What is The Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter Worth? Value and History
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Edith Kanakaʻole was a Hawaiian naturalist, educator, and hula teacher. But did you know you can also find her on a commemorative quarter?
The Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter honors her contributions to Hawaiian culture and education. So, what's it worth?
Join us as we take a closer look into the history, design, and current value of the Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter. We'll explore why it holds a special place in the American Women Quarters Program and the hearts of coin collectors.
The American Women Quarters Program
The American Women Quarters Program honors the accomplishments and contributions of notable women throughout U.S. history. Launched by the U.S. Mint, this program began in 2022 and runs through 2025.
Each year, the Mint releases a series of quarters, each featuring a different influential woman on the reverse side. These women come from diverse backgrounds and have made significant impacts in various fields, including politics, science, the arts, and social justice.
The goal of the American Women Quarters Program is to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women who have shaped the nation. By doing this, the program also aims to educate the public about these remarkable individuals and their legacies. The quarters are released in limited quantities, making them a popular choice among coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Selection Process
The selection process for the women featured on the quarters is thorough and inclusive. The U.S. Mint collaborates with the Smithsonian Institution's American Women's History Initiative, the National Women's History Museum, and the Bipartisan Women's Caucus.
Together, they review nominations and make the final decisions on who will be honored each year. This ensures that the women chosen represent a wide range of achievements and contributions.
Some notable women featured in the series so far include Maya Angelou, the renowned poet and civil rights activist, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Each quarter not only highlights the individual's achievements but also includes symbols and imagery that reflect their life and work. This thoughtful design process helps to create a meaningful tribute that resonates with the public.
Who Was Edith Kanakaʻole?
Born in 1913 in Honomu, Hawaii, she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture and traditions.
Kanakaʻole's deep knowledge of Hawaiian chants, dance, and language made her a key figure in the Hawaiian Renaissance. This was a cultural movement that began in the 1970s aimed at revitalizing native Hawaiian practices.
Kanakaʻole's contributions to education were immense. She taught at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she developed programs to teach Hawaiian language and culture.
Her teachings emphasized the importance of understanding the natural world, and she often integrated lessons about Hawaii's unique ecosystems and traditional ecological knowledge. This approach helped students see the interconnectedness of cultural practices and the environment.
As a hula teacher, or kumu hula, Kanakaʻole was revered for her expertise and dedication to this ancient Hawaiian dance form. Hula is not just a dance; it's a way of storytelling and preserving history. Kanakaʻole trained many students who went on to become respected hula practitioners themselves, ensuring that the traditions would continue for generations. Her hula school, Halau o Kekuhi, remains one of the most respected institutions for learning traditional hula.
Her Influence
Kanakaʻole's influence extended beyond her students and immediate community. She worked with various organizations to promote Hawaiian culture and education.
Her involvement with the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and other cultural institutions helped to secure funding and support for programs that preserved Hawaiian heritage. Her efforts were recognized by many, and she received numerous awards for her contributions to Hawaiian culture and education. Her legacy lives on through her family as well. Her children and grandchildren have continued her work, teaching and promoting Hawaiian culture.
This familial dedication has helped to keep Kanakaʻole's teachings alive and relevant in today's world. Her influence is seen not only in the lives of her students but also in the broader Hawaiian community. Edith Kanakaʻole was chosen for the American Women Quarters Program because of her significant contributions to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture. Her life's work exemplifies the spirit of the program, which aims to honor women who have made a lasting impact on society.
Design and Features
The Edith Kanakaʻole quarter stands out with its beautiful and meaningful design. The front of the coin, known as the obverse, features a portrait of George Washington, like other quarters in the American Women Quarters Program. This familiar image connects the new quarters to the long history of U.S. coinage, providing a sense of continuity and tradition.
The reverse side of the coin is where Edith Kanakaʻole is honored. The design captures her likeness in a dignified and respectful manner. She is depicted in traditional Hawaiian attire, which reflects her deep connection to her cultural heritage. The background includes elements of the natural Hawaiian landscape, which were central to Kanakaʻole's teachings and work as a naturalist. These elements not only highlight her connection to the land but also symbolize the richness of Hawaiian culture and its deep ties to nature.
The inscriptions on the reverse side add to the coin's significance. Alongside Kanakaʻole's name, the words "Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner" are included, acknowledging her role in preserving and teaching Hawaiian traditions. The phrase "E hō mai ka ʻike," which means "grant us knowledge" in Hawaiian, is also inscribed. This phrase is a nod to her legacy as an educator and her belief in the importance of cultural and environmental knowledge.
The U.S. Mint's artists and engravers worked closely with cultural experts and Kanakaʻole's family to ensure that the design accurately and respectfully represents her life and contributions. The collaboration helped to create a coin that not only looks beautiful but also carries deep meaning and significance.
Release and Distribution
The U.S. Mint offered the quarters directly to collectors through their website, providing options to purchase rolls, bags, and special sets. This approach ensured that both casual collectors and dedicated numismatists could acquire the coins in the quantities and formats they preferred.
The quarter was minted at multiple U.S. Mint facilities, including the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Each facility produced quarters with its unique mint marks, adding an extra layer of interest for collectors who often seek to collect coins from all mint locations. This variety of mint marks helps to create a more dynamic and engaging collecting experience. To celebrate the release, the U.S. Mint and local organizations in Hawaii held events and educational programs.
These events highlighted Kanakaʻole's contributions and the significance of her being honored on the quarter. They provided opportunities for the public to learn more about her life and the cultural heritage she worked so hard to preserve.
Collectible Quarters
Collectible quarters have long been a favorite among coin enthusiasts. They offer a unique way to explore history and art through a tangible and accessible medium.
The interest in collectible quarters surged with the introduction of special series like the 50 State Quarters Program, which began in 1999. This program featured designs representing each state, drawing millions of new collectors into the hobby. The appeal of collectible quarters lies in their variety and the stories they tell. Each quarter design commemorates a different aspect of American history, culture, or notable individuals.
For many collectors, finding and acquiring these quarters becomes a journey of discovery and learning. It's not just about the monetary value but also about the enjoyment of collecting and the appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in coin design.
Value of the Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter
The value of the Edith Kanakaʻole quarter, like any collectible coin, depends on several factors. One of the primary factors is the coin's condition. Coins are graded on a scale from poor to perfect, with higher grades indicating better condition.
A coin in mint or near-mint condition will typically be worth more than one that shows signs of wear and tear. Collectors often seek out quarters that have been carefully preserved to ensure they retain their value over time.
Another important factor in determining the value of the Edith Kanakaʻole quarter is its rarity. While the U.S. Mint produced these quarters in large quantities, certain mint marks or production errors can make some coins more valuable than others.
Coins with errors, such as double strikes or misprints, are especially prized by collectors. These errors are relatively rare, making them more valuable and sought after.
Market Value
The market value of the Edith Kanakaʻole quarter can also be influenced by demand. Coins that are part of popular series, like the American Women Quarters Program, tend to have higher demand among collectors.
The interest in these coins can drive up their market value, especially if the series gains popularity over time. The Edith Kanakaʻole quarter, with its unique design and cultural significance, has attracted considerable interest from collectors, which can positively impact its value.
The historical and cultural significance of the Kanakaʻole quarter adds another layer to its value. Coins that commemorate notable individuals or events often have a special place in the hearts of collectors. The quarter honors a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to Hawaiian culture and education. This recognition not only increases the coin's desirability but also its sentimental value to those who appreciate its historical context.
The Edith Kanakaʻole quarter has the potential to become more valuable as the years go by. As the series gains historical importance and more collectors seek to complete their sets, the value of these quarters may rise.
The U.S. Mint currently sells the Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter, part of the 2023 American Women Quarters Program, in rolls and bags. These offerings are priced between $42.00 and $63.00, providing collectors and history enthusiasts an opportunity to own a coin that honors the legacy of the esteemed Hawaiian cultural practitioner and educator.
A Great Quarter for a Remarkable Woman
The Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter not only honors a remarkable cultural figure but also offers significant value for collectors. Its unique design and historical significance make it a treasured piece in any coin collection.
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