The 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole American Women Quarter is a special coin issued by the U.S. Mint to honor Edith Kanakaʻole, a Native Hawaiian cultural icon. Released on March 27, 2023, this quarter is part of the American Women Quarters Program, a series that celebrates the achievements of women in American history. The quarter features an artistic design that represents Kanakaʻole’s significant contributions to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture.
Who Was Edith Kanakaʻole?
Edith Kanakaʻole (also known as “Aunty Edith”) was a Native Hawaiian hula dancer, choreographer, composer, and teacher. She is remembered for her efforts to preserve Hawaiian traditions and pass them on to future generations. Born in 1913, Kanakaʻole learned hula from her mother and music from her father. After World War II, she composed Hawaiian songs and chants and created hula dances to accompany them. She also traveled to North America and Asia, sharing Hawaiian culture with the world.
Kanakaʻole passed away in 1979, and she is now honored on the U.S. quarter as the first Native Hawaiian woman to appear on a U.S. coin.
The Coin Design
The 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter features a unique design that pays tribute to her life and work. The coin’s obverse (front) features a portrait of George Washington based on a version sculpted by artist Laura Gardin Fraser. This design has been used on all coins in the American Women Quarters series.
The reverse (back) of the quarter is dedicated to Edith Kanakaʻole, showing her face adorned with a lei (a traditional Hawaiian garland). Her image is set against a Hawaiian landscape, with a river flowing toward a mountain. The design includes the Hawaiian phrase “E hō mai ka ʻike”, meaning “Granting the Wisdom,” as well as the coin’s denomination and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Coin Specifications
The following table provides key specifications for the 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2023 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents USD) |
| Mintmark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 372,800,000 |
| Alloy | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse Designer | Emily Damstra & Renata Gordon |
| Quality | Business Strike |
How Much Is the 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter Worth?
The 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter has become quite popular with collectors. As of late 2024, the price for an uncirculated (raw) coin on eBay ranges from $1.50 to $4.00. However, certified coins, especially those graded MS66 or higher by PCGS and NGC, can fetch higher prices. Coins graded at MS69 are rarer and more expensive, often selling for over $20.
The Mint also sells the quarter in various sets, including rolls, bags, and uncirculated coin sets. Prices for these sets vary, with some options, like the three-roll sets, being more expensive due to their higher rarity.
Designers of the Coin
The obverse portrait of George Washington was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, who was known for her artistic work in coin design. The reverse design of Edith Kanakaʻole was created by Emily Damstra, with engraving by Renata Gordon. Their work combines to form a tribute to Kanakaʻole’s life and the culture she represented.
Conclusion
The 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter is not just a coin but a meaningful symbol of cultural preservation and appreciation. Featuring the first Native Hawaiian woman on a U.S. coin, this quarter is a tribute to Edith Kanakaʻole’s lasting impact on Hawaiian traditions. Whether you are a coin collector or someone who appreciates history, this quarter is a beautiful addition to any collection.
FAQ’s
Who was Edith Kanakaʻole?
Edith Kanakaʻole was a Native Hawaiian hula dancer, composer, and teacher who worked to preserve and share Hawaiian culture. She is known for her contributions to traditional Hawaiian music, hula, and chants.
What makes the 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter special?
The 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter is the first U.S. coin to feature a Native Hawaiian woman. It honors Edith Kanakaʻole’s legacy and her work to preserve Hawaiian traditions.
How much is the 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter worth?
The value of the 2023-P Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter varies. Uncirculated coins typically sell for $1.50 to $4.00, while higher-grade certified coins can fetch prices over $20.