Empire State Review Contributor Washington, D.C. – On June 3, 2025, the United States Mint launched the latest coin in its American Women Quarters™ program, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Vera Rubin, a trailblazing astrophysicist renowned for her groundbreaking research on dark matter. This marks the 18th coin release in the Mint’s ongoing series, which aims to celebrate and recognize the vital contributions women have made throughout American history.
Dr. Vera Rubin’s quarter is now available for purchase in rolls and bags, with 100-coin bags and two-roll or three-roll sets being offered to the public. The release has already generated significant interest, leading to limited availability, particularly for the three-roll sets. Due to the high demand, these sets are capped at three per household during the first 24 hours of sales, ensuring a fair distribution among collectors and enthusiasts.
Dr. Rubin, who passed away in 2016, is remembered for her groundbreaking work in the field of astrophysics. Throughout her career, Rubin made monumental contributions to the understanding of the universe, particularly in her research on galaxy rotation rates, which provided some of the first evidence for the existence of dark matter. Her work has shaped the way scientists approach questions of cosmology and the fundamental structure of the universe. Despite facing significant gender-based obstacles throughout her career, Rubin’s persistence and pioneering work earned her widespread recognition within the scientific community.
The American Women Quarters™ program, which began in 2022, is designed to honor the achievements of women across diverse fields, including science, politics, the arts, and social justice. Previous honorees in the series include suffragists, military leaders, and civil rights activists, all of whom have had a profound impact on shaping the nation’s history. Rubin’s inclusion in the program reflects the growing recognition of women in science and their crucial role in advancing knowledge in various disciplines.
The release of Dr. Rubin’s quarter is part of a broader effort to highlight the contributions of women who may have been overlooked in the past. The Mint’s ongoing initiative seeks to raise awareness of these women’s achievements while also fostering a sense of pride and recognition for the many ways in which women have contributed to American society.
In keeping with the program’s tradition, the design of the Dr. Vera Rubin quarter features elements that symbolize her scientific legacy. The coin’s obverse (front) showcases the iconic image of Dr. Rubin, along with a telescope, representing her work as an astronomer. The reverse (back) includes elements that evoke her significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, as well as the continuing exploration of dark matter and the mysteries of the universe.
Collectors and the general public alike have eagerly awaited the release of this particular quarter, given Dr. Rubin’s status as one of the most influential figures in modern science. Her work has had a lasting impact, shaping both theoretical and observational astrophysics and inspiring generations of women scientists to follow in her footsteps. This quarter serves as a lasting tribute to her contributions and legacy.
For those interested in purchasing the Dr. Vera Rubin quarter, the U.S. Mint has made it available through its online store, as well as through authorized retailers. With limited quantities available, collectors are encouraged to act quickly to secure their sets. The release of the Dr. Rubin quarter not only provides an opportunity to celebrate her incredible achievements but also serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need for gender equity in scientific fields and beyond.
The American Women Quarters™ program will continue with additional honorees throughout the years, as the U.S. Mint seeks to recognize women who have shaped the course of American history in ways both large and small.
