Grassley Pushes for Commemorative Coin Honoring Women’s Right to Vote

As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says one important chapter of American history shouldn’t be left out.

Grassley is urging the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Mint to reconsider a decision not to issue a commemorative coin honoring the women’s suffrage movement as part of the upcoming “America 250” celebration.

“I was shocked,” Grassley said during remarks on the Senate floor. “The historic victory won by suffragettes after more than 140 years of fighting for the right to vote is as worthy as any moment we could honor.”

The U.S. Mint plans to release special quarters in 2026 to mark the nation’s founding, but earlier designs tied to abolition and the push for the 19th Amendment were dropped. Instead, the final lineup includes themes such as the Mayflower and the Gettysburg Address.

Grassley says the story of women’s suffrage is deeply personal for him. His mother, Ruth Corwin Grassley, was among the first women in Iowa — and possibly the nation — to cast a ballot after the 19th Amendment took effect. She voted in a local election in August of 1920, just days after women officially gained the right to vote.

The senator also pointed to Iowa’s role in the movement, noting that Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association during the final push that led to women winning the right to vote in 1919.

“We take great pride in what it took to get the 19th Amendment adopted,” Grassley said. “I hope there’s still time for the administration to reconsider honoring the suffragettes with a coin.”

The U.S. Treasury Secretary has already approved final designs for commemorative quarters, dimes and nickels, which will be minted and circulated in 2026 starting in January. A commemorative penny and half-dollar will also be produced for collectors.