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April 22, 2021 The Honorable Janet Yellen Secretary of the Treasury Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington DC 20220 Dear Madam Secretary: The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) held a public meeting via video conference on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, during which the CCAC made recommendations for the common obverse design for the 2022-2025 American Women Quarters program. Additionally, the CCAC reviewed two of the five reverse portfolios for 2022 as well. Ninety years ago, the Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon, chose the John Flanagan design for our quarter dollar over that of Laura Gardin Fraser, the clear favorite at the time of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. They stand by their choice even today. Our Committee was passionate in their agreement about this series devoted to the accomplishments of prominent American women, and scored Laura Gardin Fraser’s obverse design (GW-01) a perfect score of 33 out of 33 possible points, and voted to unanimously move the recommendation forward. The design features an elegant profile, reminiscent of that of sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon’s work, with Washington’s profile facing right. The first reverse portfolio that the CCAC reviewed for 2022 was that honoring noted poet, writer, and teacher, Maya Angelou. The CCAC was joined by Mr. Guy Johnson, the son of Maya Angelou, who spoke of his mother’s many and varied interests, and felt that she was best represented by design MA-02, which depicts Maya Angelou with arms uplifted, and a bird with spread wings behind her and a rising sun. The Committee members agreed with Mr. Johnson, recommending this design with a score of 30 points out of a possible 33 points. This was also the recommendation of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The second reverse portfolio that was reviewed was that honoring Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space. Design SR-01, depicting Dr. Ride next to a window in the space shuttle, was inspired by her quote “But when I wasn’t working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.” The position of Earth next to “E Pluribus Unum” is a subtle nod to the fact that she was first into space. This design garnered 31 of a possible 33 points, and was also the choice of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. Established by An Act of Congress, Public Law 108-15 https://www.ccac.gov Overall, the CCAC feels that, whenever possible, the reverses should carry the images of the women being honored, rather than allegorical or storyboard designs for the length of this program. Our Committee was honored and proud to select these designs, the first in a very important series of coins for the United States. Sincerely, Mary N. Lannin Chair Established by An Act of Congress, Public Law 108-15 https://www.ccac.gov