Lessons That Make Cents decorative banner March 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Use American Women Quarters to commemorate Women’s History Month.

Monthly Mint Trivia: What is the average lifespan of a penny?

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Learning from Leaders & Game Changers

Patsy Takemoto Mink quarter cartoonEach American Women Quarter tells a story and offers lessons about working hard, making things better, and overcoming challenges. The second 2024 American Women Quarters™ Program honoree, the Honorable Pasty Takemoto Mink, made an impact on the lives of all Americans. She served as the first woman of color in Congress and advocated for women’s rights. Read on for ways students can learn about Mink and other AWQ honorees this month.

Resources from U.S. Mint:

  • Provide additional context to your students by playing this video, which covers other representation of women on coins over time.
  • Share information about the program and each honoree using the U.S. Mint Coin Classroom AWQ Program page or the U.S. Mint website AWQ Program page, with links to individual honoree information.
  • After learning about each honoree, students can examine the details of each AWQ coin to see how details of their lives are reflected in the coin design. Using the Image Library, view high-resolution photos of each coin to see all the details up close. Students can put their own spin on the coin design by coloring it in using our coin coloring pages.
  • Coin Sun Prints Activity: Use coins with the power of the sun to create a piece of art in this activity for students Kindergarten and above.
  • Coin Rubbing and Matching Activity: Use this activity to help K-2nd graders learn each coin type and how to identify them.
  • Design Your Own Coin Activity: Ask students to research one or more of the AWQ honorees and create their own design based on their research.

Resources about the Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink from around the web:

  • Explore the Library of Congress’ archive of Patsy Mink’s papers, including her campaign brochures and photos from throughout her life. Ask students to pick a photo from the collection and research a specific time in Patsy’s life.
  • Use this Library of Congress article as jumping off point in the discussion about Title IX legislation. How did Patsy Mink make change while she was in Congress?
  • Watch this short biography video from the Middle Country Public Library. Then ask students to design a coin that represents Patsy Mink’s life.
  • For younger students, play this audio story Patsy Mink: Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight. Ask students to reflect on the story with discussion or writing prompts, like how did Patsy stand up for herself and others when she was younger? How did she help others later in life?
  • Ask students to watch Congresswomen Patsy Mink and Martha Griffiths discuss women’s rights in this interview from 1975. Discuss with students what was different about women’s rights and gender at this time and ask students to share their reactions.

Want more ideas? Reach out to education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov for recommendations on lesson plans and activities for your students.


The U.S. Mint is currently out of stock of printed education materials. We expect to begin accepting new orders this spring. Thank you for your patience.


Coin of the Month: Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter

2024 American Women Quarters Coin Patsy Takemoto Mink Uncirculated ReverseThe Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color to serve in Congress. She fought for gender and racial equality, affordable childcare, and environmental protection. She is best known for championing Title IX, legislation which opened new opportunities to women in education and school sports. A native of Hawaii, Mink became a lawyer in the 1950s and eventually ran for local office. She then won a seat in Congress in 1964. Mink served a combined 24 years in Congress, from 1965-1977 and again in 1990-2002.

The reverse of her quarter shows Patsy Takemoto Mink holding her landmark “TITLE IX” legislation. In the background, a view of the U.S. Capitol Building prominently features the south wing, home to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Mink served. The lei she wears represents her home state of Hawaii.


Start a Coin Collection

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Get tips for new and current coin collectors in the Collector’s Corner.

Women’s History Month Resources

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Find teaching materials from Smithsonian Institution and more.

Play Making Change

coin on easel cartoon

Create your own coin using different design elements.

We Want to Hear from You!

coin coloring book pagesAre you interested in incorporating coins into your classroom next year, but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help you! The U.S. Mint offers K-6 lesson plans, online educational games, videos, online quizzes, a free Coin Coloring Book, and other resources. Reach out to us at education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov to request resources that fit your education needs.


Trivia Answer: The lifespan of a penny is about 30 years.