Inspirational Ladies
Queen Isabella(Spain)
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
SILVER COMMEMORATIVES |
| Item Description: |
25C 1893 ISABELLA |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS MS 63 |
| Owner: |
coinsbygary |
Owner Comments:
Queen Isabella - The Columbian Exposition quarter commemorative coin, commonly referred to as the Isabella quarter, was minted as a result of a petition made by Board of Lady Managers of the Columbian Exposition for a souvenir quarter. It honors Queen Isabella of Spain who sponsored Columbus' travels that ended in the colonization of America. The Board of Lady Managers was formed at the urging of Susan B. Anthony to coordinate and oversee the women's activities and exhibits at Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
The coin was designed by Charles E. Barber. The obverse depicts the crowned bust of Isabella of Spain. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is lettered around the perimeter with the 1893 date to the right of the portrait and conforming to the curve of AMERICA. Symbolizing women's industry, the reverse shows a kneeling woman with a distaff in her left hand and a spindle in her right hand. BOARD OF LADY MANAGERS is lettered around the upper perimeter with COLUMBIAN QUARTER DOL. around the lower perimeter. Only a small quantity of these coins were sold at the Exposition at $1 per coin. This was the first commemorative quarter issued by the United States and is the first coin to depict a woman on both sides. Additionally, it is the first United States coin to depict a foreign monarch.