Charles E. Barber
Medallic Artist
Obverse
Queen Isabella Silver Quarter Dollar
1893 Queen Isabella Commemorative Silver Quarter Dollar Coin Obverse
1893 Queen Isabella Commemorative Silver Quarter Dollar Coin Reverse
Background
Released in 1893, the Queen Isabella Quarter was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, Queen Isabella of Spain. The coin was made for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago at the request of the exposition's Board of Lady Managers (of which Susan B. Anthony was a prominent member) and with approval from Congress.
The World's Columbian Exposition celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' voyage to the Americas in 1492. The 1892 World's Columbian Exposition Half Dollar featured Columbus. The 1893 quarter featured Queen Isabella because of her role in providing aid to the journey.
Recipient Organization
Congress authorized 40,000 silver quarter dollars at the request of the Board of Lady Managers of the World's Columbian Exposition to be sold in support of the fair.
Characteristics
The obverse design features Queen Isabella of Spain.
The reverse features a kneeling female with symbols of women’s industry (distaff and spindle).
Obverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- 1893
Reverse Inscriptions
- BOARD OF LADY MANAGERS
- COLUMBIAN QUAR. DOL.