Gender equality should be an "old hat," but it's still a pressing issue, even in progressive Europe, which remains far from achieving it. Recent debates around gender-neutral language often obscure the fact that equality is about much more than linguistic nuances or well-intentioned symbols. According to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, the gender pay gap between women and men per hour stood at 18 percent last year, marking the fourth consecutive year at that level. Even numismatics remains firmly in male hands. Skeptical? Visit any coin fair of your choice.
It's surprising that before the 2020s women have not emerged as an innovative theme in European numismatics. Several European nations have recently introduced commemorative coin series honoring remarkable women—a long-overdue gesture in an era when conservatives and progressives are dueling over the meaning of "woke." Or do these coin programs reveal a serious agenda? How should the theme be properly executed? Which figures should be highlighted, from
