Hollywood actress Anna May Wong to become first Asian American on US currency

More than 60 years after her death, Anna May Wong will be the first Asian American to grace US currency. Photo: AP

The US Mint will feature an Asian American on its currency for the first time when it issues a coin next week engraved with the image of actress Anna May Wong, who worked in Hollywood during a time of open racism and stereotyping.

A quarter-dollar coin featuring a profile of Wong with her signature bangs and long fingernails will begin circulating as part of the American Women Quarters Program, the US Mint said in a statement.