A new US coin launched to honour late author Maya Angelou's legacy

This handout photo provided by The United States Mint shows the reverse (tails) quarter honouring Maya Angelou, designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Emily Damstra and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic artist Craig A. Campbell. Photo: Handout/AFP

Maya Angelou, the African American poet and activist, has officially joined a select group of Americans to appear on the currency of the United States government, US authorities announced Monday.

Angelou, author of I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, will be the first figure commemorated through the American Women Quarters Program, which was signed into law in January 2021.