This 2023 quarter with the San Francisco mint mark honours Maria Tallchief, whom the United States Mint calls America’s first major prima ballerina. It is the fifth coin of 2023 in the American Women Quarters Program; shipping began on 23 October 2023.

Tallchief belonged to the Osage Nation. The Osage Tribal Council gave her the name Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba, chosen by her grandmother and meaning «Two Standards»: it reflects her life in two worlds, as a professional dancer and as a member of her people.

The reverse shows Tallchief in a balletic pose under a spotlight, with her Osage name written in Osage orthography. The design is by Benjamin Sowards and the sculpting by Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. The obverse carries the portrait of George Washington by Laura Gardin Fraser: it was created for Washington’s 200th birthday and recommended for the 1932 quarter, but John Flanagan’s design was chosen instead. The American Women Quarters Program was authorized by Public Law 116-330 and ran between 2022 and 2025, five coins a year.

Quarters of this program for everyday circulation are struck at Philadelphia and Denver. Coins with the S mint mark of San Francisco were issued in circulating quality in a three-roll set that brings together quarters of all three mints.

The coin fits a mint-and-date set of the American Women Quarters as well as a themed collection on ballet and outstanding women. UNC condition means the coin has never circulated: there is no wear and the original mint lustre is intact.

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