State Quarters and America The Beautiful Quarters

AUTHOR: JORGE
RGE HERRÁEZ
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Index
Mints ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
Previous coin (Washington Quarter) ----------------------------------------------------------- 9
Coin characteristics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10
State Quarters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
- 1999 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 15

- 2000 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 20
- 2001 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 25
- 2002 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 30
- 2003 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 35
- 2004 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 40
- 2005 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 45
- 2006 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 50
- 2007 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 55
- 2008 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 60
- 2009 D.C. & U.S. Territories Quarters -------------------- 65
America the Beautiful Quarters ---------------------------------------------------------------- 72
- 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters ---------------------- 75

- 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters ---------------------100
- 2021 America the Beautiful Quarter ----------------------130
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Mints
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Mint was created from the need to establish a national identity and the
needs of commerce in the United States. This led the Founding Fathers of the United
States to make an establishment of a continental national mint a main priority after the
ratification of the Constitution of the United States.
The Coinage Act of 1792 was entered into law on April 2. Within, it proclaimed the
creation of the United States Mint. Philadelphia at that time was the nation's capital;
therefore the first mint facility was to be built there. The Mint Act also instituted a
decimal system based on a dollar unit; specified weights, metallic composition and
fineness; and required each United States coin feature "an impression emblematic of
liberty".
David Rittenhouse, an American scientist, was appointed the first Director of the Mint
by President George Washington. Foundation work began on July 31, and by September
7, the first building was ready for installation of the smelting furnace. The smelt house
has gained the honors of being the very first public building erected by the United States
government. A three-story brick structure facing Seventh Street was constructed a few
months later. Being the tallest and most visible structure of the mint the words "Ye Olde
Mint" were painted on. Measuring nearly 37 feet (11 m) wide on the street, it only
extended back 33 feet (10 m). The gold and silver for the mint was contained in
basement vaults. The first floor housed deposit and weighing rooms, along with the
press room, where striking coins took place. Mint official offices were on the second
floor and the assay office was located on the third floor.
January 1816 saw the destruction of the smelt and mill houses from a fire. The smelt
house was never repaired and all smelting was done elsewhere. The mill house, which
was completely destroyed, was soon replaced with a large brick building. It included a
new steam engine in the basement to power the machinery above.
First building (1792-1833)
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Until 1833, these three buildings dutifully provided America with spendable hard
currency to undertake the exploration and growth of a nation. Operations moved to the
second Philadelphia mint in 1833 and the land housing the first mint was sold. In the
late 19th or early 20th century, the property was sold to Frank Stewart, who approached
the city asking them to preserve or relocate the historic buildings. With no
governmental help "Ye Olde Mint" was demolished between 1907 and 1911. A small
plaque now is the only thing memorializing the spot upon which the largest economy to
date was conceived.
On July 4, 1829, a cornerstone was laid at the intersection of Chestnut and Juniper. It
was designed by William Strickland the second Philadelphia Mint. The "Grecian
Temple", was constructed of white marble with classic Greek style columns on front
and back. Measuring 150 feet (46 m) wide in front by 204 feet (62 m) deep, it was a
huge improvement over the first facility, in space as well as image. Opening for
business in January 1833, its production was constrained by the outdated machinery
salvaged from "Ye Old Mint". Franklin Peale was sent to Europe to study advanced
coin making technologies which were brought back and implemented, increasing
productivity and quality. The second Philadelphia mint pounded out coins through the
American Civil War, three presidential assassinations, growth from sea to sea, the
telegraph and telephone, and the incandescent light bulb. The nation exploded from 13
million people to 76 million by 1900, and demand soon outpaced production.
Second building (1833-1901)
In 1901, the third Philadelphia Mint was to begin coining operations. Sold in 1902, the
second mint was quickly demolished. The cornerstone buried in 1833 was unearthed
and contained a candy jar. Inside the jar were three coins, a couple of newspapers, and a
scroll with information on the first mint and the creation of the second.
The third Philadelphia Mint was built at 1700 Spring Garden Street and opened in 1901.
It was designed by James Knox Taylor and it was a block from the United States
Smelting Company was at Broad and Spring Garden Streets. In one year alone the mint
produced 501,000,000 coins (5/7 of the U.S. currency minted) as well as 90,000,000
coins for foreign countries.
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A massive structure nearly a full city block, it was an instant landmark. Characterized
by a Roman temple facade, visitors were to marvel at seven themed glass mosaics
designed by Louis C. Tiffany in a gold backed vaulted ceiling. The mosaics depicted
ancient Roman coin making methods. This mint still stands intact with much of the
interior as well and it was acquired by the Community College of Philadelphia in 1973.
Third building (1901-1969)
A mere two blocks from the site of "Ye Olde Mint", the fourth and current Philadelphia
Mint opened its doors in 1969. It was designed by Philadelphia architect Vincent G.
Kling who would also help design Five Penn Center, Centre Square and the Annenberg
Center for the Performing Arts.
The Philadelphia Mint can produce up to one million coins in thirty minutes (it took
three years for the original mint to produce that many). The mint also produces medals
and awards for military, governmental and civil services. Uncirculated coins minted
here have the "P" mint mark, while circulated coins from before 1980 carried no mint
mark except the Jefferson nickels minted from 1942–1945 and the 1979 Susan B.
Anthony dollar coins. Since 1980, all coins minted there have the "P" mint mark except
pennies.
Current building (1969-present)
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Denver
The Denver Mint is a branch of the United States Mint that struck its first coins on
February 1, 1906. The mint is still operating and producing coins for circulation, as well
as mint sets and commemorative coins. Coins produced at the Denver Mint bear a D
mint mark (not to be confused with the mark of the Dahlonega Mint). The Denver Mint
is the single largest producer of coins in the world.
The predecessors of the Denver Mint were the men of Clark, Gruber & Company.
During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, they coined gold dust brought from the gold fields by
the miners and for almost three years, they minted gold coins (1860-61) and ingots
(1862). They were formally bought by the US in 1863.
Established by an Act of Congress on April 21, 1862, the United States Mint at Denver
opened for business in late 1863 as a United States Assay Office. Operations began in
the facilities of Clark, Gruber & Company, located at 16th and Market Streets and
acquired by the government for $25,000.
Unlike Clark, Gruber & Company, though, the Denver plant performed no coinage of
gold as first intended. One reason given by the Director of the Mint for the lack of
coinage at Denver was, "... the hostility of the Indian tribes along the routes, doubtless
instigated by rebel emissaries (there being a Civil War) and bad white men."
Gold and nuggets brought to there by miners from the surrounding area were accepted
by the Assay Office for melting, assaying, and stamping of cast gold bars. The bars
were then returned to the depositors as imparted bars stamped with the weight and
fineness of the gold. Most of the gold came from the rich beds of placer gold found in
the streams and first discovered in 1858, the same year Denver was founded.
When the supply of gold was exhausted from the streams, the emphasis turned to lode
mining, uncovering veins of ore with a high percentage of gold and silver. By 1859, the
yearly value of the gold and silver deposited at the Assay Office was over $5.6 million.
During its early years as an Assay Office, the Denver plant was the city's most
substantial structure.
The United States Treasury did not expand its smelting and refining operations at the
same rate as the discovery and production of gold. In 1872 a group of businessmen lead
by Judge Hiram Bond, Joseph Miner and Denver Mayor Joseph E. Bates set up a firm
“Denver Smelting and Refining Works” which built an independent complementary
plant which processed ore into ingots which were then assayed, weighed and stamped
by the Denver Mint.
There was new hope for branch mint status when congress provided for the
establishment of a mint at Denver for gold and silver coin production. The site for the
new mint at West Colfax and Delaware streets was purchased on April 22, 1896 for
approximately $60,000 and the construction began in 1897.
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Appropriations to complete and equip the plant were insufficient, and the transfer of
assay operations to the new building was delayed until September 1, 1904. Coinage
operations finally began in February 1906, advancing the status of the Denver facility to
Branch Mint. In addition, before the new machinery to be used at the Mint was installed
for use, it was first sent to the St. Louis Exposition of 1904 for display. Silver coins
were minted in Denver for the first time in 1906. During the first year, 167 million coins
were produced, including $20 gold (double eagle) coins, $10 gold (eagle) coins, $5 gold
(half eagle) coins, and assorted denominations of silver coins.
Current building (1897–present)
San Francisco
The San Francisco Mint is a branch of the United States Mint, and was opened in 1854
to serve the gold mines of the California Gold Rush. It quickly outgrew its first building
and moved into a new one in 1874. This building, the Old United States Mint, also
known affectionately as The Granite Lady, is one of the few that survived the great
1906 San Francisco earthquake. It served until 1937, when the present facility was
opened.
Within the first year of its operation, the San Francisco mint turned $4 million in gold
bullion into coins. The second building, completed in 1874, was designed by Alfred B.
Mullett in a conservative Greek style with a sober Doric order. The building had a
central pediment portico flanked by projecting wings in an E-shape; it was built round a
completely enclosed central courtyard that contained a well the features that saved it
during the fire of 1906, when the heat melted the plate glass windows and exploded
sandstone and granite blocks with which it was faced. The building sat on a concrete
and granite foundation, designed to thwart tunneling into its vaults, which at the time of
the 1906 fire held $300 million, fully a third of the United States' gold reserves. Heroic
efforts by Superintendent of the Mint, Frank Leach, and his men preserved the building
and the bullion that then backed the nation's currency. The mint resumed operation soon
thereafter, continuing until 1937.
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In 1961 the Old Mint, as it had become known, was designated a National Historic
Landmark and it was open to visitors until 1993. In 2003 the federal government sold
the structure to the City of San Francisco for one dollar (an 1879 silver dollar struck at
the mint) for use as the Museum of the City of San Francisco. In the fall of 2005,
ground was broken for renovations that would turn the central court into a glass-
enclosed galleria. The Museum is scheduled to open in 2012, but the Old Mint is used
for special events.
Old San Francisco Mint building (1874-1937)
The new Mint was opened in 1937. Beginning in 1955, circulating coinage from San
Francisco was suspended for 13 years. In 1968, it took over most proof coinage
production from the Philadelphia Mint, but continued striking a supplemental
circulating coinage from 1968 through 1974. Since 1975, the San Francisco Mint has
been used only for proof coinage, with the exception of the Susan B. Anthony dollar
from 1979–81 and a portion of the mintage of cents in the early 1980s. The dollars bear
a mintmark of an "S", but the cents are otherwise indistinguishable from those minted at
Philadelphia (which bears no mintmarks, unlike those years' proof cents from San
Francisco and circulation cents from Denver). From 1962 to 1988, the San Francisco
Mint was officially an assay office; the San Francisco Assay Office was granted mint
status again on March 31, 1988. The San Francisco Mint is located at 155 Hermann
Street, but does not allow visitors.
New San Francisco Mint building (1937-present)
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Previous coin (Washington Quarter)
The Washington Quarter that was minted from 1965-1998 is made up of the same
metals as State Quarters and it also has the same size and weight. It is made of two
layers of 25% nickel, 75% copper, commonly called cupronickel, bonded to a core of
pure copper, giving a total composition of 8.33% Ni with the balance Cu, weighs
5.670 grams (0.182 troy oz), has a diameter of 0.955 inches (24.26 mm), has a width of
1.75 millimeters (0.069 in), and has a reeded edge. Owing to the introduction of the clad
quarter in 1965, it was occasionally called a "Johnson Sandwich," after Lyndon B.
Johnson, U.S. President at the time. From 1932 to1965 the Washington Quarter
contained 90% silver, 10% copper.
The obverse of the coin has a bust of George Washington in profile, facing left. It was
designed by John Flanagan and derives from a 1786 bust sculpted by Jean-Antoine
Houdon. The word "LIBERTY" is at the top and "IN GOD WE TRUST" is to the left of
Washington's head. The date of minting is found below Washington's neck. Since 1968,
the mintmark appears just above and to the right of the date ('D' for Denver, 'S' for San
Francisco, and either 'P' or none for Philadelphia).
The reverse of the Washington Quarter was in circulation from 1932–1974 and 1977-
1998. It features a bald eagle, a design by John Flanagan. It contains the mottoes "In
God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum", and the denomination written as "quarter
dollar". Prior to 1968, the mintmark appeared below the eagle's talons.
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Coin characteristics
Philadelphia and Denver mints
Mass: 5’670 g (0’182 troy oz).
Diameter: 24’26 mm (0’955 in).
Thickness: 1’75 mm (0’069 in).
Edge: 119 reeds.
Composition: Cu 91’67% and Ni 8’33% (core 100% Cu and exterior material 75% Cu
and 25% Ni).
San Francisco mint
Mass: 6’250 g
Diameter: 24’26 mm (0’955 in).
Thickness: 1’75 mm (0’069 in).
Edge: 119 reeds.
Composition: Ag 90% and Cu 10%.
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State Quarters
The 50 State Quarters Program has now run its course with the release of five different
quarters each year for the past ten years. Each quarter featured a different design
highlighting the uniqueness and history of each state.
The program has been credited with reinvigorating the hobby of coin collecting. It
provided individuals with the opportunity to build an impressive collection of coins
from their daily pocket change. The program also provided a valuable learning
experience about the richness and diversity of the 50 States. Anyone following or
collecting the series could have learned a great deal about history and geography.
50 State Quarters Program
State Quarters were authorized under the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act
(Public Law 105-124) signed into law on December 1, 1997 by President Clinton. The
Act provided for the redesign and issuance of a circulating commemorative quarter
dollar coin for each of the 50 States beginning in 1999.
At the time this was an unprecedented program with an ambitious scope. It provided for
a change in design five times per year for a 10 year period, yielding fifty different
designs. Prior to the program, a single design was used for each denomination which
typically remained in use for 25 years or more. The only major design change for the
twenty five cent piece since the Washington Quarter was launched in 1932 had been the
one year Bicentennial issue in 1976.
The authorizing legislation for the State Quarters explained some of the purposes of the
new designs:
"To honor the unique Federal Republic of 50 States that comprise the United States; to
promote the diffusion of knowledge among the youth of the United States about the
individual states, their history and geography, and the rich diversity of the national
heritage;" and to encourage "young people and their families to collect memorable
tokens of all of the States for the face value of the coins."
State Quarter Designs
The obverse of each State Quarter bears a consistent design featuring a portrait of
George Washington. The design is similar to the prior design of the Washington Quarter
series. It bears four inscriptions, some of which previously appeared on the reverse of
the quarter. The obverse inscriptions are: "United States of America," "Liberty," "In
God We Trust," and "Quarter Dollar."
The reverse of each State Quarter carries a design emblematic of one of the 50 States.
The authorizing legislation provided some basic guidelines for the design. Each quarter
must bear a dignified design of which the citizens of the United States can be proud. No
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frivolous or inappropriate designs should be selected. In addition, the reverse design
cannot use a head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person living or dead. No living
person may be included in a design. Inscriptions typically found on all State Quarter
reverses include the state name, statehood date, date of mintage, and "E Pluribus
Unum."
The reverse designs for each quarter were created through consultation with the
governor of each state. The governor typically involved the citizens of the State and/or
an appointed committee to generate potential design concepts. The United States Mint
would generate coin designs based on the concepts, which would be reviewed by the
governor, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Final approval for each design would be at the discretion of the Secretary of the
Treasury.
State Quarter Releases and Mintages
State Quarters have been released during the ten year period beginning with 1999 and
concluding in 2008. Five different reverse designs have been released per year with the
release dates occurring roughly every ten weeks. The order of release was based on the
order the states ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union. View the full
State Quarters Release Schedule.
The mintages for each of the 50 State Quarters have varied greatly over the ten year
program. The mintages for circulating coins were impacted by a variety of factors such
as the economy and the number of coins removed from circulation for collections. The
highest mintages occurred in the first few years of the program with eight designs
having a mintage over 1 billion from late 1999 to early 2001. The middle and later years
of the program experienced the lowest mintages with twelve years having a mintage less
than 500 million concentrated in 2003, 2004, and 2008. View the full State Quarter
Mintages.
After the 50 State Quarters
The 50 State Quarters Program reached completion in late 2008 with the release of the
Hawaii Quarter. Under a separate provision included in the 2008 Consolidated
Appropriations Act, quarters will be issued in 2009 honoring the District of Columbia
and the five United States Territories. The familiar obverse design from the State
Quarters Program will be used with a unique reverse design for each of the six
locations. This separate program is known as the District of Columbia and US
Territories Quarters Program.
Starting in 2010, another program featuring rotating reverse designs for quarters will be
launched. America the Beautiful Quarters were authorized under America's Beautiful
National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008. A total of 56 different quarters will be
released over 12 years featuring a National Park or other National Site in each state, US
territory, and the District of Columbia.
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“State Quarters”
Q year map
YEAR STATE
1999 Delaware, Pennsylvania,
Pennsylvania New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut.
Connecticut
2000 Massachusetts,, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire and Virginia.
2001 New York, North Carolina,
Carolina Rhode Island, Vermont and Kentucky.
Kentucky
2002 Tennessee,, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana and Mississippi.
2003 Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri and Arkansas.
2004 Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin.
2005 California, Minnesota,
Minnesota Oregon, Kansas and West Virginia.
2006 Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Dakota
2007 Montana, Washington,
Washington Idaho, Wyoming and Utah.
2008 Oklahoma, New Mexico,
Mexico Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii.
2009 District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin
Islands and Northern Mariana Islands.
Islands
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“State quarters” description
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1999 State Quarters
The 50 State Quarter Program began in 1999 with the first five designs of the series.
Coins were issued honoring Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and
Connecticut. As the earliest State Quarters in the series, these coins set the tone for the
next nine years to come. The diversity of symbols and themes ranged from a famous
historical figure to a tasty fruit!
Delaware State Quarter
Delaware State Quarters were released on January 4, 1999 as the first coin in the State
Quarter series. Delaware's original Statehood date was December 7, 1787.
The reverse design features Caesar Rodney on horseback. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," "Caesar Rodney," and
"The First State." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by William Cousins.
Caesar Rodney was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He rode 80 miles on

horseback to cast the deciding vote in favor of independence. In his lifetime, he held
more public offices than any other Delaware citizen.
The final design was selected based on a popular vote from the Delaware's citizens after
initial review and approval by the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury, Citizens
Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and Fine Arts Commission. Two other
designs considered but not selected featured a quill pen and parchment and a depiction
of Lady Liberty.
The Philadelphia mint produced 373,400,000 coins. The Denver mint produced
401,424,000 coins. Proof and Silver proof coins were produced at the San Francisco
Mint.
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Pennsylvania State Quarter
Pennsylvania State Quarters were released on March 8, 1999 as the second coin in the
50 State Quarter Program. Pennsylvania's original Statehood date was December 12,
1787.
The reverse design features the statue "Commonwealth," an outline of the state, and a
keystone. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E
Pluribus Unum," and the State motto "Virtue, Liberty, Independence." The coin's
reverse was designed by William Cousins and engraved by John Mercanti.
The statue was designed by sculptor Roland Hinton Perry and sits atop Pennsylvania's
state capitol dome in Harrisburg. The keystone honors the state's nickname "The
Keystone State."
The design was selected by the governor from four finalist designs after initial review
and approval by the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury, Citizens Commemorative Coin
Advisory Committee, and Fine Arts Commission. Initially, more than 5,300 design
ideas had been recommended by Pennsylvania citizens and reviewed by a 14-member
committee formed by the governor.
358,332,000 coins. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof
coins for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
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New Jersey State Quarter
New Jersey State Quarters were released on May 17, 1999 as the third coin in the 50
State Quarter Program. New Jersey's original Statehood date was December 18, 1787.
The reverse design features George Washington crossing the Delaware River. The
inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum,"
and "Crossroads of the Revolution." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by
Alfred Maletsky.
The reverse design is based on an 1851 painting by Emmanuel Leutze titled

"Washington Crossing the Delaware." It depicts Christmas night in 1776 when George
Washington and members of the Colonial Army crossed the Delaware River into New
Jersey to perform an important surprise attack.
The final design was selected by the New Jersey Commemorative Coin Design
Commission, with approval of the governor, after initial review and approval by the
Treasury Secretary of the Treasury, Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee, and Fine Arts Commission. Notably, the use of this reverse design meant
that George Washington appeared on both the obverse and reverse of the coin.
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Georgia State Quarter
Georgia State Quarters were released on July 19, 1999 as the fourth coin in the State
Quarter series. Georgia's original Statehood date was January 2, 1788.
The reverse design features the Georgia peach, an outline of the state, the state tree, and
the state motto. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date,
and "E Pluribus Unum." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by T. James
Ferrell.
The Peach is often used as a representation of Georgia. The springs bordering the
outline of the state are from the Live Oak, Georgia's state tree. The state motto hangs on
a banner above the peach, reading "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation."
The final design was selected by the governor after initial review and approval by the
Committee, Fine Arts Commission, and the Georgia Council for the Arts. The concept
of a design incorporating various elements representing the state would be used several
more times in the series.
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Connecticut State Quarter
Connecticut State Quarters were released on October 12, 1999 as the fifth coin in the
State Quarter series. Connecticut's original Statehood date was January 9, 1788.
The reverse design features The Charter Oak of Connecticut. The inscriptions include
the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The Charter
Oak." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by T. James Farrell.
When a British representative for King James II challenged Connecticut's government

in 1687, Captain Joseph Wadsworth saved the Connecticut Charter from the hands of
the British by hiding it in an oak tree. The famed tree eventually fell during a storm in
1856.
The final design was selected by the Connecticut Commission on the arts with the
governor's approval after initial review and approval by the Treasury Secretary of the
Treasury, Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee, and Fine Arts
Commission. The initial design came from a submission to the Connecticut Coin Design
Competition. There were 112 Connecticut citizens who submitted design concepts, of
that number 19 had depicted the Charter Oak.
657,880,000 coins. These represent the highest State Quarter mintage figures for the
year of 1999. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins
for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
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2000 State Quarters
The State Quarter Program continued in 2000 with the next five designs in the series.
Coins were issued to honor Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire
and Virginia. These designs continued the tradition of displaying the diversity of the
various states of the nation, ranging from Colonial themes to a natural rock formation.
Massachusetts State Quarter
Massachusetts State Quarters were released on January 3, 2000 as the sixth coin in the
State Quarter series. Massachusetts's original Statehood date was February 6, 1788.
The reverse design features "The Minuteman" against an outline of the state. The
and "The Bay State." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Thomas D.
Rodgers Sr.
"The Minuteman" is a famous statue that stands guard at the Minuteman National
Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts. The Minutemen were important
Revolutionary War forces of regular farmers and colonists who could assemble to fight
at a minutes notice.
Committee, and Fine Arts Commission. All initial design concepts for the quarter were
gathered from Massachusetts elementary school students who had submitted more than
100 different proposals.
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Maryland State Quarter
Maryland State Quarters were released on March 13, 2000 as the seventh coin in the
State Quarter series. Maryland's original Statehood date was April 28, 1788.
The reverse design features the Maryland Statehouse. The inscriptions include the State
name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The Old Line State." The
coin's reverse was designed by William J. Krawczewicz and engraved by Thomas D.
Rodgers
The Maryland Statehouse date back to 1772 and is the country's largest wooden dome
built without using nails. The Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War was
ratified in the structure. It also served as the nation's first peacetime capital. On the
quarter, the dome is surrounded by White oak leaf clusters.
Committee, Fine Arts Commission, and the Maryland Commemorative Coin
Committee. The mentioned committee was formed for the explicit purpose of
evaluating the states proposed quarter designs.
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South Carolina State Quarter
South Carolina State Quarters were released on May 22, 2000 as the eighth coin in the
State Quarter series. South Carolina's original Statehood date was May 23, 1788.
The reverse design features an outline of the state and a collection of the state's
symbols. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E
Pluribus Unum," and "The Palmetto State." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by Thomas D. Rodgers
The Carolina Wren is the state bird. The Yellow Jessamine is the state flower. The
Palmetto Tree is the state tree. All three symbols are featured on the reverse design of
the quarter.
Committee, and Fine Arts Commission. Initial designs were accepted by the South
Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. They had started accepting
design suggestions beginning in 1998.
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New Hampshire State Quarter
New Hampshire State Quarters were released on August 7, 2000 as the ninth coin in the
State Quarter series. New Hampshire's original Statehood date was June 21, 1788.
The reverse design features a rock formation known as "The Old Man of the Mountain."
The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus
Unum," and the state motto "Live Free or Die." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by William Cousins.
"The Old Man of the Mountain" is a rock formation on Mount Cannon in Northern New
Hampshire. It resembles the profile of an old man gazing eastward. Unfortunately, the
formation crumbled in 2003. The reverse design also uses nine stars to symbolize that
New Hampshire was the ninth state.
The New Hampshire governor had established a committee responsible for holding a
design competition for the state's quarter. The committee included representatives from
numismatics, historical societies, the Senate, House of Representatives, and Hew
Hampshire citizens. The design competition held by the Committee was open to all
New Hampshire residents. The final design selected by the Commemorative Quarter
Committee was sent to the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury for final approval.
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Virginia State Quarter
Virginia State Quarters were released on October 16, 2000 as the tenth coin in the State
Quarter series. Virginia's original Statehood date was June 25, 1788.
The reverse design honors the Quadricentennial of Jamestown. The inscriptions include
the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," "Jamestown 1607-
2007" and "Quadricentennial." The coin's reverse was designed by Edgar M. Stevens IV
and engraved by Edgar Z. Steever.
Jamestown, Virginia was the first permanent English settlement in America. The design
features three ships named Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery that brought the
first English settlers to Jamestown. The settlers arrived on May 12, 1607 and named the
settlement in honor of King James I.
The final design was selected by the governor after receiving input from the citizens of
Virginia. The design concept was sent to the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury for
final approval. Initially, there were thousands of design ideas received from the public.
Notably, the Jamestown Settlement was also the subject of a commemorative coin
program later released in 2007, the year of the actual 400th anniversary.
651,616,000 coins. With a combined mintage of nearly 1.6 billion, this marked the
highest mintage any State Quarter for the entire series.
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2001 State Quarters
State Quarters were issued to honor New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont
and Kentucky. This year contained many memorable and iconic designs including New
York's Statue of Liberty design and North Carolina's depiction of the First Flight.
New York State Quarter
New York State Quarters were released on January 2, 2001 as the eleventh coin in the
State Quarter series. New York's original Statehood date was July 26, 1788.
The reverse design features the Statue of Liberty over an outline of New York State.
Unum," and "Gateway to Freedom." The coin's reverse was designed by Daniel Carr
and engraved by Alfred Maletsky.
The Statue of Liberty is celebrated as the point of entry for millions of immigrants who
came to America. The statue was a gift from France given on October 28, 1886. The
outline of New York State includes a path traced from the Hudson River to the Erie
Canal.
The final design was selected by a popular vote from the citizens of New York. The
design was sent to the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury for final approval. Initially,
there were hundreds of design concepts received from the public with subjects including
the Battle of Saratoga, Henry Hudson, and the New York Federal Building.
25
North Carolina State Quarter
North Carolina State Quarters were released on March 12, 2001 as the twelfth coin in
the State Quarter series. North Carolina's original Statehood date was November 21,
1789.
The reverse design features the first successful airplane flight. The inscriptions include
the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "First Flight."
The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by John Mercanti.
The historical "First Flight" took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17,
1903. The Wright Brothers successfully flew their plane called the Flyer for a distance
of 120 feet.
The final design for the North Carolina Quarter was selected by the governor and the
North Carolina Commemorative Coin Committee. The design was sent to the Treasury
Secretary of the Treasury for final approval. Some of the design concepts suggested but
not used were the Hatteras Lighthouse and the Flyer superimposed on an outline of the
state. Notably, the First Flight was also later featured on a series of commemorative
coins issued in 2003 for the occasion's 100th anniversary.
26
Rhode Island State Quarter
Rhode Island State Quarters were released on May 21, 2001 as the thirteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Rhode Island's original Statehood date was May 29, 1790.
The reverse design features a sailboat on the open sea. The inscriptions include the State
name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The Ocean State." The
coin's reverse was designed by Daniel Carr and engraved by Thomas D. Rodgers.
The sailboat on is shown in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island with the Pell Bridge in the
background. The state has over 400 miles of coastline and over 100 beaches.
The final design for the Rhode Island Quarter was decided by a popular vote from the
citizens of Rhode Island, capturing 57% of the votes cast. The design was sent to the
Treasury Secretary of the Treasury for final approval. Initially, there were more than
500 of design concepts received for consideration.
27
Vermont State Quarter
Vermont State Quarters were released on August 6, 2001 as the fourteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Vermont's original Statehood date was May 4, 1791.
The reverse design features sap collection from maple trees. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "Freedom and
Unity." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by T. James Farrell.
Vermont is famous for its skiing and maple syrup. The quarter features Camel's Hump
Mountain in the background. Sap is being collected in buckets from the Maple Trees.
The final design for the Vermont Quarter was selected by the governor after receiving
input from the citizens of Vermont. The design concept was sent to the Treasury
Secretary of the Treasury for final approval. Initially there were five design concepts
considered, which each featured the Camel's Hump Mountain.
28
Kentucky State Quarter
Kentucky State Quarters were released on October 15, 2001 as the fifteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Kentucky's original Statehood date was June 1, 1792.
The reverse design features "My Old Kentucky Home." The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "My Old Kentucky
Home." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by T. James Farrell.
The stately mansion, Federal Hill, is shown with a thoroughbred racehorse in the
foreground. Kentucky is famous for its racehorses and the annual Kentucky Derby. The
state song is "My Old Kentucky Home."
The final design was selected by popular vote from the residents of Kentucky. Over
50,000 residents cast their votes during the three day voting period. The design was sent
to the Treasury Secretary of the Treasury for final approval. Initially more than 1,800
design suggestions had been provided by Kentucky citizens.
29
2002 State Quarters
The 50 State Quarter Program continued in 2002 with the first five designs of the series.
Coins were issued honoring Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana and Mississippi.
Several of the quarters featured collections of symbols related to their respective State.
This became a popular way of designing State Quarters to include many aspects of a
state.
Tennessee State Quarter
Tennessee State Quarters were released on January 2, 2002 as the sixteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Tennessee's original Statehood date was June 1, 1796.
The reverse design celebrates the state's musical heritage. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, and "E Pluribus Unum." A banner reads
"Musical Heritage." The coin's reverse was designed by Shawn Stookey and engraved
by Donna Weaver.
Pictured are a collection of instruments including the fiddle, the trumpet, and the guitar.
Each represents a different type of music specifically Appalachian music, the blues, and
country music. The country music capital of the world is Nashville, Tennessee.
A statewide design contest generated almost 1,000 submissions. A commission created

by the governor narrowed the submissions to three finalists which were sent to the US
Mint for approval. The final design was selected by the governor.
30
Ohio State Quarter
Ohio State Quarters were released on March 11, 2002 as the seventeenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Ohio's original Statehood date was March 1, 1803.
The reverse design honors the state's place in the history of aviation. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and
"Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by
Donna Weaver.
Astronauts Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, and John Glenn, the first
American in space, were both born in Ohio. Orville Wright was also born in Ohio. An
early aircraft is pictured.
Popular vote was used to determine the top four design concepts. These were forwarded
to the mint for approval. The final design was selected by the governor. More than
7,000 designs were initially submitted and over 40,000 residents took part in the design
voting. The four finalist design concepts had also included state symbols, aviation and
aerospace, and the spirit of invention.
414,832,000 coins. This was the lowest combined mintage for the 2002 State Quarters.
The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins for inclusion in
government issued proof sets.
31
Louisiana State Quarter
Louisiana State Quarters were released on May 20, 2002 as the eighteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Louisiana's original Statehood date was April 30, 1812.
The reverse design features the Louisiana Purchase and other symbols of the state. The
and "Louisiana Purchase." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by John
Mercanti.
Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for a sum of $15
million in 1803. This purchase added thirteen new states to the Union. The trumpet is
pictured to symbolize the Louisiana's contribution to jazz, which was born in New
Orleans, Louisiana. The Pelican is also pictured as the state bird.
After soliciting designs from the residents of the state, five were sent to the US Mint for
approval. The final design was chosen by the governor. Over 1,000 submissions were
provided for design concepts, with the majority coming from students.
The Philadelphia mint produced 362,000,000 Louisiana State Quarters. The Denver
mint produced 402,204,000. This marked the highest combined mintage for the 2002
State Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins
32
Indiana State Quarter
Indiana State Quarters were released on August 2, 2002 as the nineteenth coin in the
State Quarter series. Indiana's original Statehood date was December 11, 1816.
The reverse design features a race car over an outline of the state. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and
"Crossroads of America." The coin's reverse was designed by Josh Harvey and
engraved by Donna Weaver.
Indiana is home to the famous Indianapolis 500 car race. The race has been run every
year since 1911 and is the oldest auto race in the world. The design includes nineteen
stars to signify Indiana as the nineteenth state.
Design concept submissions for the Indiana Quarter reached 3,736 different designs. A
round of semi-finalists was narrowed to four final design concepts which were sent to
the United States Mint. The governor selected the final design. The other final design
concepts included sports icons, state symbols, and Chief Little Turtle of the Miami
Indians.
33
Mississippi State Quarter
Mississippi State Quarters were released on October 15, 2002 as the twentieth coin in
the State Quarter series. Mississippi's original Statehood date was December 10, 1817.
The reverse design features the state flower. The inscriptions include the State name,
Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The Magnolia State." The coin's
reverse was designed and engraved by Donna Weaver.
The magnolia is the state flower of Mississippi. It can have white flowers as large as 15
inches across. It has unofficially been the state flower since 1900 and was officially
adopted in 1952.
The governor of Mississippi had provided three design concepts to the United States
Mint. These included the Magnolia design, a different Magnolia design with a branch,
and a mockingbird. The governor selected the design featuring the Magnolia flower.
The Philadelphia mint produced 290,000,000 Mississippi Quarters and the Denver Mint
produced 289,600,000. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver
proof coins for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
34
2003 State Quarters
Coins were issued to honor Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri and Arkansas. This year
designs included two famous individuals. Abraham Lincoln and Helen Keller were
honored on the Illinois and Alabama State Quarters.
Illinois State Quarter
Illinois State Quarters were released on January 2, 2003 as the twenty-first coin in the
State Quarter series. Illinois's original Statehood date was December 3, 1818.
The reverse design features a young Abraham Lincoln before an outline of the state.
Unum," "Land of Lincoln," and "21st State Century." The coin's reverse was designed
and engraved by Donna Weaver.
Abraham Lincoln lived and practiced law in Springfield, Illinois before becoming
President. A farm scene and the Chicago skyline are on either side of the outline of the
state. Twenty-one stars signify Illinois as the twenty-first state.
A fourteen member committee reviewed approximately 6,000 designs and forwarded

three concepts to the United States Mint. The governor selected the final design "Land
of Lincoln-21st State/Century." Other finalist designs had included state symbols,
Illinois history, and agriculture and industry.
35
Alabama State Quarter
Alabama State Quarters were released on March 17, 2003 as the twenty-second coin in
the State Quarter series. Alabama's original Statehood date was December 14, 1819.
The reverse design features Helen Keller reading Braille. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," "Helen Keller" and a
banner reading "Spirit of Courage." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by
Norman E. Nemeth.
Helen Keller was born in Alabama and lost her sight and hearing after an illness. She
managed to learn to read and write and graduate college with honors. The reverse of the
quarter includes her name written in Braille.
An open competition for designs was held for the Alabama Quarter. Of the thousands of
submissions from students, three concepts were chosen and forwarded to the United
States Mint. The governor selected the final design featuring Helen Keller, "Spirit of
Courage." The other finalist concepts included Alabama's role in social movements and
Alabama's social and economic history.
36
Maine State Quarter
Maine State Quarters were released on June 2, 2003 as the twenty-third coin in the State
Quarter series. Maine's original Statehood date was March 15, 1820.
The reverse design features a famous lighthouse near the sea. The inscriptions include
the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, and "E Pluribus Unum." The coin's
reverse was designed by Daniel Carr and engraved by Donna Weaver.
The Permaquid Point Light is located in New Harbor at the entrance to Muscongus Bay
and Johns Bay. The lighthouse was constructed in 1826, but later rebuilt. It is one of the
state's most popular tourist attractions.
With the help of the Commission on the Maine State Quarter Design, the governor
selected four design concepts to send to the US Mint. The final selection was made
based on a popular vote with over 100,000 participating. Other finalist designs included
Mount Katahdin, "Nation's First Light", and "Where America's Day Begins".
37
Missouri State Quarter
Missouri State Quarters were released on August 4, 2003 as the twenty-fourth coin in
the State Quarter series. Missouri's original Statehood date was August 10, 1821.
The reverse design features Lewis and Clark's return to St. Louis. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," "Corps of
Discovery," and the years "1804" and "2004." The coin's reverse was designed by Paul
Jackson and engraved by Alfred Maletsky.
Lewis and Clark are returning to St. Louis via the Mississippi River after their journey
through the uncharted Louisiana Territory. They began the journey in 1804 and
returned in 1806. The reverse design also features the Jefferson National Expansion
Memorial or "Gateway Arch" in the background.
The Missouri Commemorative Design Committee narrowed over 3,000 concept designs
to twelve finalists. The public voted on five concepts to send to the United States Mint.
An online vote by Missouri residents determined the "Corps of Discovery 1804-2004"
as the winner. Other concepts considered but not chosen include the Pony Express, the
westward expansion, and a riverboat.
The Philadelphia mint produced 225,000,000 Missouri Quarters and the Denver mint
produced 228,200,000 coins. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90%
silver proof coins for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
38
Arkansas State Quarter
Arkansas State Quarters were released on October 20, 2003 as the twenty-fifth coin in
the State Quarter series. Arkansas's original Statehood date was August 10, 1821.
The reverse design features rice stalks, a diamond, and a mallard. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, and "E Pluribus Unum." The
coin's reverse was designed by Dortha Scott and engraved by John Mercanti.
Arkansas is home to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the oldest diamond mine in
North America. The reverse design features a mallard flying above a lake to represent
the state's many natural lakes. Rice stalks are also used since Arkansas is the leading
producer of grain in the United States.
The governor organized the Arkansas Quarter Challenge, which resulted in more than
9,000 entries. A final selection was sent to the US Mint. The governor made the final
design selection. Other concepts considered but not chosen included Arkansas' natural
resources and the State Capitol Building.
39
2004 State Quarters
State Quarters were issued to honor Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Once again several states used the collection of symbols style of design. The Wisconsin
Quarter is based on a famous painting; the prior New Jersey coin used the same
strategy.
Michigan State Quarter
Michigan State Quarters were released on January 26, 2004 as the twenty-sixth coin in
the State Quarter series. Michigan's original Statehood date was January 26, 1837.
The reverse design features Michigan and the Great Lakes. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "Great Lakes State."
The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Donna Weaver.
The five Great Lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and
Lake Ontario. Four of the five lakes border Michigan and much of the state history is
tied to the lakes.
A twenty-five member Michigan Quarter Commission reviewed over 4,000 design

submissions from the state's residents. Five designs were chosen and forwarded to the
US Mint. The governor selected the final design after consultation with the
Commission. Other designs which were considered included the Great Lakes and State
Icons, Mackinac Bridge, and the Automobile.
40
Florida State Quarter
Florida State Quarters were released on March 29, 2004 as the twenty-seventh coin in
the State Quarter series. Florida's original Statehood date was March 3, 1845.
The reverse design features a Spanish galleon, the Space Shuttle, and palm trees. The
and "Gateway to Discovery." The coin's reverse was designed by Ralph Butler and
engraved by T. James Farrell.
The 16th century Spanish galleon represents the state's beginnings as a starting point for
discovery. Florida is home of the Kennedy Space Center, from which this eras most
important space expeditions were launched. The reverse also features Sabal palm trees.
The nine person Florida Commemorative Quarter Committee reviewed 1,500 design
concepts and sent ten to the governor. He selected five to forward to the United States
Mint. The final design was selected based on a public vote from Florida residents. Other
designs which were considered for the Florida Quarter included the Everglades, St.
Augustine, America's Spaceport, and a fishing theme.
The Philadelphia mint produced 240,200,000 Florida Quarters and the Denver mint
41
Texas State Quarter
Texas State Quarters were released on June 1, 2004 as the twenty-eighth coin in the
State Quarter series. Texas's original Statehood date was December 29, 1845.
The reverse design features a lone star and an outline of Texas. The inscriptions include
the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The Lone Star
State." The coin's reverse was designed by Daniel Miller and engraved by Norman E.
Nemeth.
The Lone Star comes from the original flag for the Republic of Texas and later the State
flag. A lariat encircles the state as a symbol of the cattle and cowboy history of Texas.
An advisory committee worked with the Texas Numismatic Association to selection

finalist designs from over 2,500 submissions. The governor made the final design
selection and sent it to the United States Mint.
The Philadelphia mint produced 263,000,000 Texas Quarters while the Denver mint
42
Iowa State Quarter
Iowa State Quarters were released on August 30, 2004 as the twenty-ninth coin in the
State Quarter series. Iowa's original Statehood date was December 28, 1846.
The reverse design of the Iowa Quarter features a one room schoolhouse. The
and "Foundation in Education." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by John
Mercanti after a Grant Wood painting.
The design is based on a painting by Grant Wood titled "Arbor Day." Beside the one
room schoolhouse, the teacher and students are planting a tree. The reverse also shows
the state's commitment to education and agriculture.
The sixteen members Iowa Quarter Commission reviewed nearly 2,000 design
submissions from the state's residents. Five candidate themes were sent to the United
States Mint. The governor made the final design selection "Foundation in Education."
Other designs considered included "American Gothic", "Feeding the World", "Sullivan
Brothers", and "Beautiful Land".
43
Wisconsin State Quarter
Wisconsin State Quarters were released on October 25, 2004 as the thirtieth coin in the
State Quarter series. Wisconsin's original Statehood date was May 29, 1848.
The reverse design of the Wisconsin Quarter features a cow, cheese, and an ear of corn.
Unum," and a banner with the word "Forward." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by Alfred Maletsky.
Wisconsin produces over 15% of the Nation's milk and over 250 varieties of cheese.
Wisconsin is also one of the main corn producers of the United States. The banner
"Forward" is the state's motto due to its drive to become a national leader.
The 23 member Wisconsin Commemorative Quarter Council reviewed over 9,000

design suggestions from the state's residents and narrowed them to six finalists. A state
vote determined the top three to be forwarded to the United States Mint. A statewide
vote selected the final design. Other designs considered included "Scenic Wisconsin"
and "Early Exploration and Cultural Interaction".
226,800,000 coins. The Wisconsin State Quarter had the lowest mintage of all of the
2004 Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins
44
2005 State Quarters
Coins were issued to honor California, Minnesota, Oregon, Kansas and West Virginia.
This year three of the quarter featured settings from National Parks. This included
California with the Yosemite National Park, Oregon with Crater Lake National Park,
and West Virginia with New River Gorge National Park.
California State Quarter
California State Quarters were released on January 31, 2005 as the thirty-first coin in
the State Quarter series. California's original Statehood date was September 9, 1850.
The reverse design of the California Quarter features conservationist and naturalist John
Muir. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E
Pluribus Unum," "John Muir," and "Yosemite Valley." The coin's reverse was designed
by Garrett Burke and engraved by Don Everhart.
John Muir overlooks the granite headwall known as "Half Dome" in the Yosemite
Valley. He had devoted his life to the conservation of natural beauty. After Yosemite
National Park was established, he helped form a club to protect it. The quarter also
includes the California condor, which was successfully repopulated after near
extinction.
The 20 member California State Quarter Commission reviewed designs and selected 20
finalists. The governor narrowed the list to five which were sent to the United States
Mint for review. The final design was selected by the governor. Other designs
considered included "Waves and Sun", "Gold Miner", "Golden Gate Bridge", and
"Giant Sequoia".
45
Minnesota State Quarter
Minnesota State Quarters were released on April 4, 2005 as the thirty-second coin in the
State Quarter series. Minnesota's original Statehood date was May 11, 1858.
The reverse design of the Minnesota Quarter features two people fishing on a lake. The
and "Land of 10,000 Lakes" imposed on an outline of the state. The coin's reverse was
designed and engraved by Charles Vickers.
The state of Minnesota contains over 15,000 lakes. The quarter depicts one of the lakes
lined with Norway Pine Trees. Two people are fishing on the lake and a loon on the
water is in the foreground. A textured outline of the state contains the state nickname.
The Minnesota governor announced the selection of the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" design.
It was recommended to him by the Minnesota State Quarter Commission. The US
Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other designs considered
for the Minnesota Quarter included state symbols, a snowflake, loon and plow, and a
lake recreation theme.
248,400,000 coins. The Minnesota State Quarter had the lowest mintage of all of the
2005 Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins
46
Oregon State Quarter
Oregon State Quarters were released on June 6, 2005 as the thirty-third coin in the State
Quarter series. Oregon's original Statehood date was February 14, 1859.
The reverse design of the Oregon Quarter features a portion of Crater Lake. The
and "Crater Lake." The coin's reverse was designed by Donna Waver and engraved by
Norman Nemeth.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States with a depth of up to 1,949. This
also makes it the seventh deepest lake in the world. It was formed by the collapse of
Mount Mazama. The lake boasts incredible clarity due to the lack of incoming streams
and rivers. Crater Lake National Park was formed in 1902 with the lake as its main
highlight.
The governor choose the Crater Lake design. This design was the recommendation of
the 18 member Oregon Commemorative Coin Commission. The US Treasury
Department later gave final approval of the design. Other designs considered for the
Oregon State Quarter included Oregon Trail, Mount Hood, and a wild salmon.
47
Kansas State Quarter
Kansas State Quarters were released on August 29, 2005 as the thirty-fourth coin in the
State Quarter series. The original Statehood date of Kansas was January 29, 1861.
The reverse design of the Kansas Quarter features a buffalo and sunflower. The
inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, and "E Pluribus
Unum." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Norman Nemeth.
The reverse design features the state animal and state flower of Kansas. Both were
found in abundance when the Kansas gained its statehood and are proud symbols of the
Nation's heartland.
The 16 member Kansas Commemorative Coin Commission was created by the

governor to narrow the proposed designs to four finalists. The state's high school
students then voted for the "Buffalo and Sunflower" design as the winner. The US
Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other finalist designs
included the statue on the State Capitol, an American Indian archer, a sunflower and
wheat, and a single sunflower.
The Philadelphia mint produced 163,400,000 Kansas Quarters with the Denver mint
producing 300,000,000. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver
48
West Virginia State Quarter
West Virginia State Quarters were released on October 14, 2005 as the thirty-fifth coin
in the State Quarter series. West Virginia's original Statehood date was June 20, 1863.
The reverse design of the West Virginia Quarter features the New River and the New
River Gorge Bridge. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage
date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "New River Gorge." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by John Mercanti.
Prior to becoming a state, West Virginia was a part of Virginia. The state was admitted
into the union on the condition that they abolish slavery. The New River Gorge Bridge
is 3,030 feet in length. This makes it the world's largest steel span. The bridge is also
the second highest in the United States. The New River is part of the National Park
System as the New River Gorge National River.
More than 1,800 designs concepts were collected from around the State. Students from
the Governor's School for the Arts narrowed the entries down to five finalists. The
governor selected the New River Gorge design. The US Treasury Department later gave
final approval of the design. Other finalist designs for the West Virginia Quarter had
included the Appalachians, Bridge Day, river rafters, and Mother's Day.
356,200,000 coins. The West Virginia State Quarter had the highest mintage of all of
the 2005 Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof
49
2006 State Quarters
State Quarters were issued to honor Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota and
South Dakota. This year's designs featured a nice array of many natural beauties. This
includes Chimney Rock for Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the North
Dakota Badlands.
Nevada State Quarter
Nevada State Quarters were released on January 31, 2006 as the thirty-sixth coin in the
State Quarter series. Nevada's original Statehood date was October 31, 1864.
The reverse design of the Nevada Quarter features three wild mustangs. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and a banner
with the motto "The Silver State." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by
Don Everhart.
More than half of the wild horses in the United States live in Nevada. Three wild horses
are depicted beneath a rising sun. There are snow capped mountains in the background
and sage bush along the borders.
The 18 member Nevada State Quarter Commission reviewed submissions for design
ideas from around the state. They forwarded five selections to the United States Mint. A
statewide vote from the citizens of Nevada selected the final design featuring the
galloping horses. More than 60,000 votes were cast. Other concepts considered for the
Nevada Quarter included native artifacts, a silver miner, and a Big Horn Sheep, and a
pair of pick axes with a stylized star.
50
Nebraska State Quarter
Nebraska State Quarters were released on April 3, 2006 as the thirty-seventh coin in the
State Quarter series. The original statehood date of Nebraska was March 1, 1867.
The reverse design of the Nebraska Quarter features Chimney Rock and an ox drawn
wagon. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E
Pluribus Unum," and "Chimney Rock." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved
by Charles Vickers.
Chimney Rock is a designated National Historic Site. The national formation rises from
the valley of the North Platte River to a height of 445 feet from base to top. The ox
drawn carriage is carrying pioneers westward during America's great westward
expansion. The sun is in full view above the wagon.
The Nebraska State Quarter Design Committee reviewed almost 6,500 quarter designs
from the state's citizens. Four were selected and forwarded to the United States Mint.
The Nebraska governor selected the Chimney Rock design. The US Treasury
Department later gave final approval of the design. Other finalist designs for the
Nebraska Quarter included the State Capitol, the statue atop the Capitol, and Chief
Standing Bear.
51
Colorado State Quarter
Colorado State Quarters were released on June 14, 2006 as the thirty-eighth coin in the
State Quarter series. Colorado's original Statehood date was August 1, 1876.
The reverse design of the Colorado Quarter features the Rocky Mountains. The
and a banner reading "Colorful Colorado." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by Norman Nemeth.
Colorado's Rocky Mountains contains many natural wonders of the United States. The
reverse design shows a sweeping view of the mountains with evergreen trees in the
foreground.
The governor formed the Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission.

After reviewing more than 1,500 designs, five finalists were forwarded to the United
States Mint. The governor selected "Colorful Colorado" as his design choice. The US
Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other concepts considered
for the Colorado Quarter included Mesa Verde, Pines Peak, and the 10th Mountain
Division.
52
North Dakota State Quarter
North Dakota State Quarters were released on August 28, 2006 as the thirty-ninth coin
in the State Quarter series. North Dakota's original Statehood date was November 2,
1889.
The North Dakota Quarter reverse design features two American Bison. The
Unum." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Donna Weaver.
The North Dakota Badlands are featured in the background of the coin. In the mid
1800s, herds of American Bison or buffalo roamed the region. The area is now a
National Park and home to more than 400 buffalo.
The governor created a nine member commission to solicit and review design narratives
from the state's citizens. The commission selected three design concepts and forwarded
them to the United States Mint. The governor recommended the Badlands with Bison
design. The US Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other
North Dakota State Quarter designs that had been considered included migrating
waterfowl and the agriculture industry represented by an aerial view of a modern farm.
359,000,000 coins. The North Dakota Quarter had the highest combined mintage of all
2006 State Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof
53
South Dakota State Quarter
South Dakota State Quarters were released on November 6, 2006 as the fortieth coin in
the State Quarter series. This was the fifth and final release for the year 2006. South
Dakota's original Statehood date was November 2, 1889.
The reverse design of the South Dakota Quarter features Mount Rushmore. The
Unum." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by John Mercanti.
Mount Rushmore National Monument features likenesses of four American Presidents:

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The reverse design also includes the Chinese ring necked pheasant, which is the state
bird of South Dakota. The entire design is bordered by wheat ears.
The South Dakota Quarter Advisory Committee accepted and reviewed ideas from the
state's citizens. Five possible design concepts were selected and forwarded to the United
States Mint. The governor selected the Mount Rushmore and Pheasant design. The US
Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other designs considered
included a three-quarter view of Mount Rushmore, the America Bison, and the Chinese
Ring-necked Pheasant.
265,800,000 coins. The South Dakota Quarter had the lowest mintage for all State
Quarters released during 2006. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90%
silver proof coins for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
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2007 State Quarters
The State Quarter Program neared completion in 2007 with the next five designs in the
series. Coins were issued to honor Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah.
This year's quarters featured a wide array of designs from the simple but striking design
of the Wyoming Quarter to symbolic design of the Utah Quarter.
Montana State Quarter
Montana State Quarters were released on January 29, 2007 as the forty-first coin in the
State Quarter series. This was the first release for the 2007 State Quarters. Montana's
original Statehood date was November 8, 1889.
The reverse of the Montana Quarter features a bison skull. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "Big Sky Country."
The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Don Everhart.
The bison skull is a sacred symbol for many of Montana's American Indian tribes. In
contemporary times, the symbol is still used throughout the state on schools, businesses,
and license plates. The background of the quarter displays some of the diverse
landscape of Montana.
The governor of Montana created the Montana Quarter Design Selection Commission to
recommend designs. Four finalist designs were forwarded to the United States Mint.
The "Bison Skull" design was selected by a public vote. The US Treasury Department
later gave final approval of the design. Other designs considered for the Montana State
Quarter included a bull elk, an outline of the state, and the big sky river.
256,240,000 coins. The Montana Quarter had the lowest mintage for all State Quarters
released during 2007. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver
55
Washington State Quarter
Washington State Quarters were released on April 2, 2007 as the forty-second coin in
the State Quarter series. This was the second release for the 2007 State Quarters.
Washington's original Statehood date was November 11, 1889.
The reverse design of the Washington State Quarter features a leaping king salmon. The
and "The Evergreen State." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Charles
Vickers.
The king salmon featured in the reverse design is leaping out of the water in front of
Mount Rainer. This active volcano is covered in greater than 35 miles of snow and ice.
The salmon is an image of Pacific Northwest culture fitting for the state quarter.
The governor formed the Washington State Quarter Advisory Commission to review
design submissions from the state's residents. From over 1,500 submissions, five were
chosen to send to the United States Mint. The final decision was made based on a
statewide vote. The US Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design.
Other concepts considered included an apple within the outline of the state, and a
salmon.
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Idaho State Quarter
Idaho State Quarters were released on June 4, 2007 as the forty-third coin in the State
Quarter series. This also marked the third release for the year 2007. Idaho's original
Statehood date was July 3, 1890.
The reverse design of the Idaho Quarter features the Peregrine Falcon. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "Esto
Perpetua." The coin's reverse was designed by Don Everhart and engraved by Donna
Weaver.
The Peregrine Falcon was once on the endangered species list. As a result of
conservation efforts, the bird can now be found throughout Idaho and other areas of the
United States. It is one of the fastest birds in the world. The motto "Esto Perpetua" is the
State's motto which means "May it be Forever."
The Idaho Commission for the Arts collected design concepts from the State's
citizens. Four final concepts were forwarded to the United States Mint. The governor
later made the final recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the
Secretary of the Treasury. Other designs considered for the Idaho State Quarter included
a depiction of the farmlands of Idaho and the state song with lyrics.
286,800,000 coins. The Idaho Quarter had the highest overall mintage of all State
Quarters produced in 2007. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver
57
Wyoming State Quarter
Wyoming State Quarters were released on September 3, 2007 as the forty-fourth coin in
the State Quarter series. This was the fourth release for the year 2007. Wyoming's
original Statehood date was July 10, 1890.
The reverse design of the Wyoming Quarter features the outline of a bucking horse. The
and "The Equality State." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Norman E.
Nemeth.
The outline of the bucking horse and rider represent Wyoming's Wild West heritage.
The state was a popular destination for pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail. The
state's nickname, "The Equality State," is derived from the fact that Wyoming was the
first state to establish equal voting rights for women.
The governor formed the Wyoming Coinage Advisory Committee to solicit and review
design narratives from the State's citizens. The United States Mint then developed
designs based on the top five concepts. The governor selected the bucking horse design.
The US Treasury Department later gave final approval of the design. Other concepts
considered for the Wyoming Quarter included a depiction of Old Faithful Geyser from
Yellowstone National Park and other depiction of the bucking horse and rider.
320,800,000 coins. Proof and silver proof coins were also produced at the San Francisco
Mint for inclusion in US Mint issued proof sets.
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Utah State Quarter
Utah State Quarters were released on November 5, 2007 as the forty-fifth coin in the
State Quarter series. This also marked the final release for the year 2007. Utah's original
Statehood date was January 4, 1896.
The Utah Quarter reverse design features two locomotives moving towards a golden
spike. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E
Pluribus Unum," and "Crossroads of the West." The coin's reverse was designed and
engraved by Joseph Menna.
The quarter's reverse design represents the famous joining of the Union Pacific and
Central Pacific Railroads. On May 10, 1869, a ceremonial golden spike joined the two
railroads and completed the transcontinental route. This made cross country travel easier
and cheaper to accomplish. It also symbolized the change from an agrarian society to an
industrialized one.
The Utah Commemorative Quarter Commission collected narrative submissions from

the state's citizens. Three final concepts were selected and sent to the United States Mint
from over 5,000 submissions. A statewide vote was held to select the final design. Over
150,000 votes were cast. The US Treasury Department later gave final approval of the
design. Other design concepts considered for the Utah State Quarter included a beehive,
part of the official seal and emblem of Utah, and a winter sports theme.
253,200,000 coins. The Utah Quarter had the lowest combined total mintage of all of
the 2007 State Quarters. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver
59
2008 State Quarters
The State Quarter Program concluded in 2008 with the final five designs in the series.
Coins were issued to honor Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii. The
final five designs were an excellent way to end the series. Each State Quarter design
was striking and well defined. They primarily focus on a single element rather than the
middle year quarters which were often conglomerations of symbols.
Oklahoma State Quarter
Oklahoma State Quarters were released on January 28, 2008 as the forty-sixth coin in
the State Quarter series. This was the first release in the series for the year 2008.
Oklahoma's original Statehood date was November 16, 1907.
The Oklahoma Quarter reverse design features the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. The
inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum."
The coin's reverse was designed by Susan Gamble and engraved by Phebe Hemphill.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is Oklahoma's state bird. The design depicts the bird with
its distinctive tail feathers spread. Beneath the bird, there is also the state wildflower
called the Indian Blanket in a field of wildflowers.
Citizens of Oklahoma submitted over 1,000 narratives as design concepts for the new
quarter. This was narrowed to five, which were sent to the United States Mint. Of the
artistic design renderings, the governor chose the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher design due to
overwhelming support of the citizen votes.
Other design concepts considered for the Oklahoma Quarter, but not used were
depictions of a pioneer woman with a windmill and oil derrick, state outline and oil
derrick, and state outline and calumet.
194,600,000 coins. The Oklahoma Quarter has the lowest overall mintage for the entire
State Quarter series.
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New Mexico State Quarter
New Mexico State Quarters were released on April 7, 2008 as the forty-seventh coin in
the State Quarter series. This was the second quarter release for the year 2008. New
Mexico's original Statehood date was January 6, 1912.
The reverse design of the New Mexico Quarter features the Zia Sun Symbol. The
and "Land of Enchantment." The coin's reverse was designed and engraved by Don
Everhart.
The Zia Sun Symbol represents the giver of all good, who provided gifts in groups of
four. The circle at the center represents life and love without beginning or end. The four
rays represent the four directions, four seasons, four phases of the day, and four
divisions of life. The reverse design also features a topographical map of the state.
The governor appointed members to the New Mexico Coin Commission. The members
solicited and reviewed over 1,000 design concepts. They constructed designs based on
popular elements of submitted ideas and forwarded them to the United States Mint. The
governor selected the Zia Sun Symbol design. The US Treasury Department later gave
final approval of the design.
244,400,000 coins. Proof and 90% silver proof coins were also produced at the San
Francisco Mint.
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Arizona State Quarter
Arizona State Quarters were released on June 2, 2008 as the forty-eighth coin in the
State Quarter series. This was the third release for the year 2008. Arizona's original
Statehood date was February 14, 1912.
The reverse design of the Arizona Quarter features a rendition of the Grand Canyon.
Unum," and a banner reading "Grand Canyon State." The coin's reverse was designed
by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
Arizona was the last state admitted in the continental United States. The design features
the Grand Canyon, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also part of
the United States National Park System. The canyon is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest.
The reverse design also contains the Saguaro cactus in the foreground.
The governor appointed the Arizona Quarter Commission to solicit design suggestions
from the state's citizens. From over 4,200 ideas, five were chosen to forward to the
United States Mint for artistic renderings. An online poll of the state's citizens was held
to select the final design. The US Treasury Department later gave final approval of the
design. Other designs considered but not selected featured the Navajo Code Talkers and
the John Wesley Powell expedition of the Grand Canyon.
265,000,000 coins. Additionally, coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint in
proof and 90% silver proof for inclusion in US Mint issued proof sets.
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Alaska State Quarter
Alaska State Quarters were released on August 25, 2008 as the forty-ninth coin in the
State Quarter series. This was the fourth release for the year 2008. Alaska's original
Statehood date was January 3, 1959.
The Alaska Quarter reverse design features a grizzly bear with salmon. The inscriptions
include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "The
Great Land." The coin's reverse was designed by Susan Gamble and engraved by
Charles Vickers.
The grizzly bear and salmon symbolize the natural beauty and wildlife which are
abundant in the vast state of Alaska. More than 98% of the grizzly bear population of
the United States resides in Alaska. The state was purchased from Russia in 1867 for
the sum of $7.2 million. Alaska's abundant gold and oil resources made the purchase an
incredible investment!
The governor appointed an eleven member Alaska Commemorative Coin Commission

to solicit and review design concepts. Out of more than 850 submissions, four were
chosen to send to the United States Mint for artistic renderings. The governor selected
the grizzly bear design, which was later officially approved by the Department of the
Treasury. Other Alaska Quarter designs considered, but not selected included a polar
bear, Mount McKinley, and a gold pannier.
The Philadelphia mint produced 251,800,000 Alaska Quarters and the Denver mint
produced 254,000,000. The San Francisco Mint produced proof and silver proof coins
for inclusion within government issued proof sets.
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Hawaii State Quarter
Hawaii State Quarters were released on November 3, 2008 as the fiftieth and final coin
in the State Quarter series. Hawaii's original Statehood date was August 21, 1959.
The reverse design features a statue of Kamehameha I. The inscriptions include the
State name, Statehood date, mintage date, "E Pluribus Unum," and "UA MAU KE EA O
KA 'AINA I KA PONO." (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.) The coin's
reverse was designed and engraved by Don Everhart.
King Kamehameha I unified the governance of the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s.
He navigated through modern changes while maintaining the native practices and
traditional ways of island life. The reverse design depicts the ruler with an outstretched
hand towards the eight main Hawaiian Islands.
The Hawaii Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission was composed of 36

leaders and students from around the state. They solicited design themes from the state's
citizens and forwarded five to the United States Mint for artistic renderings. An online
poll was used to determine the state's favorite design. The US Treasury Department
later gave final approval of the design.
A special release ceremony took place on November 10, 2008 at Bishop Square in
downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. The ceremony featured a children's hula performance and
Hawaiian music. Attendees were allowed to exchange bills for $10 rolls of Hawaii
Quarters.
263,600,000 coins.
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2009 D.C. & U.S. Territories Quarter
This separate program authorized six additional quarters to honor U.S. jurisdictions
which are not States. The authorizing legislation was signed on December 26, 2007 by
President Bush under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (H.R. 2764).
In 2009, the following coins were issued to honor the District of Columbia and United
States Territories:
- District of Columbia Quarter
- Puerto Rico Quarter
- Guam Quarter
- American Samoa Quarter
- US Virgin Islands Quarter
- Northern Mariana Islands Quarter
The reverse designs for each quarter are uniquely designed to contain images
emblematic of each jurisdiction. The reverse designs of each quarter highlight unique
aspects of each location such as the history, local culture, plant life, and wildlife. The
obverse designs for the quarters continued to utilize the image of George Washington
designed by William Cousins after the original John Flanagan.
At the conclusion of the 2009 D.C. & U.S. Territories Quarter Program, the United
States Mint embarked on another long series of rotating designs with America the
Beautiful Quarters. A total of 56 different National Parks and National Sites were
depicted from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
65
District of Columbia Quarter
The District of Columbia Quarter was released on January 26, 2009. This was the first
release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This program is a follow up
to the popular 50 State Quarters Program.
The reverse design features a depiction of famous jazz musician Duke Ellington, who
was born and raised in Washington DC. The inscriptions include "District of
Columbia", "E Pluribus Unum", "2009", "Justice for All" and "Duke Ellington" on the
piano. The reverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart.
The design selection process for the D.C. Quarter caused some controversy when the
District of Columbia since all of the preliminary designs submitted contained the
inscription, "Taxation Without Representation." This motto refers to the fact that
residents of the District of Columbia pay federal taxes but do not have full
representation in Congress. The US Mint rejected the inscription on the basis that
controversial inscriptions may not be included on coins. The inscription "Justice For
All" is used in place of the controversial statement.
Besides Duke Ellington, other proposed designs for the Washington DC Quarter
included depictions of Frederick Douglas and Benjamin Banneker.
An official launch ceremony for the 2009 District of Columbia Quarter was held on
February 24, 2009 at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American
History. The ceremony was attended by US Mint Director Edmund Moy,
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and members of the Ellington family. One of
the highlights was a performance by the Duke Ellington High School Jazz Band.
The mintages for the District of Columbia Quarter showed a sharp decline from the
levels seen during the State Quarters Program. The Philadelphia Mint produced
83,600,000 coins and the Denver Mint produced 88,800,000 coins.
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Puerto Rico Quarter
The Puerto Rico Quarter was released on March 30, 2009. This marked the second
The reverse design features a view of the sea from a sentry box in Old San Juan.
Pictured at right is the hibiscus. The inscriptions read "Puerto Rico," "Isla del Encanto"
(translated: Isle of Enchantment), "E Pluribus Unum," and the date. The reverse was
designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
Another proposed design included a depiction of the Governor's residence, the Palacio
de Santa Catalina. This is the oldest government building in the Americas which has
remained in continuous use. A second proposed design depicted the Arecibo
Observatory. This enormous telescope is the largest single aperture telescope ever
constructed. The selection of the Old San Juan design was announced by the US Mint
on December 15, 2008.
An official launch ceremony for the Puerto Rico Quarter was held on April 2, 2009 at
San Juan's La Arcada in Paseo la Princesa. The ceremony presented by United States
Mint Director Edmund Moy and Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuno. Also in
attendance were Puerto Rico's First Lady Luce Vela and Secretary of State Kenneth
McClintock. The festivities will include local entertainment and a coin exchange. Free
coins were given to children 18 years and younger.
The mintages for the Puerto Rico Quarter declined from the levels of the previous
quarter release. The reduced production came amidst a slowdown in the economy and a
backwash of old coinage reentering the system. The Philadelphia Mint produced
53,000,000 coins and the Denver Mint produced 86,000,000 coins.
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Guam Quarter
The Guam Quarter was released into circulation on May 26, 2009. This was the third
The design features an outline of the island of Guam along with two symbols associated
with the island. At left is a sailing vessel known as the "Flying Proa" for its great speed.
At right is a Latte, a stone pillar used in ancient houses. The reverse was designed by
David Westwood and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
The inscriptions read "Guam," "Guahan I Tanó ManChamorro," (translated: Guam-

Land of the Chamorro), "E Pluribus Unum," and the date. The second inscription refers
to Chamorro, one of the official languages of Guam which holds an important place in
Guam's identity as a link to their ancestors. It's usage is seeing a renaissance in Guam
and the Mariana Islands.
Another design proposed but not selected for the Guam Quarter featured the Flying Proa
sailing within the East Hagatna Bay with a coconut tree to the right and Two Lovers
Point in the background. The residents of Guam made their design selection based on a
popular vote.
An official launch ceremony for the Guam Quarter was held on June 4, 2009 at Skinner
Plaza in Hagatna, Guam. The ceremony was hosted by US Mint Director Edmund Moy
and Guam Governor Felix P Camacho. After the ceremony children were given a free
Guam Quarter and adults were allowed to exchange bills for new rolls of coins. Prior to
the ceremony, a collectors coin forum was held.
The Guam Quarter Mint experienced another mintage decline from the level of the
previous quarter release. The impact of a slowing economy and an influx of old coinage
reentering circulation reduced the need for newly minted coins. There were only
42,600,000 Guam Quarters produced at the Denver Mint and 45,000,000 produced at
the Philadelphia Mint.
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American Samoa Quarter
The American Samoa Quarter was released on July 27, 2009. This represented the
fourth release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This program is a
follow up to the popular 50 State Quarters Program, created to release six additional
quarters for U.S. jurisdictions not classified as states.
The reverse design of the American Samoa Quarter features items used in special
Samoan ceremonies against a background image of the coastline. The items include the
ava bowl and the whisk and staff. The ava bowl is used to make a ceremonial drink
during important events. The whisk and staff represent the rank of Samoan orator. The
inscriptions read "American Samoa," "Samoa Muamua Le Atua" (translated: "Samoa,
God is First"), "E Pluribus Unum," and the date. The reverse was designed by Stephen
Clark and sculpted by Charles Vickers.
Two other finalist designs for the quarter were proposed, but not selected. The first
featured a man holding a dried coconut cup used during the ava ceremony. Hi image
was surrounded by coconut leaves, breadfruit tree leaves, and taro leaves. The second
proposed design portrayed a collection of symbols representative of American Samoa,
which included a guesthouse, headdress and bowl.
An official launch ceremony for the American Samoa Quarter was held in Pago Pago on
September 4, 2009, more than a month after the official release date of the coin. The
ceremony was attended by US Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart and American
Samoa Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono. Following the ceremony children aged 18 and
younger were given a free American Samoa Quarter. Adults were allowed to exchange
currency for rolls of quarters.
The overall mintage for the American Samoa Quarter marked a temporary low for
quarter production. Just over 82 million quarters were produced for circulation across
both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The 2009-D American Samoa Quarter retains
its status as the lowest mintage individual quarter in decades.
69
US Virgin Islands Quarter
The U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter was released on September 28, 2009. This was the fifth
to the popular 50 State Quarters Program to feature non-state jurisdictions of the United
States.
The reverse design of the Virgin Islands Quarter features a bird known as the Banana
Quit pictured next to the Yellow Cedar flower. Behind the bird is a Tyre Palm, a tree
native to the Virgin Islands. The background includes an outline of the three main
islands. The inscriptions include "U.S. Virgin Islands," "United in Pride and Hope," "E
Pluribus Unum," and the date. The reverse was designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
This design was selected from three finalist designs. The other designs featured the
Conch Shell Blower representing Virgin Islands as the First in Freedom, and the Three
Queens symbols of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The design selection was
officially announced by the United States Mint on December 15, 2008.
The Virgin Islands Quarter had a combined mintage of 82 million coins for circulation.
This represents the lowest combined mintage for a 2009 quarter, narrowly lower than
the prior American Samoa Quarter. The mintage was evenly divided between the
Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities.
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Northern Mariana Islands Quarter
The Northern Mariana Islands Quarter was released on November 30, 2009. This was
the sixth and final release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This
program was created as a follow up to the popular 50 State Quarters Program to honor
the non-state jurisdictions of the United States.
The reverse design for the Northern Mariana Islands Quarter features symbols
representative of the islands. This includes a Latte, a two piece stone pillar which also
appears on the Guam Quarter, amongst coconut trees, wild plants, native birds, and a
sailing vessel. A Teibwo (pacific basil) frames the design. The inscriptions include
"Northern Mariana Islands," "E Pluribus Unum," and the date. The reverse was
designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.
The mintage for the Northern Mariana Islands Quarters marked the low for the six coin
series. There were 37,600,000 coins produced at the Denver Mint and 35,200,000 coins
produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
After eleven years, all fifty US States, five US Territories, and the District of Columbia
had all been honored with a uniquely designed circulating commemorative quarter
dollar coin.
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America the Beautiful Quarters
The new series of America the Beautiful Quarters continues the recent tradition of
highlighting the beauty and diversity of the country with unique reverse designs for
circulating quarter dollars. The present series will feature National Parks and sites from
each of the 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
Collectors can look forward to the 56 different designs, which will be issued from 2010
to 2021. The coins will be released at a rate of five different designs per year, with one
design released in the final year of the series.
This site provides information on the new America the Beautiful Quarters, including a
look at each coin of the series, release dates for upcoming issues, launch ceremony
information, mintage figures, and original design candidates prepared by the US Mint.
America the Beautiful Quarters Program
America the Beautiful Quarters are authorized under Public Law 110-456 America’s
Beautiful National parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008. The authorizing legislation
was introduced on June 4, 2008 as H.R. 6184 and signed into law on December 23,
2008 by President George W. Bush.
The Act provides for the “redesign and issuance of quarters dollars emblematic of
National Sites in each state, the District of Columbia, and each territory.” Guidelines
are provided for the selection of sites, design approval process, order of release, and the
period of issuance.
The Secretary of the Treasury is also provided with the option of extending the America
the Beautiful Quarters series to a second round of designs, which he or she may exercise
at any time prior to the ninth year of the series.
America the Beautiful Quarter Designs
The reverse design for each quarter is developed through cooperation of the United
States Mint and the Federal entity responsible for the supervision, management, or
conservancy of each site. A liaison is appointed to provide the US Mint with source
documents that will be used to prepare candidate designs.
Design proposals for each America the beautiful Quarter are reviewed by the
Commission of Fine Arts, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, the governor of
each jurisdiction, and the Secretary of the Interior. The final designs are selected by the
United States Secretary of the Treasury, taking into account the recommendation of the
United States Mint and the feedback provided through the review process.
The obverse design of each quarter will feature a portrait of George Washington. It will
be a restored version of the original design used for the 1932 Washington Quarter.
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Schedule and Release Dates
tes
The Secretary of the Treasury was required to select the 56 National Parks and sites to
be featured for the series within 270 days of enactment of the bill. On September 9,
2009, the register of sites for the program was unveiled. The order of release was also
established based on the order the sites were federally designated.
America the Beautiful Silver Bullion
The authorizing legislation for America the Beautiful Quarters series also provided for a
unique silver bullion coin program. For the duration of the series, over-sized
over silver
bullion duplicates of each quarter will be produced by the United States Mint. Each coin
will contain 5 ounces of .999 fine silver and have a diameter of 3 inches. The designs
will be an exact duplicate of each quarter, including
including the denomination “quarter dollar.”
The silver bullion coins will be available during the calendar year of release for the
corresponding quarter. The coins will be sold through the US Mint’s network of
authorized bullion dealers. The National Park Service
Service will also be given the opportunity
to purchase the coins for resale to the public, possibly repackaged as a unique
collectible.
“America the Beautiful

B Quarters” year map
73
YEAR STATES
2010 Arkansas, Wyoming, California, Arizona and Oregon.
2011 Pennsylvania, Montana, Washington, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
2012 Puerto Rico, New Mexico, Maine, Hawaii and Alaska.
2013 New Hampshire, Ohio, Nevada, Maryland and South Dakota.
2014 Tennessee, Virginia, Utah, Colorado and Florida.
2015 Nebraska, Louisiana, North Carolina, Delaware and New York.
2016 Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Dakota and South Carolina.
2017 Iowa, District of Columbia, Missouri, New Jersey and Indiana.
2018 Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia and Rhode Island.
2019 Massachusetts, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Texas and Idaho.
2020 American Samoa, Connecticut, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont and Kansas.
2021 Alabama.
“America the beautiful Quarters” description
74
2010 America the Beautiful Quarters
The five quarters of 2010 feature Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Yellowstone
National Park in Wyoming, Yosemite National Park in California, Grand Canyon
National Park in Arizona and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon.
Hot Springs National Park Quarter
The Hot Springs National Park quarter is the first of 2010 and the first overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Hot Springs National Park, destination of the
Dunbar-Hunter Expedition sent by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804, features
prehistoric American Indian quarries. A bustling town grew up around the hot springs to
provide health services. Hot Springs was first established as a national site on April 20,
1832, to conserve the water from the 47 springs that emerge from Hot Springs Mountain
and to ensure that water was made available for drinking and therapy.
The quarter`s reverse image depicts the façade of the Hot Springs National Park
headquarters building with a thermal fountain in the foreground. The headquarters was
built in the Spanish colonial revival style and completed in 1936. The National Park
Service emblem is featured to the right of the door. Inscriptions are HOT SPRINGS,
ARKANSAS, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Hot Springs National Park.
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Yellowstone National Park Quarter
The Yellowstone National Park quarter is the second of 2010 and the second overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. First established as a national site on
March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is home to a large variety of wildlife,
including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. Preserved within the park are Old
Faithful and a collection of the world`s most extraordinary geysers.
The reverse image features the Old Faithful geyser with a mature bull bison in the
foreground. Inscriptions are YELLOWSTONE, WYOMING, 2010 and E PLURIBUS
UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of
Yellowstone National Park.
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Yosemite National Park Quarter
The Yosemite National Park quarter is the third of 2010 and the third overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Yosemite National Park, one of the first
wilderness parks in United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within it nearly
1.200 square miles are deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoias. It was
first established as a national site on October 1, 1890,
The reverse image depicts the iconic El Capitan, which rises more than 3.000 feet above
the valley floor and is the largest monolith of granite in the world. Inscriptions are
YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Yosemite National Park.
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Grand Canyon National Park Quarter
The Grand Canyon National Park quarter is the fourth of 2010 and the fourth overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. A powerful and inspiring landscape, the
Grand Canyon overwhelms the senses through its immense size of the 277 river miles
long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The Grand Canyon was first established as a
national site on February 20, 1893.
The reverse image features a view of the granaries above the Nankoweap Delta in
Marble Canyon near the Colorado River (Marble Canyon is the northernmost section of
the Grand Canyon). These granaries were used for storing food and seeds between 1050
and 1150 A.D. Inscriptions are GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA, 2010 and E
PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with
representatives of Grand Canyon National Park.
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Mount Hood National Forest Quarter
The Mount Hood National Forest quarter is the fifth of 2010 and the fifth overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Located 20 miles east of Portland, Oregon,
wich lies in the northern part of the Willamette River Valley, Mount Hood National
Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more
than 60 miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams, to the Olallie Scenic Area. The
foret encompasses more than one million acres. Two of its many highlights are the
Timberline Lodge, a national historic landmark in its own right, and the Clackamas
Wild and Scenic River. Mount Hood was first established as a national site on
September 28, 1893.
This reverse image depicts a view of Mount Hood with Lost Lake in the foreground.
Inscriptions are MOUNT HOOD, OREGON, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Mount Hood National
Forest.
79
The five quarters of 2011 feature Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania,
Glacier National Park in Montana, Olympic National Park in Washington, Vicksburg
National Military Park in Mississippi and Chickasaw National Recreation Area in
Oklahoma.
Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter
The Gettysburg National Military Park quarter is the first to be released in 2011, and the
sixth overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The battle of Gettysburg,
the Union victory in the summer of 1863 that ended General Robert E. Lee`s second
and most ambitious invasion of the North, was a turning point in the Civil War. Often
referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion,” it was among the war`s bloodiest
battles, with 51.000 casualties. It also provides President Abraham Lincoln with the
setting for famous address. It was the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, a
group of concerned citizens that first set out in 1864 to preserve the battlefield as a
memorial to the Union troops who fought there. The park is well known for its many
monuments and memorials, the majority of which were placed by veterans of the battle.
On February 11, 1895, the battlefield was transferred to the federal government as
Gettysburg National Military Park.
This reverse image depicts the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument, which is located
on the battle line of the Union Army at Cemetery Ridge. Inscriptions are
GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Gettysburg National
Military Park.
80
Glacier National Park Quarter
The Glacier National Park quarter is the second to be released in 2011 and the seventh
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The park is named for its
prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from the ice age of
10.000 years ago. Glacial forces, ancient seas, geologic faults and uplifting all combined
to create some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. Known to the Blackfeet as the
“Backbone of the world,” Glacier National Park preserves more than 1 million acres of
forest, alpine meadows, lakes, rugged peaks and glacially carved valleys in the Northern
Rocky Mountains. These lands were first set aside as a national reserve on February 22,
1897.
This reverse image depicts a classic view of the northeast slope of Mount Reynolds
towering in the distance while a mountain goat climbs over the rocky slopes of the
park`s high country. Inscriptions are GLACIER, MONTANA, 2011 and E PLURIBUS
Glacier National Park.
81
Olympic National Park Quarter
The Olympic National Park quarter is the third to be released in 2011, and the eighth
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. From glistening tidepools to
glacier-capped peaks, Olympic National Park protects more than 70 miles of Pacific
Ocean beaches and, less than 33 miles away, the glacier-capped 7,980-foot summit of
Mount Olympus that is the heart of the Olympic range. The park consists of coastline,
rugged peaks, meadows and lakes, scattered forests and steep forested slopes ending in
broad, U-shaped valleys. Geology, climate, isolation, history and sheer size make this
nearly 1 million-acre park home to relatively intact ecosystems and a priceless living
laboratory for plants and myriad species of animals large and small. It was first
established as a national site on February 22, 1897.
The reverse image depicts a Roosevelt elk standing on a gravel river bar of the Hoh
River with a view of Mount Olympus in the background. Inscriptions are OLYMPIC,
WASHINGTON, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed
in consultation with representatives of Olympic National Park.
82
Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter
The Vicksburg National Military Park quarter is the fourth released in 2011 and the
ninth overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The park commemorates
one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War — the campaign, siege, and defense of
Vicksburg, Miss. Surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, La.,
split the South, giving control of the Mississippi River to the North. The museum
exhibits at the park depict the hardships of civilians and soldiers during the devastating
47-day siege of the city. More than 1,350 monuments, a national cemetery and the
restored Union ironclad gunboat, the U.S.S. Cairo, mark the 16-mile tour road. The
U.S.S. Cairo was the first warship sunk by an electronically detonated "torpedo," which
ushered in a new age of naval warfare. Vicksburg was first established as a national site
on February 21, 1899.
The reverse image depicts the U.S.S. Cairo on the Yazoo River as it would have been
seen when it served the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Inscriptions are VICKSBURG,
MISSISSIPPI, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Vicksburg National Military Park.
83
Chickasaw National Recreation Area Quarter
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter is the fifth released in 2011 and the
10th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The park is unique in that it
was founded through the support of an Indian tribe, the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw
National Recreation Area exists as a part of the national park system to provide for the
protection of the area's unique resources, springs, streams, lakes and other natural
features; to protect and interpret its cultural history, historic landscapes and structures;
to commemorate the Chickasaw Nation; and to provide for public education,
appreciation and recreational use and enjoyment of those resources. It was originally
established as a national site on July 1, 1902.
The reverse image depicts the Lincoln Bridge, built of limestone and dedicated in 1909
to celebrate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln`s birth. The bridge is the first
constructed improvement in the national recreation area and a favorite scenic spot.
Inscriptions are CHICKSAW, OKLAHOMA, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Chickasaw National
Recreation Area.
84
The five quarters of 2012 feature El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, Chaco
Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, Acadia National Park in Maine,
Hawaiì Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii and Denali National Park and Preserve in
Alaska.
El Yunque National Forest Quarter
The El Yunque National Forest quarter is the first of 2012 and the 11th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. El Yunque National Forest, located in Puerto
Rico, is the sole tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Despite the
forest's relatively small 28,000-acre size, it is significant for its immense biodiversity
and is popular with visitors for its year-round tropical climate. More than 1 million
visitors from all over the world visit the forest each year to sample its eco-tourism
pleasures while developing a greater understanding of its ecological importance by
walking along the many beautiful trails. It was first established as a national site on
January 17, 1903.
The reverse design depicts a Coqui tree frog sitting on a leaf and a Puerto Rican parrot
behind an epiphyte plant with tropical flora in the background. The Puerto Rican parrot
is a highly endangered species unique to Puerto Rico, and its recovery began with the
few birds left in El Yunque. Inscriptions are EL YUNQUE, PUERTO, 2012 and E
representatives of El Yunque National Forest.
85
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park quarter is the second of 2012 and the 12th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This historical park in New
Mexico features Chaco Canyon, which was a major center of Puebloan culture between
A.D. 850 and 1250. The Chacoan sites are part of the homeland of Pueblo Indian
peoples of New Mexico, the Hopi Indians of Arizona and the Navajo Indians of the
southwest. Chaco Canyon was the cultural center of a system of communities linked by
road and trading networks across a 40,000 square-mile region in the Four Corners area
from A.D. 850 to 1150. Chaco is remarkable for its multi-storied public buildings called
"great houses," enormous circular ceremonial subterranean structures called "great
kivas," and distinctive architecture featuring a notable concentration of petroglyphs and
pictographs. The Chacoan people combined pre-planned architectural designs,
astronomical alignments, geometry, landscaping and engineering to create an ancient
urban center of spectacular public architecture. It was first established as a national site
on March 11, 1907.
The reverse design illustrates a view to the west of two elevates kivas that are part of the
Chetro Ketl Complex. The design also shows the north wall of Chetro Ketl and the
north wall of the canyon. Inscriptions are CHACO CULTURE, NEW MEXICO, 2012
and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with
representatives of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
86
Acadia National Park Quarter
The Acadia National Park quarter is the third of 2012 and the 13th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-
century visionaries donated the land on the rugged coast of Maine that became Acadia
National Park, the first national park east of the Mississippi River. The park is home to
the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Visitors come to Acadia to hike over
granite peaks, bike on historic carriage roads and enjoy the spectacular scenery. It was
first established as a national site on July 8, 1916.
The reverse image depicts a view of the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Acadia`s
rough coastline. The design captures many representative elements of Acadia: the
coastline, the lighthouse, the pine trees and the ocean. Inscriptions are ACADIA,
MAINE, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Acadia National Park.
87
Hawaiì Volcanoes National Park Quarter
The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park quarter is the fourth of 2012 and the 14th overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Established as Hawaii National Park in
1916, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of
volcanism, migration and evolution-processes that thrust a bare land up from the sea,
creating unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. Created to preserve the natural
setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is one of
the most fascinating biological landscapes in the world. The Hawaiian Archipelago,
located more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continental land mass, is the most
geographically isolated group of islands on Earth. It was first established as a national
site on August 1, 1916.
The reverse design depicts an eruption of the east rift of Kilauea Volcano, capturing the
magnificent beauty of the volcano. Inscriptions are HAWAIÍ VOLCANOES,
HAWAII, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
88
Denali National Park and Preserve Quarter
The Denali National Park and Preserve quarter is the fifth of 2012 and the 15th overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. In 1980, the park was expanded from 2 to
6 million acres, including preserve lands, and the name changed from Mount McKinley
National Park to Denali National Park and Preserve. Today's boundaries include the
awe-inspiring 20,320-foot Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. The
park's dynamic glaciated landscape supports a diversity of wildlife, including grizzly
bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Archeological evidence that dates back
more than 12,000 years ago indicates Alaska's native people moved through this
landscape seasonally, likely hunting large mammals, fishing and gathering plants. It was
first established as a national site to protect wildlife populations on February 26, 1917.
The reverse design features a Dall sheep with Mount McKinley rising in the
background. Inscriptions are DENALI, ALASKA, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Denali
National Park and Preserve.
89
The five quarters of 2013 feature White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire,
Perry`s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Ohio, Great Basin National Park in
Nevada, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland and
Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.
White Mountain National Forest Quarter
The White Mountain National Forest quarter is the first of 2013 and the 16thoverall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. White Mountain National Forest, located
in both New Hampshire and Maine, provides unique and strikingly beautiful landscapes
and is one of America's most visited national forests for its wide array of recreational
opportunities and rich natural resources. The White Mountain National Forest includes
unique features such as Mt. Washington, the highest peak north of the Smokey
Mountains and east of the Mississippi. It was first established as a national site on May
16, 1918.
The reverse design depicts Mt. Chocorua, the easternmost peak of the Sandwich Range,
framed by birch trees. It is an iconic view of the White Mountain National Forest
system lands. Inscriptions are WHITE MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 2013 and E
representatives of White Mountain National Forest.
90
Perry`s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Quarter
The Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial quarter is the second of 2013 and
the 17th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This memorial site in
Ohio was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the
War of 1812 and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Britain, Canada and the U.S.
The memorial, a Doric column rising 352 feet over Lake Erie, is situated five miles
from the longest undefended border in the world. The memorial bears the name of
Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry. Six naval officers (three American and three
British) slain during the battle are buried under its rotunda. It was first established as a
national site on March 3, 1919.
The reverse design depicts the statue of Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry with
the Peace Memorial located in the distance. The memorial is one of the tallest of its kind
in the U.S. Inscriptions are PERRY`S VICTORY, OHIO, 2013 and E PLURIBUS
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.
91
Great Basin National Park Quarter
The Great Basin National Park quarter is the third of 2013 and the 18th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Great Basin National Park, located in the heart
of the Great Basin, has exceptional examples of regional geology, biologic diversity and
scenic grandeur. Park attractions include Lehman Caves, the most heavily decorated
limestone solution caverns in the western U.S., and Wheeler Peak, the second highest
peak in Nevada. Great Basin National Park is an oasis in the desert with more than 40
miles of perennial streams and 400 springs. The park also contains a variety of cultural
resources dating back to prehistoric times, as well as structures and sites related to
mining, western surveys and ranching. It was first established as a national monument
on January 24, 1922.
The reverse design depicts the beauty and unique qualities of a single Bristlecone Pine
tree and shows the rocky glacial moraines where the trees grow. These trees grow at
higher elevation in the park and are some of the world`s oldest. The park contains
numerous Bristlecone Pine groves with trees older than 4.000 years. Inscriptions are
GREAT BASIN, NEVADA, 2013 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Great Basin National Park.
92
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic
Shrine Quarter
The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine quarter is the fourth of 2013
and the 19th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Fort McHenry, the
birthplace of our country's national anthem, was named for James McHenry, our
Nation's second Secretary of War. Following the burning of the Nation's capitol and
other federal buildings in August 1814, British forces attacked Baltimore. Francis Scott
Key, a poet-lawyer, witnessed the September 13-14 bombardment of Fort McHenry
while under British guard on an American truce ship in the Patapsco River. Seeing his
country's flag still flying over the fort the next morning, he was moved to pen "The
Star-Spangled Banner." Fort McHenry was first established as a national site on March
3, 1925.
The reverse design represents the site during the “Defenders Day” celebration,
considered the centerpiece annual event held at Fort McHenry. The fireworks symbolize
the “rocket`s red glare,” linking the fort to its historic past. Inscriptions are FORT
McHENRY, MARYLAND, 2013 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Fort McHenry National Monument
and Historic Shrine.
93
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter is the fifth of 2013 and the
20th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Over the decades, Mount
Rushmore has grown in fame as a symbol of America - a symbol of freedom and hope
for people from all cultures and backgrounds. The sculpture, located in the scenic Black
Hills of South Dakota, features the heads of former Presidents George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It was first established as
a national site March 3, 1925.
The reverse design was inspired by photos of men who are adding the final details to
Thomas Jefferson`s face. Mount Rushmore was featured on three 1991 Mount
Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Coins and on the 2006 South Dakota
quarter issued under the 50 State Quarters Program. This new design is distinctly
different and offers a unique and educational perspective on how Mount Rushmore was
created and sculpted. Inscriptions are MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA, 2013
and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with
representatives of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
94
Thee five quarters of 2014 feature Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee,
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Arches National Park in Utah, Great Sand Dunes
National Park in Colorado and Everglades National Park in Florida.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Quarter
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park quarter quarter is the first of 2014 and de 21st
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This national park features
wondrous biodiversity, with ridge upon ridge of forest straddling the border between
Tennessee and North Carolina. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world
renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient
ancient mountains, and
the quality of its remnants of southern Appalachian mountain culture. It is America`s
most-visited
visited national park. It was first established as a national site on May 22, 1926.
The reverse design depicts a historic log cabin found within

within Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. It features a segment of the lush green forest and hawk circling above.
Inscriptions are GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE, 2014 and E
PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation con with
representativess of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
95
Shenandoah National Park Quarter
The Shenandoah National Park quarter is the second of 2014 and the 22nd overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Just 75 miles from Washington, D.C.,
Shenandoah National Park is an escape for travelers wanting a wide range of outdoor
adventures. It features cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas and quiet wooded
hollows. Park visitors enjoy hiking, meandering along the scenic Skyline Drive, or
camping and picnicking with family or friends. Park habitats provide a haven for black
bear and numerous songbirds. Creation of the park was authorized by legislation
leg in
1926 with formal establishment in 1935 and dedication by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt in 1936.
The reverse design depicts a day hiker taking in the view from Little Stony Man
summit. Inscriptions are SHENANDOAH, VIRGINIA, 2014 and E PLURIBUS
UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives
represen of
Shenandoah National Park.
96
Arches National Park Quarter
The Arches National Park quarter is the third of 2014 and the 23rd overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This park is a red rock wonderland. Visitors
will discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any others
in the world. Arches National Park has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as
hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. It was first
established as a national site on April
Ap 12, 1929.
The reverse depicts Delicate Arch, a 65-foot

65 foot freestanding natural arch. It is a widely
recognizable landmark in Utah and the most famous arch found in the park. It has been
depicted on postage stamps and license plates. The Olympic torch relay
rela for the 2002
Winter Olympics passed through this arch. The La Sal Mountains are visible in the
background. Inscriptions are ARCHES, UTAH, 2014 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. UNUM
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Arches
National Park.
97
Great Sand Dunes National Park Quarter
The Great Sand Dunes National Park quarter is the fourth of 2014 and the 24thoverall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Great Sand Dunes National Park and
Preserve has the tallest dunes in North America as the centerpiece of the site's diverse
landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.
These can be experienced through hiking, sand sledding, splashing in Medano Creek
and watching wildlife. The Great
Great Sand Dunes National Park was first established as a
national site on March 17, 1932.
The reverse design features a father and son playing in the sand next to the creek bed.
The distinctive mountains and sand dunes are featured in the background. Inscriptions
Inscr
are GREAT SAND DUNES,
DUNES COLORADO, 2014 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. UNUM Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Great Sand Dunes
National Park and Preserve.
98
Everglades National Park Quarter
The Everglades National Park quarter is the fifth of 2014 and the 25th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the
United States. Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that
provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee,
American crocodile and elusive Florida panther. An international treasure as well, it is
designated as a world heritage site, international biosphere reserve and wetland of
international importance.
e. It was first established as a national site on May 30, 1934.
The reverse design, inspired by the bird population in the Everglades, features an
anhinga with outstretched wings on a willow tree with a roseate spoonbill visible in the
mid-ground. Both birds
ds are found throughout the Everglades National Park. Inscriptions
are EVERGLADES, FLORIDA,
FLORIDA 2014 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.. Design candidates
were developed in consultation with representatives of Everglades National Park.
99
The five quarters of 2015 feature Homestead National Monument of America in
Nebraska, Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, Blue Ridge Parkway in North
Carolina, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware and Saratoga National
Historical Park in New York.
Homestead National Monument of America Quarter
The Homestead National Monument of America Quarter is the first of 2015 and the 26th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Homestead National Monument
of America brings the epic homesteading story of early pioneers to life and
demonstrates the true scope and importance of the Homestead Act of 1862. By granting
free land, the Homestead Act allowed nearly any man or woman a chance to realize the
American dream of owning his or her own land. The uniquely designed Heritage
Center was dedicated in 2007 and offers a hilltop vista of the tallgrass prairie much like
American pioneers would have seen it. It was established as a national site on March
19, 1936.
The reverse design represents the three fundamentals of survival common to all
homesteaders: food, shelter and water. Inscriptions are HOMESTEAD, NEBRASKA,
2015 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation
with representatives of Homestead National Monument of America.
100
Kisatchie National Forest Quarter
The Kisatchie National Forest Quarter is the second of 2015 and the 27th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Spread across seven parishes in Louisiana,
Kisatchie National Forest is divided into five managed units called Ranger Districts that
total more than 604,000 acres of public lands. Hidden in the bayous underneath the
bald cypress groves and old growth pine lies a world of natural beauty, excitement,
learning, recreation, and natural and cultural resources. The name Kisatchie is derived
from a tribe of Kichai Indians of the Caddoan Confederacy. It was established as a
national site in June 3, 1936.
This design features a wild turkey in flight over blue stem grass with long leaf pine in
the background. Inscriptions are KISATCHIE, LOUISIANA, 2015 and E PLURIBUS
Kisatchie National Forest.
101
Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter
The Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter is the third of 2015 and the 28th overall in the America
the Beautiful Quarters Program. Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway with natural
attractions, a unit of the park system with numerous recreational opportunities and a
cross-section of Appalachian mountain history. Stretching 469 miles along the crest of
the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of
the oldest settlements of both pre-historic and early European settlement in the U.S. It
was established as a national site in June 30, 1936.
The reverse design depicts the grace and curvature of the road hugging the side of a
mountain, with the North Carolina state flower in the foreground. Inscriptions are
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, NORTH CAROLINA, 2015 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Blue Ridge
Parkway.
102
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Quarter
The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Quarter is the forth of 2015 and the 29th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Bombay Hook National
Wildlife Refuge is host to hundreds of thousands of migrating ducks, geese, shorebirds
and neo-tropical songbirds in their spring and fall migrations. Tired and hungry
between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, they seek shelter at Bombay Hook and feast
on marsh grasses, fish and other important foods before continuing their flight. Bombay
Hook’s 16,000 acres include freshwater pools, swamps, upland forests, agricultural
fields and one of the largest unaltered tidal salt marshes in the Mid-Atlantic region. It
This design features a great blue heron in the foreground and a great egret in the
background. Inscriptions are BOMBAY HOOK, DELAWARE, 2015 and E
representatives of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
103
Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter
The Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter is the fifth of 2015 and the 30th overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. At Saratoga in the autumn of 1777,
American forces met, defeated and forced a major British army to surrender. This
crucial American victory renewed patriots’ hopes for independence, secured essential
foreign recognition and support, and forever changed the face of the world. The
battlefield, a monument to the fallen and the restored country house of American
General Philip Schuyler make up the three sites of Saratoga National Historical Park. It
The design depicts a close-up of the moment General John Burgoyne surrendered his
sword to General Horatio Gates, a turning point many believe marked the ‘beginning of
the end of the American Revolutionary War’. Inscriptions are BRITISH SURRENDER
1777, SARATOGA, NEW YORK, 2015 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates
were developed in consultation with representatives of Saratoga National Historical
Park.
104
The five quarters of 2016 feature Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, Cumberland Gap
National Historical Park in Kentucky, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West
Virginia, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and Fort Moultrie (Fort
Sumter National Monument) in South Carolina.
Shawnee National Forest Quarter
The Shawnee National Forest Quarter is the first of 2016 and the 31st overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Shawnee National Forest hosts the most
acreage of any natural area in the state of Illinois. Its large, public open spaces offer
many recreation opportunities including big-game hunting, long-distance pedestrian and
equestrian trails, orienteering, bird watching, rock-climbing, beach recreation, and two
National Scenic Byways: the Ohio River and the Great River Road. The forest also has
some of the largest and most diverse blocks of mature hardwoods and forest interior
habitats of national forests. An abundance of wetlands, floodplains and riparian areas
enhances water quality and provides important wetland habitats for migrating waterfowl
in the Mississippi flyway. It was established as a national site in August 1, 1939.
The design depicts a close view of Camel Rock with natural vegetation in the
foreground and a red-tailed hawk soaring in the sky overhead. Inscriptions are
SHAWNEE, ILLINOIS, 2016 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Shawnee National Forest
105
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter is the second of 2016 and the
32nd overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The buffalo, the Native
American, the lone hunter, the pioneer… they all traveled through Cumberland Gap, the
first gateway to the West, into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and
travelers stand in awe at this great break in the Appalachian Mountain chain, carved by
wind and water. Visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park enjoy many miles
of trails and scenic features, as the park stretches for 26 miles along Cumberland
Mountain, ranging from one to four miles in width and containing 24,000 acres. The
natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports diverse
animal life including white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey. It was established as
a national site in June 11, 1940.
The design features a frontiersman gazing across the mountains to the West. Many
pioneers used Cumberland Gap on their journey into the western frontiers of Kentucky
and Tennessee. Inscriptions are CUMBERLAND GAP, FIRST DOORWAY TO THE
WEST, KENTUCKY, 2016 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Cumberland Gap National Historical
Park.
106
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Quarter
The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Quarter is the third of 2016 and the 33rd
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Located at the confluence of the
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, the history of Harpers Ferry has involved a diverse
number of people and events influencing the course of our nation’s history. Harpers
Ferry witnessed the first successful application of interchangeable manufacture, the
arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, the
largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War and the education of former
slaves in one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States. It was established as
a national site in June 30, 1944.
The design features John Brown Fort, the site of John Brown’s last stand during his raid
on the Harper’s Ferry Armory. Inscriptions are HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA,
JOHN BROWN’S FORT, 2016 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Harpers Ferry National Historical
Park.
107
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Quarter
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Quarter is the forth of 2016 and the 34th overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The colorful Little Missouri River
Badlands provides the dramatic scenic backdrop to the Theodore Roosevelt National
Park, which memorializes the 26th President for his enduring contributions to the
conservation of our nation's resources. An abundance of native grasses provides
sustenance for prairie dogs and large grazing animals while diverse habitats attract a
great number of birds. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities in the park.
It was established as a national site in April 25, 1947.
The design depicts a young Theodore Roosevelt on horseback surveying the terrain near
the Little Missouri River. Inscriptions are THEODORE ROOSEVELT, NORTH
DAKOTA, 2016 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
108
Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument)
Quarter
The Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument) Quarter is the fifth of 2016 and
the 35th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Fort Moultrie, the first
fort on Sullivan's Island, was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker and
nine warships attacked it on June 28, 1776. After a nine-hour battle, the ships were
forced to retire. Charleston was saved from British occupation, and the fort was named
in honor of its commander, Colonel William Moultrie. In 1780, the British finally
captured Charleston, abandoning it only on the advent of peace. After the Revolutionary
War, Fort Moultrie was neglected, and by 1791 little of it remained. Then, in 1793, war
broke out between England and France. A second Fort Moultrie, one of 20 new forts
along the Atlantic coast, was completed in 1798. It too suffered from neglect and was
finally destroyed by a hurricane in 1804. In 1809 a new, brick third Fort Moultrie stood
on Sullivan's Island. It was established as a national site in April 28, 1948.
The design depicts Sergeant William Jasper returning the regimental flag to the
ramparts while under attack from a British ship. Inscriptions are FORT MOULTRIE,
SOUTH CAROLINA, 2016 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National
Monument).
109
The five quarters of 2017 feature Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa,
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in District of Columbia, Ozark National
Scenic Riverways in Missouri, Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) in
New Jersey and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
The Effigy Mounds National Monument Quarter is the first of 2017 and the 36th overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The park protects one of the largest
remaining concentrations of ancient American Indian earthworks in the United States. It
is considered a sacred landscape by members of many modern-day tribes whose
ancestors once lived here. The park is home to more than 200 mounds in a wide variety
of forms, including more than 30 animal or bird-shaped “effigy” mounds for which the
park is named. Often more than 100 feet long individually, many of these animal and
bird shaped mounds are perched high atop rugged bluffs overlooking the adjacent
Mississippi River. Aside from preserving these tangible links to an ancient and highly
creative people, the park features outstanding views of the Mississippi River Valley,
and hosts many of the native plant and animal communities that sustained people in this
area for millennia. It was established as a national site October 25, 1949.
The coin design depicts an aerial view of mounds in the Marching Bear Group.
Inscriptions are EFFIGY MOUNDS, IOWA, 2017 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Effigy Mounds
National Monument.
110
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Quarter is the second of 2017 and the
37th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Frederick Douglass
National Historic Site was established to preserve the home and legacy of Frederick
Douglass, abolitionist, civil rights advocate, author, and statesman. Douglass lived in
this home from 1877 until his death in 1895. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery
on a plantation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1818. In 1838, he disguised himself
as a sailor and boarded a train to New York City, where he declared himself a free man.
Douglass turned his efforts to helping those still enslaved. An impressive orator, he
traveled across the North speaking against slavery. During the Civil War, Douglass
recruited African Americans to fight in the Union Army. He met with Abraham Lincoln
to advocate for African American troops and encouraged Lincoln to see the war as a
chance to transform the country. Following the Civil War, Douglass moved to his home
in Washington, DC. He continued to work to expand civil rights in the country until his
death. It was established as a national site September 5, 1962.
The coin design depicts Frederick Douglass seated at a writing desk with his home in
Washington, D.C., in the background. Inscriptions are FREDERICK DOUGLASS,
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 2017 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of the Frederick Douglass National
Historic Site.
111
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways Quarter is the third of 2017 and the 38th overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Ozark National Scenic Riverways was
established to protect 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in the Ozark
Highlands of southeastern Missouri. The park encompasses 80,785 acres of unique
natural resources, including a world-class spring system that is unparalleled in North
America, more than 400 caves, and other special geologic features. The rivers offer
remarkably clean, clear water that is complemented by the breathtaking blue shade of
the waters of the large springs. In addition to the unique natural features of the Ozarks,
the National Park Service preserves the heritage and lifeways of the Ozark culture,
which was heavily shaped by the remote and rugged landscape. The park manages 249
historic structures that are scattered throughout the park and also preserves the history
and remnants of prehistoric peoples who settled in the region during the past 12,000
years. It was established as a national site August 27, 1964.
The coin design depicts Alley Mill, a steel roller mill built in 1894. This merchant mill
was used to convert wheat into flour. Much of the original milling equipment is still in
place. Inscriptions are OZARK RIVERWAYS, MISSOURI, 2017 and E PLURIBUS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
112
Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument)
The Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) Quarter is the fourth of 2017
and the 39th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. From 1892 to 1954,
Ellis Island was the largest and most active immigration station in the United States,
where approximately 12 million immigrants were processed. For the vast majority of
immigrants, Ellis Island truly was an "Island of Hope", the first stop on their way to new
opportunities and experiences in the United States. For the rest, it became the "Island of
Tears", a place where families were separated and individuals were denied entry into
this country. Ellis Island was added to the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965
by Presidential Proclamation and is administered by the National Park Service. The
main building re-opened in September 1990 as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, at
that time the largest restoration project in U.S. history. Most of the remaining
unrestored buildings on Ellis Island were one of the first and largest public health
hospitals in the United States. The facility was considered to be the most modern of its
day. It was established as a national site May 11, 1965.
The coin design depicts an immigrant family approaching Ellis Island with a mixture of
hope and uncertainty. The hospital building can be seen in the background. Inscriptions
are ELLIS ISLAND, NEW JERSEY, 2017, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Ellis Island (Statue of
Liberty National Monument).
113
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Quarter is the fifth of 2017 and the
40th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The park is located within
the city limits of Vincennes, Indiana adjacent to the Wabash River. The 26.17 acre site
contains the George Rogers Clark Memorial which commemorates the achievements of
Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark and his frontiersmen during the American
Revolution. The memorial was designed and constructed between 1927 and 1936. It is
the largest memorial outside of Washington D.C. and the largest placed on a battlefield
within the US. The rotunda boasts seven large murals and a bronze statue of Clark. It
was established as a national site July 23, 1966.
The coin design features George Rogers Clark leading his men through the flooded
plains approaching Fort Sackville. Inscriptions are GEORGE ROGERS CLARK,
INDIANA, 2017 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.
114
The five quarters of 2018 feature Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan,
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, Voyageurs National Park in
Minnesota, Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia and Block Island National
Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Quarter is the first of 2018 and the 41st overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Established in 1966 as the first national
lakeshore, Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a narrow strip of a park
that hugs the Lake Superior coast for more than 40 miles. The shoreline consists of 200-
foot-high colorful sandstone cliffs, numerous beaches, and 300-foot-tall sand dunes.
The shoreline is bordered by boreal and eastern hardwood forests with numerous
waterfalls, streams, and lakes. There is abundant wildlife, including black bears, deer,
and porcupine, with bald eagles and peregrine falcons dotting the skies. It was
established as a national site October 15, 1966.
The coin design depicts Chapel Rock and the white pine tree that grows atop.
Inscriptions are PICTURED ROCKS, MICHIGAN, 2018 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Pictured
Rocks National Lakeshore.
115
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter is the second of 2018 and the 42nd
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands
National Lakeshore was established to protect “certain significant islands, shoreline, and
light stations of the U.S. and their related geographic, scenic, historic, and scientific
values.” The park includes 21 islands in Lake Superior and a 12-mile-long strip of
mainland shoreline encompassing more than 69,000 acres. The park features pristine
stretches of sand beaches and coves, spectacular sea caves, remnant old-growth upper
forests, a diverse population of birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish and a number of
lighthouses and lighthouse complexes. It was established as a national site September
26, 1970.
The coin design depicts the sea caves at Devils Island with the lighthouse in the
background and a kayaker paddling in the foreground. Inscriptions are APOSTLE
ISLANDS, WISCONSIN, 2018 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
116
Voyageurs National Park
The Voyageurs National Park Quarter is the third of 2018 and the 43rd overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park was
established “to preserve… the outstanding scenery, geological conditions, and waterway
system” inherent to the park, which protects 218,054 acres, including 84,000 acres of
water. It consists of miles of undeveloped shoreline, with hundreds of islands and
numerous lakes. The combination of rocky shorelines, southern boreal and northern
hardwood forests, and open water create a distinct home for bald eagles, loons, black
bears, moose, and wolves. It was established as a national site January 8, 1971.
The coin design depicts a common loon with a rock cliff in the background. Inscriptions
are VOYAGEURS, MINNESOTA, 2018 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates
were developed in consultation with representatives of Voyageurs National Park.
117
Cumberland Island National Seashore
The Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter is the fourth of 2018 and the 44th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Cumberland Island National
Seashore in Georgia was established to maintain the primitive, undeveloped character of
one of the largest and most ecologically diverse barrier islands on the Atlantic coast.
There are almost 18 miles of pristine beach open to the public for recreational activities
like swimming and walking. The island is also known to have one of the largest oak
maritime forests remaining in the U.S., providing an unparalleled visitor experience. It
was established as a national site October 23, 1972.
This design depicts a snowy egret posing on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh, ready
for flight. Inscriptions are CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA, 2018 and E
representatives of Cumberland Island National Seashore.
118
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter is the fifth of 2018 and the 45th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Block Island National Wildlife
Refuge is located 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island and sits on a terminal
moraine shaped by glacial till deposits creating rolling dunes. Covering 133 acres, it is a
critical migratory bird stopover point on the Atlantic coast, with fruit-bearing shrubs
providing essential food for the species of birds that come to rest there. These wild
lands are known internationally for spectacular bird watching and breathtaking barrier
beaches. It was established as a national site April 12, 1973.
The coin design depicts a black-crowned night-heron flying over a view from the beach
at Cow Cove looking towards Sandy Point. The North Light lighthouse is seen in the
background. Inscriptions are BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND, 2018 and E
representatives of Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
119
The five quarters of 2019 feature Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts,
American Memorial Park in Northern Mariana Islands, War in the Pacific National
Historical Park in Guam, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas and
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho.
Lowell National Historical Park
The Lowell National Historical Park Quarter is the first of 2019 and the 46th overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Lowell National Historical Park preserves
and interprets the role of Lowell in the Industrial Revolution, archiving the history of
the human story in addition to the industry processes and cultural environment of the
time. The era was also defined in part by the “Mill Girls,” young women who were
recruited to work in the mills where they earned cash wages and lived in supervised,
company-owned boarding houses. They became an important voice for labor by
advocating for better working conditions, supporting abolition, and embracing
education. It was established as a national site June 5, 1978.
The coin design depicts a mill girl working at a power loom with its prominent circular
bobbin battery. A view of Lowell, including the Boott Mill clock tower, is seen through
the window. Inscriptions are LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS, 2019 and E PLURIBUS
Lowell National Historical Park.
120
American Memorial Park
The American Memorial Park Quarter is the second of 2019 and the 47th overall in the
America the Beautiful Quarters Program. American Memorial Park in Northern
Mariana Islands honors the thousands of American troops and local residents of Saipan
who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. At the Court of
Honor, the American flag is displayed at the center of the Flag Circle and surrounded by
the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard flags. The Court of Honor consists of
26 granite panels inscribed with the names of 5,204 service members who died. It was
established as a national site August 18, 1978.
The coin design depicts a young Chamorro woman in traditional dress at the front of the
Flag Circle and Court of Honor. She is resting her hand on the plaque whose text
honors the sacrifice of those who died in the liberation of Saipan. Inscriptions are
AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK, N. MARIANA ISLANDS, 2019 and E PLURIBUS
American Memorial Park.
121
War in the Pacific National Historical Park
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter is the third of 2019 and the 48th
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The westernmost park of all the
National Park Service sites, Guam’s War in the Pacific National Historical Park honors
the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific
Theater during World War II. The park also conserves and interprets a variety of
amazing resources found on the Island of Guam. War in the Pacific National Historical
Park has the highest biological diversity of any national park, with both underwater and
land areas. It was established as a national site August 18, 1978.
The coin design depicts American forces coming ashore at Asan Bay, strengthening the
number of troops on the island in the fight for Guam and its eventual liberation.
Inscriptions are WAR IN THE PACIFIC, GUAM, 2019 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of War in the
Pacific National Historical Park.
122
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter is the fourth of 2019 and
the 49th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The San Antonio
Missions were among the largest concentrations of Spanish missions in North America,
established in the 1700s, and helped create the foundation for the City of San Antonio,
TX. The construction of aqueducts and irrigation canals (acequias) brought water to the
missions sustaining farming and ranching. The missions’ toolmaking, carpentry,
looming, spinning, and masonry also contributed to the community’s ability to be self-
sustaining. It was established as a national site November 10, 1978.
The coin design depicts elements of the Spanish Colonial Real coin to pay tribute to the
missions. Within the quadrants are symbols of the missions: wheat symbolizes farming;
the arches and bell symbolize community; a lion represents Spanish cultural heritage;
and a symbol of the San Antonio River represents irrigation methods and life-sustaining
resources. Inscriptions are SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS, TEXAS, 2019 and E
representatives of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
123
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter is the fifth of 2019 and the
50th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Frank Church River of
No Return Wilderness in Idaho is made up of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and
wild whitewater rivers, including the Main Salmon River and Middle Fork of the
Salmon River. “Frank Church” was attached to the site’s name in honor of late U.S.
Senator Frank Church, who played a leading role in its preservation. The area is the
largest single connected wilderness in the contiguous States and contains four national
forests. It was established as a national site July 23, 1980.
The coin design depicts a piloted drift boat on the rushing river encompassed by the
trees and rock formations of the wilderness. Inscriptions are RIVER OF NO RETURN
WILDERNESS, IDAHO, 2019 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were
developed in consultation with representatives of Frank Church River of No Return
Wilderness.
124
The five quarters of 2020 feature National Park of American Samoa in American
Samoa, Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut, Salt River Bay National
Historical Park and Ecological Preserve in U.S. Virgin Islands, Marsh-Billings-
Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
in Kansas.
National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa Quarter is the first of 2020 and the 51st overall in
the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. National Park of American Samoa is
located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawai’i and is one of the most remote in the
U.S. National Park System. The site includes sections of three islands—Tutuila, Ta’ū,
and Ofu. Almost all of the land area of these volcanic islands—from the mountaintops
to the coast—is tropical rainforest. The park’s area totals 13,500 acres, 4,000 of which
are under water. It was established as a national site October 31, 1988.
The coin design depicts a Samoan fruit bat mother hanging in a tree with her pup. The
image evokes the remarkable care and energy that this species puts into their offspring.
The design is intended to promote awareness to the species’ threatened status due to
habitat loss and commercial hunting. The National Park of American Samoa is the only
park in the United States that is home to the Samoan fruit bat. Inscriptions are
NATIONAL PARK, AMERICAN SAMOA, 2020 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design
candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of National Park of
American Samoa.
125
Weir Farm National Historic Site
The Weir Farm National Historic Site Quarter is the second of 2020 and the 52nd overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Weir Farm National Historic Site in
Connecticut includes a 60-acre cultural landscape consisting of 15 historic structures,
including houses, barns, studios, and outbuildings. The landscape features bedrock
outcrops, historic gardens, stone terraces, specimen trees, orchards, fields, miles of
stone laid walls, a pond, and hundreds of historic painting sites–all expertly preserved.
The artistic tradition at Weir Farm is kept alive through a variety of Art in the Park
programs, including an artist-in-residence program, free art supplies, night painting, and
art lessons. It was established as a national site October 31, 1990.
This coin design portrays an artist, wearing a painter’s smock, painting outside Julian
Alden Weir’s studio at Weir Farm. It is inspired by various images of the studio and
Weir’s paintings created on the property, as well as descriptions of Weir and his fellow
artist’s creative inspiration from the rural environment. Inscriptions are WEIR FARM,
CONNECTICUT, 2020 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed
in consultation with representatives of Weir Farm National Historic Site.
126
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological
Preserve
The Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter is the third
of 2020 and the 53rd overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Salt River
Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve is a living museum on St. Croix,
U.S. Virgin Islands. It possesses an archeological and historical heritage more than
2,000 years old that exists within a dynamic ecosystem, which supports threatened and
endangered species. In 1992, Congress created Salt River Bay as part of the National
Park System to preserve, protect, and tell the story of its rich contributions to the
Nation’s natural and cultural heritage. It was established as a national site February 24,
1992.
This coin design depicts a red mangrove tree in an early stage of its life cycle, as it
evolves from a very small plant to an adult tree. The design brings awareness to the
park’s endangered mangrove forests and the unique and delicate nature of how the
species reproduces in salt water. Inscriptions are SALT RIVER BAY, U.S. VIRGIN
ISLANDS, 2020 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and
Ecological Preserve.
127
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Quarter is the fourth of 2020

and the 54th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Marsh-Billings-
Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont is the only national park dedicated to
telling the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in
America. It was the boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh, one of America’s first
conservationists, and later the home of Frederick Billings. The property was given to the
American people by its most recent owners, Laurance S. and Mary French Rockefeller.
It was established as a national site August 26, 1992.
This coin design depicts a young girl completing the planting of a Norway spruce
seedling near an established tree, continuing the life cycle of the forest. The child
represents the conservationist, seeking to maintain a sustainable forest for future
enjoyment and education. Inscriptions are MARSH-BILLINGS-ROCKEFELLER,
VERMONT, 2020 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in
consultation with representatives of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical
Park.
128
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Quarter is the fifth of 2020 and the 55th overall
in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
in Kansas encompasses nearly 11,000 acres and is located in the heart of the Flint Hills–
the largest expanse of tallgrass prairie left in North America. It is the only unit of the
National Park Service dedicated to the rich, natural history of the tallgrass prairie.
Authorized in 1996, the enabling legislation for the preserve also directed the National
Park Service to interpret the region’s ranching legacy; a portion of the preserve is still
grazed by cattle. It was established as a national site November 12, 1996.
This coin design depicts a skyward view of a Regal Fritillary butterfly against a
backdrop of Big Bluestem and Indian grasses, iconic to Tallgrass Prairie National
Preserve. Inscriptions are TALLGRASS PRAIRIE, KANSAS, 2020 and E PLURIBUS
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
129
The quarter of 2021 feature Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Quarter is the first of 2021 and the 56sth
overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The Tuskegee Airmen National
Historic Site in Alabama commemorates the heroic actions and achievements of the
famous Tuskegee Airmen. The term “Tuskegee Airmen” pertains to both men and
women of diverse nationalities. They were composed of nearly 1,000 pilots and more
than 15,000 support staff (including navigators, bombardiers, and mechanics). The site
preserves five historic structures used during primary flight training in World War II. It
was established as a national site November 6, 1998.
The coin design depicts a Tuskegee Airman pilot suiting up to join the fight during
World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The pilot looks
upward with pride and confidence as two P-51 Mustangs pass overhead. The inscription
“THEY FOUGHT TWO WARS” is arced across the top as a reference to the dual
battles the Tuskegee Airmen fought–fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home.
Inscriptions are TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, ALABAMA, 2021 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of Tuskegee
Airmen National Historic Site.
130

State Quarters and America The Beautiful Quarters

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State Quarters and America The Beautiful Quarters

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AUTHOR: JORGE

Previous coin (Washington Quarter) ----------------------------------------------------------- 9

Coin characteristics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10

State Quarters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11

- 1999 State Quarters ------------------------------------------ 15

America the Beautiful Quarters ---------------------------------------------------------------- 72

- 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters ---------------------- 75

First building (1792-1833)

Second building (1833-1901)

Third building (1901-1969)

Current building (1969-present)

Current building (1897–present)

Old San Francisco Mint building (1874-1937)

New San Francisco Mint building (1937-present)

Philadelphia and Denver mints

Mass: 5’670 g (0’182 troy oz).

Diameter: 24’26 mm (0’955 in).

Thickness: 1’75 mm (0’069 in).

Edge: 119 reeds.

San Francisco mint

Diameter: 24’26 mm (0’955 in).

Thickness: 1’75 mm (0’069 in).

Edge: 119 reeds.

Composition: Ag 90% and Cu 10%.

50 State Quarters Program

State Quarter Designs

State Quarter Releases and Mintages

After the 50 State Quarters

Delaware State Quarter

Caesar Rodney was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He rode 80 miles on

The reverse design is based on an 1851 painting by Emmanuel Leutze titled

When a British representative for King James II challenged Connecticut's government

Massachusetts State Quarter

New York State Quarter

Tennessee State Quarter

A statewide design contest generated almost 1,000 submissions. A commission created

Illinois State Quarter

A fourteen member committee reviewed approximately 6,000 designs and forwarded

Michigan State Quarter

A twenty-five member Michigan Quarter Commission reviewed over 4,000 design

An advisory committee worked with the Texas Numismatic Association to selection

The 23 member Wisconsin Commemorative Quarter Council reviewed over 9,000

California State Quarter

The 16 member Kansas Commemorative Coin Commission was created by the

Nevada State Quarter

The governor formed the Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission.

Mount Rushmore National Monument features likenesses of four American Presidents:

Montana State Quarter

The Utah Commemorative Quarter Commission collected narrative submissions from

Oklahoma State Quarter

The governor appointed an eleven member Alaska Commemorative Coin Commission

The Hawaii Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission was composed of 36

- District of Columbia Quarter

- Puerto Rico Quarter

- American Samoa Quarter

- US Virgin Islands Quarter

- Northern Mariana Islands Quarter

The inscriptions read "Guam," "Guahan I Tanó ManChamorro," (translated: Guam-

America the Beautiful Quarters Program

America the Beautiful Quarter Designs

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion

“America the Beautiful

“America the beautiful Quarters” description