The U.S. Mint has begun shipping quarters featuring the image of late American author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

With the program, the mint plans to issue 20 quarters over the next four years honouring women and their achievements in shaping American history.

Angelou published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning half a century.

Maya Angelou died in 2014 at the age of 86.