a conversation led by Megan Wenrich, Space Foundation’s Manager of DC Operations, she speaks with two representatives from the US Mint, April Stafford, Chief of the Office of Design Management, and Elana Hangler, Artistic Infusion Program Designer, who both worked on the quarters honoring Dr. Ride and the other celebrated women.

In 2013, Space Foundation honored Dr. Ride’s life and achievements with its highest honor, the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award.