National Coin Week 2020

April 24 | Trivia Question #6: This astronomer and suffragist is known for her pioneering work on star classification, cataloging more than 350,000 stars under a system that heavily influenced modern astronomy. She was the first woman to be awarded an honorary doctorate of science from Oxford University, and worked to increase visibility and esteem for other female scientists. Name this influential astronomer, featured on the reverse of this coin.

Answer: Annie Jump Cannon (1863-1941). Her Harvard classification system was the first to organize stars by temperature and spectral type. Cannon was an active member of the National Women's Party, an organization crucial to the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment. Pictured: American Innovation $1, Delaware, 2019. Cannon was born in Dover. 

DAY SIX WINNER IS DANIEL LIPTON

April 23 | Trivia Question #5: This week the United States Mint released the designs for the Women's Suffrage Centennial commemorative dollar (designed by Christina Hess, sculpted by Phebe Hemphill) and silver medal (obverse designed by Beth Zaiken, reverse designed by Patricia Lucas-Morris, sculpted by Renata Gordon). What two prominent suffragists are featured on United States coinage? *Images courtesy of the United States Mint.

Answer: Susan B. Anthony, SBA $1, 1979-1981, 1999; and Alice Paul, First Spouse series gold $10, 2012. Paul's coin represents the administration of Chester A. Arthur, who was a widower. Learn more.

DAY FIVE WINNER IS WILLIAM MYERS

April 22 | Trivia Question #4: This woman was the first female president of her country, gaining office after leading a non-violent revolution that ended a longtime dictatorship. Moving quickly to reduce her office's power while restoring civil rights and implementing a new constitutional government, she modernized her nation despite several coup attempts. Name this politician and revolutionary, featured on these objects.

Answer: Corazon Aquino (1933-2009). After her politician husband Benigno Aquino was assassinated in 1983 she became the leader of a movement to oust Philippino dictator Ferdinand Marcos, culminating with the People Power Revolution in 1986 that ended his reign. Aquino was 1986's Time Person of the Year. Pictured: 1992 10,000 pesos, Philippines, gold; and 2016 500 pesos. Coin images courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

DAY FOUR WINNER IS NATHAN FAZEKAS

April 21 | Trivia Question #3: This humanitarian, diplomat and author served as U.S. Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, and chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. She was controversial for her early support of the Civil Rights Movement, but in later life her endorsements were considered crucial for political candidates. Name this human rights champion, featured on the obverse of this coin.

Answer: Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962). The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she was the longest-serving First Lady (1933-1945), and used this platform to host radio shows, hold press conferences, and publish books. Pictured: 2014 W $10, gold, First Spouse series.

DAY THREE WINNER IS CATHERINE HOYLE

April 20 | Trivia Question #2: This woman is the only person to win the Nobel Prize for two scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on radioactivity, a term she coined. During World War I she developed X-ray equipment for use at field hospitals, and the two institutes she helped found remain leading cancer research facilities. Name this trailblazing scientist, featured on the obverse of this coin.

Answer: Marie Skłodowska Curie (1867-1934). Born in Warsaw, the majority of her research was conducted in Paris. She named the first of the two elements she discovered polonium, after her native land. Curie's death was the result of radioactive exposure during her career. Pictured: 1984 100 francs, France, silver. Images courtesy of NGC. 

DAY TWO WINNER IS JUSTIN IRVINE

April 19 | Trivia Question #1: Among the most influential leaders in history, this empress came to power by overthrowing her own husband. Her 34-year reign is considered a golden era, with advances in medicine, education, economics, architecture and the arts. Considered an enlightened despot, she saw her empire become one of Europe's great powers. Name this 18th century leader, featured on these objects.

Answer: Catherine II, "The Great." Born in Prussia, she ruled the Russian Empire from 1762 to 1796. Pictured: 1766 gold 10 rubles and 1910 100 rubles. Images courtesy Heritage Auctions.

DAY ONE WINNER IS CHRISTOPHER BUJNOWSKI