TEXAS — You might just see an iconic Texan the next time you get change.

The latest coin in circulation in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program is Jovita Idar, a journalist, teacher and activist who championed rights for Mexican Americans.

The coin became available for purchase on Aug. 15.

American Women Quarters is a four-year program that “celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States.” Starting in 2022 and through 2025, the U.S. Mint is issuing five new reverse designs each year.

Idar was born in Laredo in 1885. According to the National Women’s History Museum, she was one of eight children and was exposed to journalism and activism at a young age.

“Jovita Idar was extraordinary,” said Dr. Gabriela Gonzalez, a UT-San Antonio associate professor of history. “Was a firm believer in equal rights between men and women, between Angelo Texans and Mexican immigrants, Mexican Americans, everybody.”

After the turn of the century, Idar began working or her father’s newspaper, La Crónica. Her articles were frequently focused on racism and supported Mexican revolution.

In 1911, she joined the First Mexican Congress in Laredo, organizing Mexican American activists. That same year, she formed and became the first president of La Liga Feminil Mexicaista (the League of Mexican Women), a feminist and charitable organization that provided education to Mexican American students.

Idar's passion for education and advocacy has been passed down to her descendants.

“She was a strong, passionate, assertive and determined woman,” said Martha Aki, an Idar descendant.

As a teacher, nurse, and voting rights advocate, Idar always had family support.

“The stories that my mother says about Tia Jovita dragging them to all kinds of meetings and political things,” said Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Lopez, an Idar descendant.

Later, Idar went to Mexico to take care of the injured during the Mexican Revolution. Upon returning to Texas, she began writing for El Progreso newspaper. When she wrote an article criticizing President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to send U.S. troops to the border, the United States Army and the Texas Rangers went to the office of El Progreso to shut it down. Idar blocked the door and wouldn’t let them enter.

Idar spent the last part of her life in San Antonio. She died in 1946.

Of 11,000 submissions, Idar was selected as one of 20 women to be celebrated through the American Quarters Program. 

“Inclusive history is good history,” said Jennifer Herrera, vice president of external affairs, National Women’s History Museum. “So, when you’re not telling an inclusive history, it’s actually just not accurate.”

Many people may not be familiar with Idar. Because for decades, Dr. Gonzales says women’s history was ignored.

“We’re left out of currency,” Herrera said. “We’re let out of boardrooms. We’re left out of politics. These things are changing but there’s so much work to be done.”

The Idar family selected UTSA to host the quarter release ceremony, bringing together the San Antonio community where Idar spent the later years of her life. They’ve donated pictures of Idar, records and articles to UTSA’s special collections, allowing Dr. Gonzalez to document her legacy — beyond the coin.

“The faith of my Tia Jovita was a force to be reckoned with,” Lopez said. “Not only in me, but in all of us.”