State Coin Collector

Oklahoma

2008-02-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 28, 2008

The first commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors Oklahoma, and is the 46th coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. Oklahoma, nicknamed the "Sooner State," was admitted into the Union on November 16, 1907, becoming our Nation’s 46th state.

The Oklahoma quarter features an image of the State bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher, in flight with its distinctive tail feathers spread. The bird is soaring over the State wildflower, the Indian Blanket, backed by a field of similar wildflowers. The coin’s design also bears the inscriptions "Oklahoma" and "1907."

The depiction of Indian Blanket (or Gaillardia) symbolizes the State’s rich Native American heritage and native long grass prairies that are abundant in wildlife. Oklahoma was formed by the combination of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory of the Five Civilized Tribes – Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee. The State’s name is derived from the Choctaw words "okla" and "homma," meaning "red" and "people."

The process to choose the coin’s reverse design began in February 2006. Citizens submitted more than 1,000 concepts for consideration. This eventually led to the creation of ten narratives based on these concepts. A vote by Oklahoma citizens narrowed the field to five, which were sent to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings, developed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engravers and artists in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, were then proposed to Oklahoma for a statewide vote. On April 30, 2007, Governor Brad Henry announced his recommendation of the State bird and wildflower design, based on the overwhelming number of citizen votes for this design.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. Four other designs were considered, including "Pioneer Woman and Child with Windmill and Oil Derrick," "Pioneer Woman and Child with State Outline and Oil Derrick," and two versions of "Pioneer Woman and Child with State Outline and Calumet."

New Mexico

2008-02-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

Release Date: March, 2008

The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors New Mexico, and is the 47th coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. New Mexico, nicknamed the "Land of Enchantment," was admitted into the Union on January 6, 1912, becoming our Nation’s 47th state. The reverse of New Mexico’s quarter features a Zia sun symbol over a topographical outline of the State with the inscription "Land of Enchantment." The coin also bears the inscriptions "New Mexico" and "1912."

The great influence of Native American cultures can be found throughout New Mexico. The Zia Pueblo believe the sun symbol represents the giver of all good, who gave gifts in groups of four. From the circle representing life and love without beginning or end, the four groups of four rays that emanate represent the four directions, the four seasons, the four phases of a day (sunrise, noon, evening, and night), and the four divisions of life (childhood, youth, middle years, and old age).

The New Mexico Coin Commission, appointed by Governor Bill Richardson, solicited and reviewed approximately 1,000 concept submissions from state citizens. The Commission then constructed four narrative concepts that represented the most popular elements submitted by the public and forwarded them to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings developed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engravers and artists participating in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program were then proposed to New Mexico for a final selection process. On April 24, 2007, Governor Richardson announced his recommendation of the "Zia Symbol over Topographical State Outline" design.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. The other three designs considered were "Zia Symbol over Textured State Outline," "Textured Zia Symbol over State Outline," and "Zia Symbol over Textured State Outline," with the Zia symbol marking the location of the capital, Santa Fe.

Arizona

2008-02-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Release Date: May, 2008

The third commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors Arizona, and is the 48th coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. Arizona was admitted into the Union on February 14, 1912, becoming our Nation’s 48th state, and the last in the continental United States.

The Arizona quarter features an image of the Grand Canyon with a Saguaro cactus in the foreground. A banner reading "Grand Canyon State" separates the two images to signify that the Saguaro cactus does not grow in the Grand Canyon. The coin also bears the inscriptions "Arizona" and "1912."

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon covers more than 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona. The Canyon, sculpted by the mighty Colorado River, is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 18 miles at its widest. It is home to numerous rare and threatened plant and animal species. The Grand Canyon joined the National Park system in 1919 and is visited by more than four million tourists a year.

The Arizona Quarter Commission, appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano, solicited design suggestions from across the State. The Commission narrowed down more than 4,200 ideas to five narratives, which were sent to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings, developed by Sculptor-Engravers of the United States Mint and artists in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, were then proposed to Arizona, and a statewide online vote was conducted. On May 1, 2007, Governor Napolitano announced her recommendation of the "Grand Canyon with Saguaro Cactus" design, based on the results of the online poll.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. The other design concepts considered during the final selection process were "Grand Canyon," featuring an overview of the Grand Canyon; "Grand Canyon with Saguaro Cacti," featuring the Saguaro cactus as the central design with the Grand Canyon in the background; "Powell’s Grand Canyon Expedition," depicting the John Wesley Powell expedition in a boat going through rapids; and "Navajo Code Talkers," depicting two Navajo Code Talkers using World War II field communication equipment.

Alaska

2008-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Release Date: August, 2008

The fourth quarter released by the United States Mint in 2008 commemorates the State of Alaska. It is the 49th coin to be issued in the Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state to be admitted into the Union. The reverse of the Alaska quarter features a grizzly bear emerging from the waters clutching a salmon in its jaw. The coin’s design includes the North Star displayed above the inscription "The Great Land" and the inscriptions "Alaska" and "1959."

The grizzly bear and salmon symbolize Alaska’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, with the bear representing strength and the salmon representing the nutrition that provides for this strength. The grizzly flourishes in Alaska and can be observed in places such as Denali and Katmai National Parks, Kodiak Island and Admiralty Island. More than 98 percent of the United States’ grizzly population is found in Alaska.

The word Alaska comes from the Aleutian word "Alyeska," meaning "The Great Land." Populated by Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts for centuries, Alaska was not explored by Europeans until 1741. Russia established a colony in Alaska to protect its lucrative fur-trading interests, but sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million, or two cents per acre, when it could no longer afford to maintain the colony. Although the purchase was derided by many in the United States at the time, its worth became apparent following late 19th century gold rushes and the discovery of oil in the mid-20th century.

The 11-member Alaska Commemorative Coin Commission, appointed by former Governor Frank Murkowski, invited Alaskans to submit design ideas for the Alaska quarter. From the 850-plus submissions, four concepts were forwarded to the United States Mint for consideration. These concepts were developed into design candidates by the United States Mint’s Sculptor-Engravers and artists in its Artistic Infusion Program. On April 26, 2007, Governor Sarah Palin announced her selection of the grizzly bear and salmon design following a statewide comment period.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. The other designs considered include "Polar Bear," featuring a polar bear with the inscription "Land of the Midnight Sun;" "Dog Musher with Denali (Mt. McKinley)," featuring a dog musher, Denali, and the Big Dipper; and "Gold Panner with Denali," depicting a gold panner with Denali in the background.

Hawaii

2008-02-15T15:12:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October, 2008

The fifth and final quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors the State of Hawaii, and is the 50th and last coin in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program. Hawaii, spelled "Hawai’i" in the Hawaiian language, is nicknamed "The Aloha State." It became the 50th state admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959. The release of this quarter signals the end of the ten-year 50 State Quarters Program.

The reverse of Hawaii’s quarter features Hawaiian monarch King Kamehameha I stretching his hand toward the eight major Hawaiian Islands. Inscriptions are the state motto "UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘AINA I KA PONO" ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), "Hawaii" and "1959."

King Kamehameha I is a revered figure in Hawaiian history. He unified the governance of the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in the early 1800s and navigated changes in Hawaii, while maintaining the native practices and traditional ways of island life. His "Law of the Splintered Paddle" guaranteed the protection of citizens from harm during war and became a landmark in humanitarian law. He is honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.

The 36-member Hawaii Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission, composed of leaders and students from around the State, invited citizens to submit themes for the coin’s design. From the 400 ideas it received, the Commission developed five narratives to send to the United States Mint for consideration. These narratives were developed into design candidates by the United States Mint’s Sculptor-Engravers and artists in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program. The designs were then proposed to the State, where an online poll was conducted to determine the citizens’ preference. More than 26,000 votes were cast. On April 23, 2007, Governor Linda Lingle announced her selection of the "Hawaii, the Island State" design featuring King Kamehameha I, which was the recommendation of the Commission and also the winning design of the online poll.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. Four other designs were considered, including "Hawaii – Diverse but Unified," an alternate design depicting the eight major Hawaiian Islands and King Kamehameha I; "Aloha Spirit," featuring a traditional female hula dancer; "Diamond Head," featuring the State’s iconic landmark; and "Surfing – Hawaii’s Gift to the World."

Utah

2008-02-15T15:11:00.001-08:00

Release Date: November 05, 2007

The fifth and final commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Utah, and is the 45th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Utah was admitted into the Union on January 4, 1896, becoming our Nation's 45th state. The reverse of Utah's quarter features two locomotives moving toward the golden spike that joined the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, linking East to West and transforming both the Utah Territory and the Nation with the inscription "Crossroads of the West." The coin also bears the inscriptions "Utah" and "1896."

On May 10, 1869, two steam locomotives met at Promontory, Utah, for the "Joining of the Rails Ceremony," at which the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads completed the transcontinental route. The event was crucial to the development of the American West because it made cross-country travel more convenient and economical. The construction of the railroad, and the subsequent mining boom, brought diverse ethnic and religious populations to Utah. The railroad also symbolized the changing technology, and moved Utah from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized one.

Even before the time of steam locomotives, Utah experienced a steady flow of explorers and pioneers. The Spaniards first came to explore Utah in the 18th century and were followed by mountain men, Mormons and prospectors in search of precious metals found in the 1860s. Because of its central location, Utah became known as the "Crossroads of the West."

The Utah Commemorative Quarter Commission invited narrative submissions from the citizens of Utah. The Commission received approximately 5,000 submissions and recommended three concepts to the United States Mint for rendering by the United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. More than 150,000 citizens voted in a 25-day statewide vote in April 2006. "Crossroads of the West" prevailed as the favorite design among voters. Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., announced the State's recommendation at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Promontory on May 10, 2006, the 137th anniversary of the Joining of the Rails.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 22, 2006. The two other design concepts considered were the "Beehive," featuring a beehive, part of the official seal and State emblem of Utah, symbolizing industry and working together for common purposes, and "Winter Sports," featuring a female snow boarder and celebrating Utah as a world-class winter sport destination and the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Wyoming

2008-02-15T15:10:00.001-08:00

Release Date: September 03, 2007

The fourth commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Wyoming, and is the 44th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Wyoming, nicknamed the "Equality State," was admitted into the Union on July 10, 1890, becoming our Nation's 44th state. The reverse of Wyoming's quarter features a bucking horse and rider with the inscriptions "The Equality State," "Wyoming" and "1890."

The bucking horse and rider symbolize Wyoming's Wild West heritage. "Buffalo Bill" Cody personified this in his traveling Wild West show. First settled by fur trappers, Fort Laramie, Wyoming, later became a popular destination for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail.

Wyoming was nicknamed the "Equality State" because of its historical role in establishing equal voting rights for women. Wyoming was the first territory to grant "female suffrage" and became the first state in the Nation to allow women to vote, serve on juries and hold public office. In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman elected Governor of Wyoming. In 1933, Ross became the first woman appointed as the Director of the United States Mint.

In 2004, Governor Dave Freudenthal formed the Wyoming Coinage Advisory Committee, which includes 13 Wyoming historians and other experts. The State invited citizens to submit narratives, and approximately 3,200 were accepted over a three-month period. Governor Freudenthal then recommended five concepts that were developed into design candidates by the United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. On May 12, 2006, Governor Freudenthal announced his recommendation of the bucking horse and rider design.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 22, 2006. Four other designs were considered, including "Bucking Horse and Rider with State Outline;" "Bucking Horse and Rider with Teton Range;" "Bucking Horse and Rider in typical Wyoming scene," depicting a horse and rider on a ranch; and "Yellowstone National Park — Old Faithful Geyser," featuring the famous geyser located in Yellowstone National Park.

Idaho

2008-02-15T15:09:00.002-08:00

Release Date: August 03, 2007

The third commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Idaho, and is the 43rd coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Idaho, nicknamed the "Gem State," was admitted into the Union on July 3, 1890, becoming our Nation's 43rd state. The reverse of Idaho's quarter features the Peregrine Falcon imposing its presence above an outline of the State of Idaho. The coin bears the inscriptions "Esto Perpetua" (the State motto which means, "May it be Forever"), "Idaho" and "1890."

The Peregrine Falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world. Once on the endangered species list, it can now be found throughout Idaho and the United States because of conservation efforts.

Five narratives were forwarded to the United States Mint, and they were rendered by United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. The corresponding design images were presented to Idaho, and then-Governor Dirk Kempthorne made the recommendation. Governor Kempthorne stated that the recommended design, the Peregrine Falcon, reflected Idahoans' traditional values and esteem for nature. This design was derived from one of many narratives submitted by Idaho residents to the Idaho Commission on the Arts.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 26, 2006. Two other designs were considered, including "Farmland Tapestry," showing the farmland of Idaho with its majestic timber-covered mountains rising above, and "State Song," featuring the outline of the State and lyrics.

On July 24, 2006, Governor Jim Risch and State Treasurer Ron Crane revealed to the public Idaho's quarter design.

Washington

2008-02-15T15:09:00.001-08:00

Release Date: April 02, 2007

The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Washington, and is the 42nd coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Washington, nicknamed the "Evergreen State," was admitted into the Union on November 11, 1889, becoming our Nation's 42nd state. The reverse of Washington's quarter features a king salmon breaching the water in front of majestic Mount Rainier. The coin bears the inscriptions "The Evergreen State," "Washington" and "1889."

Mount Rainier is an active volcano encased in more than 35 square miles of snow and glacial ice. It is the symbolic bridge between the eastern and western parts of the State. The salmon is another important symbol of Washington. It is a traditional image of Pacific Northwest culture, and this fish has provided nourishment for the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Newsman and real estate pioneer C.T. Conover nicknamed Washington the "Evergreen State" because of its many lush evergreen forests.

In April 2005, Governor Chris Gregoire established the Washington State Quarter Advisory Commission to help guide the quarter selection process. The Commission requested that residents submit design narratives representing various Washington themes. The Commission received more than 1,500 suggestions and chose five narratives to pass on to the United States Mint. United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program created the corresponding design images. The residents of Washington participated in a statewide vote in April 2006, in which more than 130,000 votes were cast. On May 4, 2006, Governor Gregoire announced Washington's recommendation at Centennial Elementary School in Olympia, Washington. Governor Gregoire's recommendation, a king salmon breaching the water in front of Mount Rainier, received the majority of votes cast in the statewide poll.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 22, 2006. The two other designs considered during the statewide vote were a design depicting a salmon, Mount Rainier and an apple within an outline of Washington State, and a Northwest Native American-stylized orca.

Montana

2008-02-15T15:08:00.001-08:00

Release Date: January 29, 2007

The first commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Montana, and is the 41st coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Montana, nicknamed "Big Sky Country," was admitted into the Union on November 8, 1889, becoming our Nation's 41st state. The reverse of Montana's quarter features a bison skull depicted above the diverse Montana landscape with the inscription "Big Sky Country." The coin also bears the inscriptions "Montana" and "1889."

The bison skull is a powerful symbol, sacred to many of Montana's American Indian tribes. This symbol can be seen across the State on schools, businesses and license plates, and reflects the rich native tradition of Montana, which was once home to large tribes such as the Crow and the Northern Cheyenne. After a visit from Lewis and Clark, Montana became a destination first for fur trappers and later for gold prospectors following the discovery of gold in the 1860s. Cattle ranchers also made their way west to Montana. This rapid growth in population led to boomtowns. The nickname "Big Sky Country" reminds residents of Montana's open lands and pioneering way.

The recommended design was chosen based on feedback from the Montana Quarter Design Selection Commission, which was created by Governor Brian Schweitzer, and a subsequent public vote. United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists participating in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program rendered the "Bison Skull" design and three others submitted to Governor Schweitzer. The designs were based on narratives submitted by Montana residents.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 22, 2006. The other three designs considered were "Bull Elk," featuring a bull elk posed majestically on a rugged rock formation; "State Outline," showing mountains tapering to the eastern Montana plains; and "Big Sky with River," prominently featuring Montana's big sky with a river emerging from a mountain range.

South Dakota

2008-02-15T15:07:00.001-08:00

Release Date: November 06, 2006

The fifth and final commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2006 honors South Dakota, the "Mount Rushmore State," and is the 40th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Admitted into the Union on November 2, 1889, South Dakota became the Nation's 40th state. The release of this quarter signals the end of the eighth year of the 50 State Quarters Program.

The South Dakota quarter features an image of the State bird, a Chinese ring-necked pheasant, in flight above a depiction of the Mount Rushmore National Monument, featuring the faces of four American Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The design is bordered by heads of wheat. The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "South Dakota" and "1889."

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began drilling into Mount Rushmore, the 5,725-foot peak rising above Harney National Forest, in 1927. Creation of the "Shrine of Democracy" took 14 years and cost approximately $1 million, though it is now deemed priceless.

The South Dakota Quarter Advisory Committee began accepting ideas from the citizens of South Dakota via telephone, letters and e-mail. A group of five possible narratives was agreed upon and forwarded to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings, developed by the sculptor-engravers of the United States Mint and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program, were returned to South Dakota, and a statewide vote was conducted. On April 27, 2005, South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds announced his recommendation of the "Mount Rushmore and Pheasant" design, echoing the choice of those who participated in the statewide vote.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 28, 2005. The other design concepts considered during the final selection process were "Mount Rushmore National Monument," featuring a three-quarter view of the famous mountain carving; "American Bison," depicting the classic animal symbol of the west; "Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant," featuring an image of the state bird in flight; and "Mount Rushmore and Bison," which placed an American bison in the foreground and Mount Rushmore in the background.

North Dakota

2008-02-15T15:06:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 28, 2006

The fourth commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2006 honors North Dakota, and is the 39th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. On November 2, 1889, North Dakota was admitted into the Union, becoming our Nation's 39th state. The North Dakota quarter depicts a pair of grazing American bison in the foreground with a sunset view of the rugged buttes and canyons that help define the State's Badlands region in the background. The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "North Dakota" and "1889."

President Theodore Roosevelt founded the United States Forest Service and signed the Antiquities Act in 1906, which was designed to preserve and protect unspoiled places such as his beloved North Dakota Badlands, now known as Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Herds of American Bison thundered across the Badlands through the 1860s. The park is now home to more than 400 wild buffalo, an animal once on the brink of extinction.

The North Dakota Quarter Design Selection Process was launched by Governor John Hoeven on April 14, 2004, when the State's nine-member commission was announced. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple, the commission invited North Dakotans of all ages to submit narratives of 50 words or less. After reviewing thousands of suggestions, the commission recommended three narratives for design development: Agriculture, Landscape and Badlands. Candidate designs were developed by the sculptor-engravers of the United States Mint and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program and returned to North Dakota. On June 3, 2005, Governor Hoeven recommended the "Badlands with Bison" design for the North Dakota commemorative quarter-dollar.

The Department of the Treasury approved the design on July 20, 2005. One of the two other design concepts considered during the final selection process was "Agriculture," the predominant industry in the State. This design included an aerial view of a modern farm with bountiful fields under an open sky. The other finalist, "Landscape," featured migrating waterfowl and the sun breaking through clouds over a vast, sweeping landscape scene.

Colorado

2008-02-15T15:05:00.001-08:00

Release Date: June 14, 2006

The third commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2006 honors Colorado, and is the 38th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. The Colorado quarter depicts a sweeping view of the state's rugged Rocky Mountains with evergreen trees and a banner carrying the inscription "Colorful Colorado." The coin also bears the inscriptions "Colorado" and "1876."

Colorado's Rocky Mountains are home to some of the Nation's most majestic natural wonders. Among these, rising approximately 10,000 feet from the valley floor in Northwest Colorado, Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, and is home to more than 200 lakes and many miles of scenic hiking trails.

Colorado was admitted into the Union on August 1, 1876, becoming our Nation's 38th state. With statehood gained less than one month after the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Colorado is nicknamed the "Centennial State."

The Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission was formed by an Executive Order issued by Governor Bill Owens. Colorado First Lady Frances Owens served as Commission Chair, and design narratives were accepted from citizens. From more than 1,500 submissions accepted by the Commission, five concepts were forwarded to the United States Mint.

The sculptor-engravers of the United States Mint and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program developed the candidate designs from the narratives provided, and the designs were returned to Colorado in May 2005. On May 31, 2005, Governor Owens announced "Colorful Colorado" as his recommendation for the Colorado commemorative quarter-dollar. The Department of the Treasury approved the design on July 20, 2005.

The four other design concepts considered during the final selection process were "Mesa Verde," featuring Mesa Verde National Park with cliff dwellings; "10th Mountain Division Birthplace," depicting a soldier/skier of the famed United States Army Division that originated in Colorado; "The Centennial State," which features a stylized letter "C" entwined with a mountain columbine flower; and the Rocky Mountains and "Pikes Peak," featuring the gold rush slogan "Pikes Peak or Bust" and a prospector's pick and shovel.

Nebraska

2008-02-15T15:04:00.001-08:00

Release Date: April 03, 2006

The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2006 honors Nebraska, and is the 37th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Nebraska, nicknamed the "Cornhusker State," was admitted into the Union on March 1, 1867, becoming our Nation's 37th state. Nebraska's quarter depicts an ox-drawn covered wagon carrying pioneers in the foreground and Chimney Rock, the natural wonder that rises from the valley of North Platte River, measuring 445 feet from base to tip. The sun is in full view behind the wagon. The coin also bears the inscriptions "Nebraska," "Chimney Rock" and "1867."

Chimney Rock was designated a National Historic Site on August 9, 1956, and is maintained and operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society.

Practically anywhere travelers go in Nebraska they will encounter reminders of America's westward expansion. The state is crisscrossed by the Oregon and Mormon Trails, the Pony Express, the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Texas-Ogallala Trail and the Sidney-Deadwood Trail.

The Nebraska State Quarter Design Committee accepted nearly 6,500 quarter design ideas from citizens. Four of these were forwarded to the United States Mint and were used as the basis for narrative designs that were created by United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman announced his recommendation of "Chimney Rock" on June 1, 2005. The Department of the Treasury approved the design on July 20, 2005.

The three other design concepts considered during the final selection process were "The Capitol," featuring a rendition of the architecturally striking State Capitol in Lincoln; "The Sower," depicting the figure that stands atop the Nebraska Capitol, representing Nebraska's standing as an agricultural leader; and "Chief Standing Bear," paying tribute to the Ponca Indian Chief.

Nevada

2008-02-15T15:03:00.001-08:00

Release Date: January 31, 2006

The first commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2006 honors Nevada, and is the 36th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. Nevada, nicknamed "The Silver State," was admitted into the Union on October 31, 1864, becoming our Nation's 36th state. Nevada's quarter depicts a trio of wild mustangs, the sun rising behind snow-capped mountains, bordered by sagebrush and a banner that reads "The Silver State." The coin also bears the inscriptions "Nevada" and "1864."

Nevada became a territory in 1861, several years after a Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War discovered gold and silver in the area of Virginia City. This discovery would later be referred to as one of the greatest mineral discoveries, famously known as the Comstock Lode.

Nevada is home to more than 50 percent of the Nation's wild horses. The wild horses dominate the Great Basin in the vast deserts and the more than 150 mountain ranges. The first mention of wild horses was discovered in several journals dating to the 1820s.

On behalf of Governor Kenny Guinn and State Treasurer Brian K. Krolicki, the Nevada State Quarter Commission accepted design concepts from the public in the summer of 2004. The 18-member Commission reviewed all submissions, and forwarded five recommendations to the United States Mint. The corresponding design images were created by United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. The citizens of Nevada voted on the designs. More than 60,000 votes were cast, and the people of Nevada favored the galloping horses design, "The Silver State."

On July 20, 2005, the Department of the Treasury approved the design of three galloping wild horses, sagebrush, the sun rising behind snow-capped mountains and the State's nickname, "The Silver State," inside a banner. The four other design concepts considered during the state-wide vote were " Nevada's Early Heritage," featuring a petroglyph and native artifacts; "Silver Miner," with a miner holding a pick axe in front of a Comstock mine; "Nevada Wilderness," featuring an image of a Big Horn Sheep above snow-capped mountains; and "Battle Born Nevada," featuring a pair of crossed pick axes fronted by a stylized star, representing Nevada's entry into the Union.

West Virginia

2008-02-15T15:02:00.003-08:00

Release Date: October 14, 2005

The fifth and final quarter to be released in 2005 commemorates the State of West Virginia. On June 20, 1863, the "Mountain State" became the 35th state to be admitted into the Union, making this the 35th coin to be issued in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program. This coin captures the scenic beauty of the State with its depiction of the New River and the New River Gorge Bridge. The coin bears the inscription "New River Gorge."

Prior to gaining statehood, the area that is now West Virginia formed the western part of Virginia. Settlers in the western part of the "Old Dominion" began their efforts to join the federal Union when Virginia announced its secession in 1861. In the western part of the State, the Restored Government of Virginia in Wheeling drafted a state constitution in 1862. The new state called West Virginia applied to Congress for admission into the Union. Congress approved the request with one condition, that the new state abolish slavery. President Lincoln signed the West Virginia statehood bill and on June 20, 1863, West Virginia officially became the 35th state to be admitted into the Union.

The design chosen to represent West Virginia is one that combines the natural physical beauty of the State and the triumph of the human intellect exemplified by the engineering wonder that is the New River Gorge Bridge. At 3,030 feet long and 69 feet wide, the bridge is the world’s largest steel span and the second highest bridge in the United States, rising 876 feet above the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. In 1978, 53 miles of the New River was added to the National Park System as the New River Gorge National River.

For years, crossing the New River Gorge meant long detours along narrow, winding mountain roads. The completion of the bridge in 1977 reduced this dangerous 40-minute trip to a smooth and scenic one-minute drive.

On March 31, 2004, West Virginia Governor Bob Wise announced his selection of the New River Gorge as the design he would submit to Treasury for final approval. The Department of Treasury approved the design on May 4, 2004. More than 1,800 design concepts were submitted from around the State, and students from the Governor’s School for the Arts narrowed the field to five finalists. Other designs considered included "Appalachian Warmth," "Bridge Day / New River Gorge," "River Rafters," and "Mother’s Day / Anna Jarvis."

Kansas

2008-02-15T15:02:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 29, 2005

The fourth quarter to be released in 2005 commemorates the State of Kansas. On January 29, 1861, the "Sunflower State" became the 34th state to be admitted into the Union. Kansas marks the 34th coin to be issued in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program, and features a buffalo and sunflower motif, emblematic of the State’s history and natural beauty.

The Kansas commemorative quarter incorporates two of the State’s most beloved symbols, the state animal and flower, the buffalo and the sunflower. Each of these two design elements is a visual reminder of our Nation’s heartland. They feature prominently in the history of the territory, and both were found in abundance throughout the State in the middle of the 19th century when Kansas gained its statehood. With its release in the Fall of 2005, it is the second United States circulating coin of 2005 to carry an image of the buffalo.

In June of 2003, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the creation of the 16-member Kansas Commemorative Coin Commission to narrow the search for Kansas’ quarter design to four finalists. The winning design was then recommended by the State’s high school students in a statewide vote held in the Spring of 2004. In addition to the winning design, the other finalists included an image of the statue that sits atop the State Capitol – an American Indian archer aiming his bow skyward, toward the North Star, an image of a sunflower with wheat, and a design that featured a single sunflower. The Department of Treasury approved the "Buffalo and Sunflower" design on July 13, 2004.

Oregon

2008-02-15T15:01:00.001-08:00

Release Date: June 06, 2005

The State of Oregon is honored with the third quarter to be released in 2005, and the 33rd in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state to be admitted into the Union. Its coin design features a portion of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, viewed from the south-southwest rim. The design incorporates Wizard Island, as well as Watchman and Hillman Peaks on the lake’s rim and conifers. The coin bears the inscription "Crater Lake."

Crater Lake is a unique and stunning natural treasure, formed more than 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mt. Mazama in what is now southern Oregon. At 1,949 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world, and has a record clarity depth of 134 feet. The main cause of Crater Lake’s remarkable clarity is its isolation from incoming streams and rivers.

President Theodore Roosevelt established Crater Lake National Park in 1902, with the lake itself as the Park’s crown jewel. It is the sixth oldest national park in the country. Since its creation, Crater Lake National Park has helped protect both the Native American cultural ties to the area and the natural habitat of the animal and plant life that lies within its boundaries.

On May 24, 2004, Governor Ted Kulongoski endorsed the recommendation of the 18-member Oregon Commemorative Coin Commission by forwarding the Crater Lake design to the United States Mint. Other themes considered by the Commission and the Governor included an historical theme featuring the Oregon Trail, Mt. Hood with the Columbia River, and a wild Chinook salmon. The Department of Treasury approved the "Crater Lake" design on July 13, 2004.

Minnesota

2008-02-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

Release Date: April 04, 2005

The second quarter to be released in 2005 commemorates the State of Minnesota, "Land of 10,000 Lakes." On May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state admitted into the Union, and as such, it is the 32nd coin to be issued in the United States Mint's popular 50 State Quarters® Program. The design features a tree-lined lake with two people fishing, a loon on the water, and a textured outline of the State surrounding its nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

The "Land of 10,000 Lakes" actually contains more than 15,000 such bodies of water whose total shoreline exceeds 90,000 miles - more than California, Hawaii and Florida combined. Equally renowned as the home of the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, the name Minnesota is derived from the Dakota Sioux word for "cloudy water."

The natural beauty of Minnesota is vividly depicted on the reverse of this new quarter-dollar. Lined with Norway Pine, many of the lakes throughout the State offer much in the way of outdoor recreation, as well as providing a home for the graceful loon, Minnesota's state bird. Minnesota is also home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This one- million acre wilderness area was established by Congress in 1978, and contains more than 1,500 miles of canoe routes and nearly 2,200 designated campsites.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the winning design at the 2004 Governor's Fishing Opener. By selecting the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" design, Governor Pawlenty chose the design recommended to him by the Minnesota State Quarter Commission. Other designs considered were "State with Symbols" including the State outline, snowflake, loon and plow, and "Mississippi River Headwaters" and "Fisherman/Lake Recreation." The Department of Treasury approved the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" design on June 15, 2004.

California

2008-02-15T14:59:00.001-08:00

Release Date: January 31, 2005

The first quarter released in 2005 honors California, and is the 31st in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. California was admitted into the Union on September 9, 1850, becoming our Nation’s 31st State. Nicknamed the "Golden State," California’s quarter depicts naturalist and conservationist John Muir admiring Yosemite Valley’s monolithic granite headwall known as "Half Dome" and also contains a soaring California condor. The coin bears the inscriptions "California," "John Muir," "Yosemite Valley" and "1850."

In 1849, the year before California gained statehood, the family of 11-year-old John Muir emigrated from Scotland to the United States, settling in Wisconsin. In 1868, at the age of 30, Muir sailed up the West Coast and landed in San Francisco. He made his home in the Yosemite Valley, describing the Sierra Nevada Mountains as "the Range of Light… the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I have seen." He devoted the rest of his life to the conservation of natural beauty, publishing more than 300 articles and 10 books that expanded his naturalist philosophy.

In 1890, Congress established Yosemite National Park, and in 1892 John Muir helped form the Sierra Club to protect it, serving as that organization’s President until his death in 1914.

The California condor, with a wingspan as long as nine feet, is also featured on the coin in a tribute to the successful repopulation of the once nearly extinct bird.

The 20-member California State Quarter Commission was formed to solicit design concepts from California citizens and to review all submissions. The Commission forwarded 20 design concepts to Governor Gray Davis’s office for further consideration. From these, five were chosen as finalists and sent for final review to the United States Mint. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger chose the final selection from this group of five. The four other design concepts considered included "Waves and Sun," "Gold Miner," "Golden Gate Bridge," and the "Giant Sequoia" design. The Department of Treasury approved the "John Muir/Yosemite Valley" design on April 15, 2004.

Wisconsin

2008-02-15T14:58:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October 25, 2004

The Wisconsin quarter is the fifth of 2004, and the 30th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted into the Union. The Wisconsin design depicts an agricultural theme featuring a cow, a round of cheese and an ear of corn. The design also bears an inscription of the State motto, "Forward."

Wisconsin adopted the State motto, "Forward," in 1851, reflecting Wisconsin's continuous drive to be a national leader. Wisconsin is considered "America's Dairy Land" with production of over 15 percent of the Nation's milk. Wisconsin also produces over 350 different varieties, types and styles of award-winning cheeses – more than any other state. There are approximately 17,000 dairy farms, with just over one million cows that produce an average of 17,306 gallons of milk each, per year.

Wisconsin is also a major corn-growing state. In 2002, Wisconsin led the Nation in corn silage production and, with 391.5 million bushels produced, it ranked fifth in the production of corn for grain (shelled corn). State corn production contributed $882.4 million to the Wisconsin economy in 2003. Wisconsin is also a leading supplier of mint.

In December 2001, Governor Scott McCallum appointed 23 people to the Wisconsin Commemorative Quarter Council to review and recommend candidate design themes. The state received over 9,600 suggestions, and the Council narrowed the concepts to six. After a statewide vote, Governor McCallum submitted three design concepts to the United States Mint - "Scenic Wisconsin, " "Agriculture/Dairy/Barns " and "Early Exploration and Cultural Interaction. " In 2003, Governor Jim Doyle coordinated a statewide vote to select the final design, in which the "Agriculture/Dairy/Barns " design was the popular choice. This design was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on October 9, 2003.

Iowa

2008-02-15T14:57:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 30, 2004

The Iowa quarter is the fourth of 2004, and the 29th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted into the Union. The Iowa quarter design features a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree, and the inscriptions "Foundation in Education" and "Grant Wood." The design is based on "Arbor Day," a painting by Grant Wood, who was born near Anamosa, Iowa. He spent his career as a proponent of small-town values, which he celebrated in the iconic images of small-town plain folk and verdant Midwestern vistas for which he is world-renowned.

Iowans have had a commitment to education since the State's earliest days. When Iowa became a state in 1846, it already had a number of rural country schools in each of its counties. Iowa established its first high school in the 1850s, although high schools generally did not become widespread in the United States until after 1900. Private and public colleges also quickly took root in the new State.

Although Iowa has long been a leader in agriculture, the State is unique in that it is the only one whose east and west borders are completely formed by rivers - the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

In May 2002, Governor Thomas J. Vilsack established the 16-member Iowa Quarter Commission, which worked with libraries, banks and credit unions to solicit ideas and concepts for the state quarter design. The Commission received nearly 2,000 submissions, which were narrowed to five candidate themes, including "American Gothic," "Foundation in Education," "Feeding the World," "Sullivan Brothers," and "Beautiful Land."

In July 2003, the United States Mint forwarded five approved candidate designs to Governor Vilsack for final recommendation. Three designs were emblematic of the "Feeding the World" theme, and the other two represented the "Young Corn" and "Foundation in Education" concepts. Governor Vilsack chose the "Foundation in Education" design, which was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on August 26, 2003.

Texas

2008-02-15T14:56:00.001-08:00

Release Date: June 01, 2004

The Texas quarter is the third quarter of 2004, and the 28th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted into the Union. The quarter's reverse design incorporates an outline of the State with a star superimposed on the outline and the inscription, "The Lone Star State." The lariat encircling the design is symbolic of the cattle and cowboy history of Texas, as well as the frontier spirit that tamed the land.

Texas comes from the Indian word "tejas," meaning friends or allies, and appropriately Texas's motto is "Friendship." Probably the two most recognized symbols of Texas are its unique shape and the lone star that is represented on the State flag. The Texas flag design was approved in 1839 to symbolize the Republic of Texas and was adopted as the State flag in 1845. The simple design of a lone star and three bold stripes of red, white and blue represent bravery, purity and loyalty, respectively. Texas is the only state to have had six different flags fly over its land -- Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America and the United States of America.

On August 14, 2000, Governor George W. Bush appointed the 15-member Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee. The Committee authorized the Texas Numismatic Association to conduct a statewide design contest on its behalf. Nearly 2,600 candidate design concepts were submitted in response to a statewide contest. From those design concepts, 17 finalists were selected by the Texas Numismatic Association and presented to the Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee for review. The Committee further narrowed the submissions to the five designs that were most representative and emblematic of the State. Governor Rick Perry submitted the preferred design of the outline of Texas beneath the Lone Star and encircled by a lariat, which was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on August 26, 2003.

Florida

2008-02-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Release Date: March 29, 2004

The Florida quarter is the second of 2004, and the 27th in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state to be admitted into the Union.

The design incorporates a 16th-century Spanish galleon, a space shuttle and the inscription "Gateway to Discovery." A strip of land with Sabal palm trees is also depicted.

On Easter in 1513, while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon named the region "Pascua Florida," meaning "Flowery Easter." In 1539, Hernando de Soto and other explorers continued the exploration of the New World through the region.

Florida, home to the Kennedy Space Center, has been the starting point for most of the modern era’s most significant scientific space expeditions – from Man’s first moon landing to the Voyager probe currently exploring deep space outside our solar system. From 16th-century Spanish galleons to 21st-century space exploration, Florida has played a continuing role in humanity’s quest for knowledge and discovery. With the highest average temperature of any state, and the second longest shoreline, Florida is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

On April 9, 2002, Governor Jeb Bush appointed a nine-person Florida Commemorative Quarter Committee. In May 2002, the Committee reviewed over 1,500 design concepts and narrowed the candidates to 25. The Committee met again in June 2002 and selected 10 candidate design concepts to forward to Governor Bush, who selected five concepts – including "The Everglades," "Gateway to Discovery," "Fishing Capital of the World," "St. Augustine," and "America’s Spaceport." In a three-week public vote, Floridians chose "Gateway to Discovery" as the winning design.

Michigan

2008-02-15T14:54:00.002-08:00

Release Date: January 26, 2004

The Michigan quarter is the first of 2004, and the 26th in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. On January 26, 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to be admitted into the Union. The Michigan quarter depicts the outline of the State and the Great Lakes system. The quarter is inscribed "Great Lakes State."

As indicated by the State's nickname, much of Michigan's history is tied to the Great Lakes - Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. These are five of the world's largest lakes that, together, encompass more than 38,000 square miles and form the largest body of fresh water in the world. Michigan is the only State that borders four of the five Great Lakes, more than any other state. Standing anywhere in the State, a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes. To assist in navigating, Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights.

On November 28, 2001, Governor John Engler established the 25-member Michigan Quarter Commission. The Commission members consisted of individuals from the fields of education, art, history, and numismatics. The Commission solicited recommendations for design concepts from the residents of the State and received over 4,300 suggestions. The Commission narrowed the entries down to five candidate concepts that were approved by Governor Engler, and forwarded them to the United States Mint on May 10, 2002. Other design concepts considered included "Michigan State Outline, with Great Lakes and State Icons," "Michigan State Outline, with Great Lakes and the Mackinac Bridge," "Michigan State Outline, with the Mackinac Bridge and Automobile," and "Michigan State Outline, with Great Lakes and Automobile."

In September 2003, following a consultation with the Michigan Quarter Commission, Governor Jennifer Granholm selected the Great Lakes design.

Arkansas

2008-02-15T14:54:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October 20, 2003

The Arkansas quarter is the fifth and final quarter of 2003, and the 25th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. Arkansas was admitted into the Union on June 15, 1836. Arkansas was acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and later became the Arkansas Territory before gaining statehood. The Arkansas quarter design bears the image of rice stalks, a diamond and a mallard gracefully flying above a lake.

It is fitting that the "Natural State," Arkansas's official nickname, chose images of natural resources. Arkansas has an abundance of clear streams, rivers and lakes. In fact, Arkansas has more than 600,000 acres of natural lakes. Arkansas is also known for its sportsmanship and boasts mallard hunting as a main attraction for hunters across the nation. Visitors to Arkansas can search Crater of Diamonds State Park for precious gems including, of course, diamonds. The mine at Crater of Diamonds State Park reportedly is the oldest diamond mine in North America, and the only one in the United States open to the public-visitors get to keep what they find. Visitors can also experience "Rice Fever" in Arkansas-just the way W.H. Fuller did when he grew the first commercially successful rice crop in Arkansas. Soon after, thousands of acres of the Grand Prairie were changed to cultivate rice, and Arkansas became the leading producer of the grain in the United States.

In January 2001, Governor Mike Huckabee announced the Arkansas Quarter Challenge as a statewide competition. A two-week media tour promoting the Challenge resulted in 9,320 entries. After several rounds of elimination, the Governor forwarded three concepts to the United States Mint, including Arkansas' natural resources and the State Capitol building. The United States Mint provided four candidate designs based on the concepts to the Governor from which he chose the natural resources design.

Missouri

2008-02-15T14:53:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 04, 2003

The Missouri quarter is the fourth quarter of 2003, and the 24th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821, as a part of the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri quarter depicts Lewis and Clark’s historic return to St. Louis down the Missouri River, with the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch) in the background. The quarter is inscribed "Corps of Discovery 1804-2004."

While much of the state’s history is tied to the mighty rivers that flow through it, the "Show Me State" got its nickname because of the devotion of its people to simple common sense. In 1899, Rep. Willard D. Vandiver said, "Frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I'm from Missouri. You've got to show me." It is easy to imagine President Thomas Jefferson saying "show me" as he sent Lewis and Clark forth on their trek into the uncharted Louisiana Purchase territory. Their 8,000-mile journey westward and back, which some claim was the greatest U.S. military expedition ever, began in St. Charles, Missouri -- just 20 miles west of St. Louis -- in 1804 and ended when they returned to St. Louis, Missouri in 1806.

In February 2001, Governor Bob Holden announced the selection of the Missouri Commemorative Quarter Design Committee and requested statewide design submissions. During the month of March, the state received more than 3,000 concept submissions. The Missouri Commemorative Design Committee, composed of a team of experts, selected twelve finalists. The twelve finalists were presented to the public, who chose five concepts to forward to the United States Mint. The concepts included representations of the Pony Express, the nation’s westward expansion, Lewis and Clark, and a riverboat. From the candidate designs that the United States Mint returned to Governor Holden, "Corps of Discovery 1804-2004" was chosen by an online vote.

Maine

2008-02-15T14:52:00.001-08:00

Release Date: June 02, 2003

The Maine quarter is the third quarter of 2003, and the 23rd in the 50 State Quarters® Program. Maine became the 23rd state to be admitted into the Union, as part of the Missouri Compromise on March 15, 1820. The Maine quarter design incorporates a rendition of the Pemaquid Point Light atop a granite coast and of a schooner at sea.

Pemaquid Point Light is located in New Harbor, and marks the entrance to Muscongus Bay and Johns Bay. Since the beginning of ship activity in the area, a shoal created hazardous navigation conditions, causing many shipwrecks. As maritime trade increased in the area, so did the need for a lighthouse. In 1826, Congress appropriated funds to build a lighthouse at Pemaquid Point. Although the original building was replaced in 1835, and the original 10 lamps in 1856, the light is still a beacon for ships and remains one of Maine's most popular tourist attractions. The schooner resembles "Victory Chimes, " the last three-masted schooner of the Windjammer Fleet. "Victory Chimes" has become synonymous with Maine windjamming.

In March 2001, Governor Angus King established the Commission on the Maine State Quarter Design. The Commission reviewed many concepts before choosing three to forward to the Governor for recommendation. Governor King added a fourth concept to the three concepts the Commission recommended and forwarded them to the United States Mint. The United States Mint then returned four candidate designs based on the concepts. They included "Nation's First Light," "Where America's Day Begins," Mt. Katahdin, and the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point. The Pemaquid Point Light design was chosen by popular vote, with over 100,000 Maine residents participating.

Alabama

2008-02-15T14:51:00.001-08:00

Release Date: March 17, 2003

The Alabama quarter is the second quarter of 2003, and the 22nd in the 50 State Quarters® Program. Alabama became the 22nd state to be admitted into the Union on December 14, 1819. The Alabama quarter design features an image of Helen Keller with her name in English, and in a reduced-size version of braille. The Alabama quarter is the first U.S. circulating coin to feature braille. An Alabama long leaf pine branch and magnolias grace the sides of the design, and a "Spirit of Courage" banner underlines the central image.

Helen Keller was born at "Ivy Green" in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880. When she was a small child, an illness destroyed her sight and hearing and, consequently, depriving her of the senses by which we normally learn to speak. Despite her disabilities, Helen Keller learned to speak and read using the raised and manual alphabets, as well as Braille. Miss Keller also graduated with honors, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe. She went on to publish numerous books, articles and essays. Helen Keller lived out her life addressing social issues for disabled persons and women. Every year at "Ivy Green," a weeklong celebration is held to commemorate her lifetime of accomplishments and her "Spirit of Courage."

In January 2001, Governor Don Siegelman announced a statewide competition for Alabama schools to submit concepts for the Alabama quarter. Of the thousands of concepts submitted, Governor Siegelman forwarded three to the United States Mint: Helen Keller, Alabama's role in social movements, and Alabama's social and economic history. The United States Mint returned five candidate designs to the Governor's office where the final selection of Helen Keller, "Spirit of Courage," was made.

Illinois

2008-02-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 02, 2003

The Illinois quarter is the first quarter of 2003, and the 21st in the 50 State Quarters® Program. The Illinois quarter design depicts a young Abraham Lincoln within the outline of the state. A farm scene and the Chicago skyline appear on the left and to the right of the state's outline. Twenty-one stars border the coin, signifying Illinois as the 21st state to be admitted into the Union on December 3, 1818.

"The Prairie State," also commonly known as the "Land of Lincoln," pays tribute to our nation's 16th president. The young Lincoln lived and practiced law in Springfield before becoming one of our nation's greatest leaders. President Lincoln's historic home, burial site and new presidential library are all located in the Springfield area.

In January 2001, Governor George Ryan announced the Governor's Classroom Contest to solicit ideas from school children and begin an open period for public input on the state's quarter design. The state received more than 6,000 submissions, approximately 5,700 of which were from school children. Governor Ryan named a 14-member committee to review the submissions and to suggest three to five concepts to be forwarded to the United States Mint. The state chose three concepts: Illinois history, agriculture and industry, and state symbols. The United States Mint returned five designs based on the concepts for final selection by the Governor. The final design, "Land of Lincoln-21st State/Century," represents the history and future of Illinois.

Mississippi

2008-02-15T14:49:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October 15, 2002

The Mississippi quarter, the fifth and last quarter of 2002 and 20th in the series, showcases the beauty and elegance of the state flower, combining the blossoms and leaves of two magnolias with the inscription "The Magnolia State."

Although there are several varieties of magnolia found throughout the world, it is the southern magnolia, or Magnolia grandiflora, that is native to the southeastern United States. Boasting large, showy white flowers as big as 15 inches across, they are named for the famed 18th century French botanist Pierre Magnol. Mississippi adopted it as the state flower in 1952.

In 1900, when Mississippi schoolchildren were asked to vote for a state flower, they selected the magnolia over a group that included cape jasmine, yellow jasmine and cotton. The selection remained unofficial, however, as the legislature did not act on the result. A similar election for state tree in 1935 gave the magnolia a landslide victory, one that was made official on April 1, 1938. On February 26, 1952, the Mississippi legislature finally adopted the magnolia as the state flower, opposed by only one vote.

In response to the United States Mint's request for design concepts for the Mississippi quarter, Governor Ronnie Musgrove submitted three concepts on June 22, 2000, a Magnolia flower with a branch, a Mockingbird and "Mississippi - The Magnolia State."

The United States Mint provided Governor Musgrove with three candidate designs from which he chose "The Magnolia State" on July 3, 2001.

Indiana

2008-02-15T14:48:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 02, 2002

The Indiana quarter, the fourth quarter of 2002 and nineteenth in the series, represents the state pride in the famous Indianapolis 500 race. The design features the image of a racecar superimposed on an outline of the state with the inscription "Crossroads of America." The design also includes 19 stars signifying Indiana as the 19th state admitted into the Union.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.5 mile track built in 1909 for automotive research purposes. While the track was and is used for research, it is best known for hosting auto races, most famously, the Indy 500. The oldest auto race in the world, the Indy 500 has been run every year since 1911, except during the two World Wars. The winner of the first Indy 500 was Ray Harroun whose car, the Marmon Wasp, is thought to have been the first to have a single seat and to use a rearview mirror. In the time since Harroun's victory, the Indy 500 has become an international event, synonymous with auto racing.

The First Lady of Indiana, Judy O'Bannon, requested design concept submissions for the Indiana quarter at the Indiana State Fair on August 17, 1999. From the 3,736 submissions it received, the Indiana Quarter Design Committee narrowed the field to 17 semi-finalists and asked Indiana residents to vote for their favorites. The Committee received nearly 160,000 votes and submitted four candidate concepts to the United States Mint, including sports icons, state symbols and Chief Little Turtle, generally considered the last chief of the Miami Indians.

The Mint sent Governor O'Bannon four candidate designs on June 26, 2001. Through a July 18, 2001, letter, Governor O'Bannon indicated his selection of the "Crossroads of America."

Louisiana

2008-02-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Release Date: May 20, 2002

The Louisiana quarter, the third quarter of 2002 and eighteenth in the series, displays the image of Louisiana's state bird -- the pelican, a trumpet with musical notes, and the outline of the Louisiana Purchase territory, along with the inscription &quotLouisiana Purchase."

Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803 for $15 million. Dubbed the "greatest real estate deal in history" the Louisiana Purchase added thirteen new states to the Union, nearly doubling its size and making it one of the largest countries in the world.

The trumpet on the coin is a tribute to the state's heritage of jazz music, a genre heard and played by millions of enthusiasts around the globe. Jazz was born in New Orleans over a hundred years ago, a combination of elements from blues, ragtime, and marching band music. A multitude of musicians propelled jazz from New Orleans' French Quarter onto the world stage, making the style a dominant force in 20th Century music.

Governor Mike Foster, Jr., established the Louisiana Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission which solicited design suggestions from all Louisiana residents. From the 1,193 submissions the Commission received (80% of which came from schoolchildren), Governor Foster submitted five design concepts to the United States Mint. From the five candidate designs the Mint developed, Governor Foster selected the final design.

Ohio

2008-02-15T14:46:00.002-08:00

Release Date: March 11, 2002

The Ohio quarter, the second quarter of 2002 and seventeenth in the series, honors the state's contribution to the history of aviation, depicting an early aircraft and an astronaut, superimposed as a group on the outline of the state. The design also includes the inscription "Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers."

The claim to this inscription is well justified -- the history making astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn were both born in Ohio, as was Orville Wright, co-inventor of the airplane. Orville and his brother, Wilbur Wright, also built and tested one of their early aircraft, the 1905 Flyer III, in Ohio.

On May 1, 2000, Governor Bob Taft requested design concepts from Ohioans for the state's quarter. The Governor established an 11-member Ohio Commemorative Quarter Program Committee that requested ideas from all Ohioans and received 7,289 submissions. The Committee's six favorite candidates were posted on its website for vote. Some 40,000 votes later, the top four concepts were submitted to the Mint. These include state symbols, aviation and aerospace, birthplace of aviation and the spirit of invention.

From the United States Mint's candidate designs, Governor Taft selected the "Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers."

Tennessee

2008-02-15T14:46:00.001-08:00

Release Date: January 02, 2002

The Tennessee quarter, the first quarter of 2002 and sixteenth in the series, celebrates the state's contributions to our nation's musical heritage. The design incorporates musical instruments and a score with the inscription "Musical Heritage." Three stars represent Tennessee's three regions and the instruments symbolize each region's distinct musical style.

The fiddle represents the Appalachian music of east Tennessee, the trumpet stands for the blues of west Tennessee for which Memphis is famous, and the guitar is for central Tennessee, home to Nashville, the capital of country music.

On March 27, 2000, Governor Don Sundquist announced a statewide contest for students, artists, and citizens to submit design concepts by June 1, 2000. The state received nearly 1,000 submissions. A seven-person Tennessee Coin Commission that the Governor created sent its three favorite concepts to the Mint on June 28, 2000. These included Musical Heritage, Ratification of the 19th Amendment and Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee writing system. On June 26, 2001, the Mint provided Governor Sundquist with five approved renditions of the concepts, from which he chose "Musical Heritage."

Kentucky

2008-02-15T14:45:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October 15, 2001

The Kentucky quarter, the fifth and last quarter in the 2001 series, shows the stately mansion, Federal Hill, with an inscription that reads, "My Old Kentucky Home." A thoroughbred racehorse is positioned behind a fence in the foreground of the quarter.

Kentucky was the first state on the western frontier to join the Union and is one of four states to call itself a "commonwealth." Kentucky is home of the longest running annual horse race in the country, the Kentucky Derby. The famous Kentucky Bluegrass country is also grazing ground for some of the world's finest racehorses. Also featured on the new quarter is another prominent symbol of Kentucky, Federal Hill, which has become known as "My Old Kentucky Home." The design shows a side view of the famous Bardstown home where Stephen Foster wrote the state song, "My Old Kentucky Home."

Kentucky's First Lady Judi Patton led the Kentucky Quarter Project Committee. The Committee received 1,800 design suggestions statewide and narrowed the submissions down to 12 finalists. The final designs were displayed in the front lobby of the Capitol and over the Internet from June 15-17, 1999. Over 50,000 residents of Kentucky cast votes for their favorite concepts that included "My Old Kentucky Home", a horse and a jockey, Abraham Lincoln's birthplace, and Daniel Boone. Governor Paul E. Patton selected the final design that features "My Old Kentucky Home."

Vermont

2008-02-15T14:44:00.001-08:00

Release Date: August 06, 2001

The Vermont quarter, the 4th quarter in the 2001 series, features Camel's Hump Mountain with an image of maple trees with sap buckets in the forefront.

The design honors the "Green Mountain State," the first state admitted to the Union after the original 13 colonies. Vermont is most famous for its skiing and the production of maple sugar and syrup. Until the 1800s when cane sugar was introduced, Americans relied on Vermont's maple sugar for much of its sugar supply. Also featured on the quarter is Camel's Hump Mountain in the northern half of Vermont's Green Mountains. Camel's Hump is easily recognized by its unique double-humped profile and is one of the highest peaks in Vermont.

Governor Howard Dean began the design process for the Vermont quarter in 1999, by appointing the Vermont Arts Council as the agency responsible for soliciting concepts from residents throughout the state. The Council proposed five concepts, each of which included Camel's Hump. Opinions were solicited by the Governor's office through an informal radio survey, and the final design was selected by Governor Dean and submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury for final endorsement.

Rhode Island

2008-02-15T14:43:00.001-08:00

Release Date: May 21, 2001

The Rhode Island quarter, the third quarter of the 2001 series, honors the "Ocean State." Featuring a vintage sailboat gliding through Rhode Island's famous Narragansett Bay, and an image of the Pell Bridge in the background, with the design showcasing Rhode Island's most popular sport—sailing.

With more than 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island, the smallest state in the Union, has more than 100 fresh water and salt water beaches. Known as the "sailing capital" of the world, Rhode Island was home to the America's Cup for more than 50 years. Narragansett Bay is crucial to the architecture of Rhode Island. An inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, extending into eastern Rhode Island, the Bay receives four major rivers, and has several islands.

Selection of the design began when Governor Lincoln Almond issued an order authorizing the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to organize a Coin Concept Advisory Panel. More than 500 design concepts were submitted to the panel, and three finalists were chosen. Rhode Island residents were invited to vote for their favorite design at area libraries, the Statehouse and via the Internet. The sailboat design was declared the winner, earning 57 percent of the 34,566 votes cast.

North Carolina

2008-02-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Release Date: March 12, 2001

The North Carolina quarter, the 12th in the series and the second quarter to be released in the 2001 series, highlights the famous 1903 photograph of the "First Flight."

The North Carolina quarter commemorates the historic feat that took place on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with the first successful flight of a heavier-than-air, self-propelled flying machine. The craft, called the Flyer, traveled a distance of approximately 37 meters (120 feet) on its first flight and soared even further as one of the most significant human achievements in history.

Governor James B. Hunt appointed the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources as the lead in the state's design concept process. The Department established the North Carolina Commemorative Coin Committee, which consisted of members from the State Department of Cultural Resources, the Division of Archives and History, as well as coin collectors. The Committee solicited design ideas from the residents of North Carolina.

Some alternate design concepts suggested were the 1903 Flyer superimposed over an outline of the state, the Hatteras Lighthouse superimposed over an outline of the state, and the Hatteras Lighthouse showing a dune and sea gulls. On June 5, 2000, the Governor was provided with three candidate designs, and the Committee and Governor Hunt selected the "First Flight" theme for the official design.

New York

2008-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Release Date: January 02, 2001

The New York quarter, the first quarter of the 2001 series, features the Statue of Liberty superimposed over an outline of the state along with the inscription "Gateway to Freedom." Also incorporated into the state outline is a line tracing the Hudson River and the route of the Erie Canal.

This final New York design celebrates the "Empire State" as a point of entry for millions of immigrants seeking the political freedom and democracy that American citizenship provides. President Grover Cleveland accepted the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France, on behalf of the United States on October 28, 1886. Lady Liberty was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924 and underwent extensive restoration for her remarkable centennial on July 4, 1986. Governor George E. Pataki asked the United States Mint to add the line tracing the Hudson River and the route of the Erie Canal because of the vital developmental role of the waterways.

Governor Pataki's office requested design ideas from the residents of New York and received hundreds of suggestions from school children, history buffs, graphic artists and coin collectors across the state. On June 19, 2000, Governor Pataki unveiled five candidate designs. They included Henry Hudson and his ship, the Half Moon; a rendering of the historic painting, "Battle of Saratoga"; the Statue of Liberty; and the New York Federal Building. New Yorkers were encouraged to write or email Pataki's office to vote for their favorite design. Capturing 76% of the vote, the Statue of Liberty design was officially selected by Governor Pataki to adorn the reverse of the New York quarter.

Virginia

2008-02-15T14:40:00.001-08:00

Release date: October 16, 2000

The Virginia quarter, the tenth coin released under the 50 State Quarters® Program, honors Jamestown, Virginia, our nation's first permanent English settlement. Jamestown turns 400 years old in 2007. The selected design features the three ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These ships brought the first English settlers to Jamestown.

On April 10, 1606, King James I of England chartered the Virginia Company to encourage colonization in the New World. The first expedition, consisting of the three ships depicted on the quarter, embarked from London on December 20, 1606. On May 12, 1607, they landed on a small island along the James River nearly 60 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It was here the original settlers (104 men and boys) established the first permanent English settlement called Jamestown, in honor of King James I.

The selection of the design for Virginia's new quarter began when Governor James Gilmore III selected State Treasurer Susan F. Dewey to serve as liaison to the United States Mint for the 50 State Quarters® Program. Ideas were solicited from colleges, universities, museums, and state agencies. Public comment was overwhelming, with thousands of responses received.

Representatives from the Library of Virginia, the Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Department of General Services assisted the State Treasurer in selecting design concepts for the Virginia quarter. The citizens of Virginia were encouraged to provide their comments. Governor Gilmore then forwarded his final design concept recommendation, the Jamestown Quadricentennial, to the Secretary of the Treasury who gave final approval.

New Hampshire

2008-02-15T14:39:00.001-08:00

Release date: August 07, 2000

The New Hampshire quarter, the ninth coin released under the 50 State Quarters® Program, honors one of the state's most unique natural attractions, "The Old Man of the Mountain." The state motto, "Live free or die," and nine stars, signifying the fact that New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, complete the design.

"The Old Man of the Mountain" was a distinctive rock formation on Mt. Cannon in the Franconia Notch gateway to northern New Hampshire. From the right view, this unique rock formation -- comprised of five layers of Conway red granite -- depicted the distinct profile of an elderly man gazing eastward. Geographers believe that the layers of granite were formed by the melting and slipping away action of an ice sheet that covered the Franconia Mountains at the end of the glacial period 2,000 to 10,000 years ago. Until it crumbled in early 2003, the formation measured over 40 feet high with a lateral distance of 25 feet.

The "formation" of the New Hampshire quarter design began when New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen established a Commemorative Quarter Committee with representatives from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts Educators, Numismatics, Historical Societies, the Senate and House and New Hampshire citizens. The Committee held a competition to all New Hampshire residents to submit design concepts for the New Hampshire quarter. They even created a website to broadcast the selection process and other information about the program.

The final design concept selection honoring "The Old Man of the Mountain" was then forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury who gave final approval.

South Carolina

2008-02-15T14:38:00.001-08:00

Release Date: May 22, 2000

The South Carolina quarter, the eighth coin released under the 50 State Quarters Program™ shows key state symbols- a Palmetto Tree, the Carolina Wren and the Yellow Jessamine. An outline of South Carolina, the nickname "The Palmetto State" and a star indicating the capital, Columbia, form the quarter’s background.

The Carolina Wren, the state bird, and the Yellow Jessamine, the state flower, are native throughout South Carolina; the importance of the Palmetto Tree, the state tree, dates back to the Revolutionary War. In 1776, colonists in a small fort built of Palmetto logs successfully defeated a British fleet trying to capture Charleston Harbor. Since then, South Carolina has been called "The Palmetto State."

Beginning in 1998, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) accepted quarter design suggestions. Contributions came from PRT’s offices, school children and the South Carolina Numismatic Society.

From these contributions, PRT compiled five semi-finalist design concepts. The Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee and the Fine Arts Commission narrowed these five semi-finalist design concepts down to three choices. Governor Jim Hodges then made his final decision, indicating that the Palmetto Tree represents South Carolina’s strength; the Carolina Wren’s song symbolizes the hospitality of the state’s people; and the Yellow Jessamine, a delicate golden bloom-a sign of coming spring-is part of South Carolina’s vast natural beauty.

Maryland

2008-02-15T14:37:00.001-08:00

Release date: March 13, 2000

The Maryland quarter, the 2nd in the Year 2000 series, highlights the striking dome of the Maryland Statehouse.

Through its new quarter, our 7th state shares its pride for the honored Maryland Statehouse. A distinctive building dating back to 1772, it features the country's largest wooden dome built without nails. Besides housing Maryland's colonial legislature, it was also crucial to our national history. From 1783-1784, the Maryland Statehouse served as the nation's first peacetime capital. The Treaty of Paris was ratified here, officially ending the Revolutionary War. A treasure preserved, the Statehouse continues as the country's oldest state capital building still in legislative use.

Leaf clusters from the official state tree, the White Oak, and the nickname The Old Line State complete the selected design. Maryland is nicknamed the Old Line State in honor of its "troops of the line." These troops won praise from George Washington, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Governor Parris N. Glendening favored this design over five others recommended by the Maryland Commemorative Coin Committee. He established this commission specifically to evaluate quarter design submissions.

Massachusetts

2008-02-15T14:36:00.001-08:00

Release Date: January 03, 2000

The Massachusetts quarter, the first quarter of the new millennium, features a design of "The Minuteman," a famous statue that stands guard at The Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts.

The selected design captures a piece of the Bay State's exceptional history. The Minutemen played a big role in protecting our nation, as they rallied together to help defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. These small, influential forces consisting of regular farmers and colonists, were always at-the-ready and were trained to assemble and fight on just a minute's notice-hence the term 'minutemen'.

In February 1998, Governor Paul Cellucci initiated a unique contest encouraging Massachusetts elementary school students to submit designs for the state's commemorative quarter - and more than 100 did! A 10-member advisory council then narrowed the finalist field to five proposals. After receiving final approval from former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, Governor Cellucci and Lt. Governor Jane Swift announced the selected design concept in June 1999. The Minuteman design concept was submitted by a sixth grader and a seventh grader. So far, Massachusetts remains the only state to limit its design contest to children.

Connecticut

2008-02-15T14:34:00.001-08:00

Release Date: October 12, 1999

The Connecticut quarter, the last 50 State Quarters® Program coin issued in 1999, features "The Charter Oak": an integral part of Connecticut's heritage and existence. If not for the famed "Charter Oak", Connecticut - and this country in general - might be a very different place than it is today!

On the night of October 31, 1687, Connecticut's Charter was put to a test. A British representative for King James II, challenged Connecticut's government structure and demanded its surrender. In the middle of the heated discussion, with the Charter on the table between the opposing parties, the candles were mysteriously snuffed out, darkening the room. When visibility was reestablished, the Connecticut Charter had vanished. Heroic Captain Joseph Wadsworth saved the Charter from the hands of the British and concealed it in the safest place he could find - in a majestic white oak. This famous tree, "The Charter Oak," finally fell during a great storm on August 21, 1856.

In a press release issued February 3, 1998, Governor John G. Rowland announced the Connecticut Coin Design Competition. More than 112 citizens ranging from ages six to 87 from 46 cities and towns submitted design concept entries to the Connecticut Commission on the Arts. Nineteen entrants submitted renditions of the Charter Oak and five of those were selected and forwarded to the United States Mint. Following the required review and approval process, three designs were returned to Governor Rowland for consideration. The Connecticut Commemorative Coin Design Competition Review Committee, with the governor's approval, unanimously selected the Connecticut circulating quarter design. Twenty-three people from 18 towns received honorable mentions for their design concepts.

Georgia

2008-02-15T14:33:00.001-08:00

Release date: July 19, 1999

The Georgia quarter, the fourth quarter released under the 50 State Quarters® Program, is a real peach. The selected design incorporates several symbols associated with this traditional, yet very diverse southern state.

Just from studying the Georgia quarter design, one can learn a lot about the fourth state of the Union. The selected design prominently features the peach - a symbol long associated with the state - within the confines of a silhouetted outline of the state. Live Oak sprigs border the central design paying homage to the official state tree, the Live Oak. And if you ever need to know the Georgia state motto, simply look across the top of the design, where the words "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation," grace a hanging banner.

The selection process for the Georgia quarter was initiated when Georgia Governor Zell Miller tasked the Georgia Council for the Arts with the development and selection of the Georgia circulating quarter design. The Council responded by submitting five design concepts to the United States Mint. Of these five designs, four candidates were reviewed and recommended by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee and the Fine Arts Commission, and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury for use on the 1999 Georgia quarter. Upon receipt and careful review of the designs, Governor Miller selected the featured design.

New Jersey

2008-02-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

Release date: May 17, 1999

The New Jersey quarter, the third coin in the 50 State Quarters® Program, depicts General George Washington and members of the Colonial Army crossing the Delaware River en route to very important victories during the Revolutionary War. The design is based on the 1851 painting by Emmanuel Leutze, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," which currently hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

It was a cold Christmas night in 1776 and the Delaware River was frozen in many places. General George Washington calculated the enemy would not be expecting an assault in this kind of weather. He and his soldiers courageously crossed the Delaware River into Trenton, NJ. Using surprise as their greatest weapon, Washington's army captured over 900 prisoners and secured the town. Later that night, his army continued towards Princeton, NJ, again taking the enemy by surprise. These two victories proved very important to his army as they gave the soldiers courage, hope, and newfound confidence. The ammunition, food and other supplies confiscated from their captives also helped them survive the brutal winter of 1777.

The selection process for the New Jersey quarter began November 17, 1997, when Assembly Joint Resolution Number 68 was passed to establish the New Jersey Commemorative Coin Design Commission. The 15 members of the Commission were selected for their backgrounds in history, art, and numismatics. The Commission chose five design concepts for execution into drawings by the United States Mint's engravers. After consultation with the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, the Fine Arts Commission, and approval by the Secretary of the Treasury, three of these designs were returned to New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd Whitman, for the final design selection. With her approval, the Commission chose the "Washington Crossing the Delaware" design, creating the first circulating coin to feature George Washington on both the obverse and reverse sides.

Pennsylvania

2008-02-15T14:31:00.001-08:00

Release date: March 08, 1999

The Pennsylvania quarter, the second coin in the 50 State Quarters® Program, depicts the statue "Commonwealth," an outline of the state, the state motto, and a keystone. This design was chosen to further help educate people about the origins of our second state, founded on December 12, 1787.

The statue "Commonwealth," designed by New York sculptor Roland Hinton Perry, is a bronze-gilded 14' 6" high female form that has topped Pennsylvania's state capitol dome in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania since May 25, 1905. Her right arm extends in kindness and her left arm grasps a ribbon mace to symbolize justice. The image of the keystone honors the states nickname, "The Keystone State." At a Jefferson Republican victory rally in October 1802, Pennsylvania was toasted as "the keystone in the federal union." The modern persistence of this designation is justified in view of the key position of Pennsylvania in the economic, social, and political development of the United States.

Selections for the Pennsylvania circulating quarter began on January 30,1998. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge issued a proclamation establishing a Commemorative Quarter Committee to review possible designs. The 14-member committee included representatives from major cultural, conservation, travel, and tourism organizations; a teacher; a high school student; the president of the state Numismatic Society; and the state treasurer. The governor invited all Pennsylvanians to submit design concepts to the committee - and received more than 5,300 ideas. The committee reached consensus on their recommendations, and the governor forwarded five preferred concepts to the United States Mint. Four of the designs were recommended by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee and the Fine Arts Commission and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury. From these final four candidates, the governor chose the current design to represent Pennsylvania in the 50 State Quarters® Program.

Delaware

2008-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

Release date: January 04, 1999

The Delaware quarter, depicting the historic horseback ride of Caesar Rodney, galloped onto the scene as it kicked off the much anticipated United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program.

Caesar Rodney was a delegate to the Continental Congress. On July 1, 1776, despite suffering from asthma and cancer, Rodney set off on the 80-mile journey to Philadelphia withstanding thundershowers and a severe summer heat wave. The next day, he arrived at Independence Hall just in time to cast the deciding vote in favor of our nation's independence. This native of Dover has also held more public offices than any other Delaware citizen. In addition to being an extremely dedicated delegate, Rodney was also a soldier, judge, and speaker of Delaware's Assembly.

Through an Executive Order issued by Delaware Governor Thomas R. Carper on February 2, 1998, state residents were encouraged to submit quarter design concepts to the Delaware Arts Council. The Council received over 300 submissions. With the governor's approval, the Council forwarded several concepts to the United States Mint for review and execution of drawings. From there, three selected designs were reviewed and approved by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, the Fine Arts Commission, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Next, the governor's office conducted a telephone and e-mail opinion poll. Caesar Rodney received 948 of the 1,519 total votes. The quill pen and parchment and the allegorical 'Lady Liberty' designs received 336 and 235 votes, respectively. Friday, June 12, 1998, the Caesar Rodney selection for the Delaware quarter was made public at a press briefing in Dover, DE. An art and drama teacher, fittingly employed at Caesar Rodney High School, submitted the selected design concept.