Buzz
From 1999 to 2008, the U.S. Mint issued a series of state-themed quarters, unveiling a new design roughly every ten weeks. The quarters were introduced in the order states joined the Union or ratified the Constitution, with the corresponding year inscribed beneath each state's name. Here's a look at how each state chose its unique quarter design.
1. Alabama
Released in 2003 as the 22nd coin in the series, Alabama's quarter features Helen Keller, a native of the state, reading a braille book. The design emerged from a statewide contest among schoolchildren, centered on the theme "Education: Link to the Past, Gateway to the Future." While a timeline of Alabama's history was initially favored, it was ultimately rejected for being too detailed to fit on a quarter.
Keller's image was selected by her surviving family members and is featured on the coin with her name displayed in both English and braille. She is surrounded by branches of the southern longleaf pine, Alabama's state tree, and camellias, the state flower. A banner beneath her reads: Spirit of Courage.
2. Alaska
Debuting in 2008, Alaska's quarter was the penultimate release in the series. The design showcases a grizzly bear clutching a salmon, a poignant choice given that Alaska is home to over 98% of the nation's grizzly population. The phrase "The Great Land" was chosen over alternatives such as "The Last Frontier," "North to the Future," and "Land of the Midnight Sun," which together could easily be mistaken for titles of a dystopian YA series.
The Alaska Commemorative Coin Commission solicited design ideas from the public, receiving over 850 submissions. Four finalists were sent to the U.S. Mint, featuring designs like a polar bear, a dog musher, and a gold panner.
3. Arizona
As the final contiguous state to join the Union, Arizona was the 48th quarter released. Following a public call for design ideas, 4,200 submissions were narrowed down to five themes, which were sent to the Mint for artistic interpretation. These final designs were then put to a statewide online vote. The winning design depicts the Grand Canyon with a saguaro cactus in the foreground, accompanied by the banner "Grand Canyon State." Three of the other finalists also highlighted this iconic natural landmark.
4. Arkansas
The 25th quarter in the series honors Arkansas as the "Natural State." From 9,320 proposed designs, three finalists were selected, each emphasizing the state's rich natural resources. After modifications by the U.S. Mint, Governor Mike Huckabee chose the winning design. It features a large diamond above a tranquil lake, surrounded by rice stalks and a mallard duck. The diamond symbolizes Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only public diamond mine in the U.S., while the rice represents Arkansas' thriving rice industry, and the mallard highlights the state's appeal to hunters nationwide.
5. California
The 31st quarter celebrates John Muir, a conservationist pivotal to the preservation of Yosemite Park and founder of the Sierra Club. The design portrays Muir, a Scottish immigrant, admiring the iconic Half Dome rock formation in Yosemite Valley. Both Muir and the Valley are prominently named on the coin.
A statewide competition for the quarter design yielded 20 finalists, chosen by the California State Quarter Commission. From these, then-Governor Gray Davis selected five designs to forward to the Mint. The winning design was accompanied by themes such as "Waves and Sun," "Gold Miner," "Golden Gate Bridge," and "Giant Sequoia."
6. Colorado
As the 38th state admitted to the Union, Colorado's quarter was the 38th in the series. The design features a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains, with evergreen trees in the foreground and the banner "Colorful Colorado." Other designs considered by the U.S. Mint included Mesa Verde National Park, the 10th Mountain Division, a prospector's tools with the slogan "Pikes Peak or Bust," and a decorative 'C' symbolizing Colorado's nickname, the Centennial State, earned by its admission to the Union shortly after the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut's quarter, the fifth in the series, celebrates an early act of American defiance and courage with an image of the Charter Oak. Legend has it that on October 13, 1687, Captain Joseph Wadsworth hid the Connecticut Charter in this large white oak to prevent its seizure by a representative of King James II. The tree became a symbol of resistance and independence.
The Charter Oak, which fell during a storm in 1856, remains a lasting symbol of pride for Connecticut residents. Of the 112 design submissions, 19 featured some version of this historic tree.
8. Delaware
Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution, honored Caesar Rodney on its quarter, marking the start of the state quarter series. The design reflects Delaware's pivotal role in America's independence. On July 1, 1776, Rodney, despite battling cancer and asthma, rode 80 miles through thunderstorms and extreme heat to cast the decisive vote for independence in Philadelphia.
After narrowing down the design submissions to three finalists, Rodney's image secured 948 out of 1,519 votes in a telephone and email poll, surpassing designs featuring a quill pen and parchment and an allegorical "Lady Liberty."
9. Florida
The 27th quarter design highlights Florida's "Gateway To Discovery" motto with a 16th-century Spanish galleon, reminiscent of the ships used by explorers like Ponce de Leon and Hernando de Soto. Above the galleon, the space shuttle symbolizes the Kennedy Space Center, while the state's picturesque coastline ties together these symbols of exploration.
In a three-week public vote, Floridians selected this design over four other finalists: "The Everglades," "Fishing Capital of the World," "St. Augustine," and "America's Spaceport."
10. Georgia
Georgia's quarter, the fourth in the series, features a peach within the state's outline, surrounded by Live Oak branches, the state tree. The banner around the design bears the state motto, "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation." However, the state outline has faced criticism for seemingly omitting one of Georgia's counties.
Dade County, located in the northwestern corner of Georgia, appears missing from the quarter's design, as if a piece has been chipped away. Some speculate this omission is deliberate, a lingering response to Dade County's pre-Civil War attempt to secede from the state.
11. Hawaii
The last coin in the series uniquely honors Hawaiian royalty. It features King Kamehameha I, celebrated for uniting the islands in the early 19th century, alongside the eight major islands and the state motto in Hawaiian, which translates to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
In an online poll attracting over 26,000 votes, this design triumphed over four others: an alternative portrayal of King Kamehameha, a hula dancer, the Diamond Head landmark, and a surfing-themed concept.
12. Idaho
Idaho's quarter, the 43rd in the series, prominently displays a peregrine falcon, a species once endangered but now flourishing in Idaho due to conservation efforts. The design also includes the state's outline and its Latin motto, "May it be forever."
The falcon design was chosen over alternatives like "Farmland Tapestry," which highlighted Idaho's agricultural heritage, and "State Song," which incorporated the lyrics "And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame."
13. Illinois
The Illinois quarter features 21 stars along its border, symbolizing its position as the 21st state to join the Union. Inside the state's outline, a young Abraham Lincoln is depicted walking confidently, foreshadowing his future as the 16th U.S. president. The design also includes a farmstead on the left and the Chicago skyline on the right.
A statewide contest for design ideas, open to schoolchildren, received over 6,000 entries. These were narrowed down to three themes: Illinois history, agriculture and industry, and state symbols.
14. Indiana
Indiana's quarter features 19 stars, representing its status as the 19th state. The design honors the Indianapolis 500 with a race car overlaid on the state's outline, accompanied by the motto "Crossroads of America." This design was chosen over others showcasing sports imagery, state symbols, and Chief Little Turtle, the last chief of the Miami Indians.
Similar to Georgia's quarter, some argue that Indiana's outline omits Lake County, its northwesternmost county.
15. Iowa
Iowa's quarter, the 29th in the series, is inspired by a Grant Wood painting, famous for works like "American Gothic." The design, titled "Foundations in Education," depicts a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree, reflecting Iowa's emphasis on education.
The design sparked some debate, as one of the other finalists featured the Sullivan brothers. These five siblings from Waterloo enlisted after the U.S. entered World War II and tragically perished together aboard the U.S.S. Juneau during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
16. Kansas
The 34th quarter, representing Kansas, features a simple yet iconic design: a buffalo and a sunflower, symbolizing the state's official animal and flower.
17. Kentucky
Kentucky, the 15th state and the first from the western frontier, is celebrated on its quarter with the inscription "My Old Kentucky Home." This refers to Federal Hill, a historic plantation house believed to have inspired Stephen Foster's famous song.
The design also includes a thoroughbred horse standing by a pasture fence, highlighting Kentucky's rich tradition of horse breeding and the renowned Kentucky Derby.
The design merges elements from two other finalists: one highlighting "My Old Kentucky Home" and another emphasizing the state's horse racing heritage. Other contenders included tributes to Daniel Boone and a nod to Kentucky as Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.
18. Louisiana
Louisiana's quarter, the 18th in the series, features not only the state's outline but also the broader Louisiana Purchase. The design includes the state bird, the pelican, and a trumpet with musical notes, celebrating New Orleans' jazz legacy.
19. Maine
Maine's quarter, the 23rd in the series, reflects its coastal identity and maritime history. The winning design showcases Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1827, alongside a three-masted schooner resembling the historic Victory Chimes, the last surviving Chesapeake Ram schooner.
20. Maryland
Maryland's quarter, the seventh in the series, highlights the iconic dome of the Maryland State House, the largest wooden dome constructed without nails in the U.S. This building served as the nation's first peacetime capitol from 1783 to 1784, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
Other finalist designs paid tribute to the Star Spangled Banner, created by Mary Pickersgill in Baltimore, and the Ark and Dove, the ships that carried the first English settlers to Maryland.
21. Massachusetts
The sixth quarter in the series commemorates the minutemen, key figures in America's fight for independence. The design features the Concord Minute Man of 1775 statue by Daniel Chester French, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial. The ideas for the quarter were gathered through a statewide contest involving elementary school students.
22. Michigan
All finalist designs for Michigan's quarter incorporated the Great Lakes, central to the state's history and identity. The chosen design simplifies this concept, featuring the state's outline with the lakes prominently highlighted.
23. Minnesota
Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, showcases its aquatic abundance on its quarter—though the state actually boasts 11,852 bodies of water. The design includes a loon, the state bird, and a boat filled with cheerful anglers enjoying the lakes.
24. Mississippi
All three finalists for Mississippi's quarter, the 20th in the series, included the phrase "The Magnolia State." The chosen design focuses on a close-up of two magnolia blossoms, the state flower. However, critics argue that the intricate design loses clarity when scaled down to quarter size, appearing more like a shapeless mass.
25. Missouri
The 24th quarter sparked significant controversy. The design portrays Lewis and Clark's expedition returning down the Missouri River, with the Gateway Arch in the background—symbolic, as the Arch was built over a century later. While visually appealing, the artist behind the original design, Paul Jackson, was dissatisfied with the Mint's interpretation, claiming it deviated too much from his vision.
Paul Jackson, the Missouri artist who won the statewide contest, was dismayed by the Mint's final rendition of his design. He argued that the engravers prioritized their own interpretations over his original submission, leading him to protest in Washington D.C. by rolling a four-foot quarter down the street. Jackson accused the Mint of seeking to immortalize their own names rather than honoring the winning artist's work.
The Mint defended its actions, stating that design contests never guaranteed exact replication of submissions. However, after the controversy, dubbed "Quartergate," the term "design contest" was removed from future state quarter solicitations.
26. Montana
Montana's quarter showcases a mountain range transitioning into expansive plains, reflecting the state's diverse and valuable landscape. The phrase "Big Sky Country," Montana's unofficial nickname, is prominently displayed. The design also features a bison skull, a symbolic representation of Western traditions like cattle ranching and fur trapping.
27. Nebraska
Nebraska's quarter, the 37th in the series, highlights Chimney Rock, a striking geological formation and National Historic Site that guided early westward travelers. The design includes an ox-drawn covered wagon, symbolizing Nebraska's role in the Oregon and Mormon trails. Other finalists featured the Nebraska State Capitol, including its iconic The Sower statue, and a tribute to Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca tribe.
28. Nevada
Nevada's quarter highlights its wild horse population, which accounts for over 50% of the nation's total. The design features three mustangs against a mountain backdrop, with sprigs of sagebrush, the state flower, on either side. The phrase "The Silver State" honors the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit in the U.S. Other finalist designs included miners and mining tools, as well as depictions of Nevada's rugged wilderness.
29. New Hampshire
New Hampshire's quarter includes nine stars, symbolizing its status as the ninth state. The design features the state motto, "Live Free or Die," and the phrase "Old Man of the Mountain," referencing the famous rock formation. This natural landmark, formed by five granite ledges resembling a face, collapsed in 2003, making the quarter a historical artifact.
30. New Jersey
New Jersey's quarter, the third in the series, commemorates its Revolutionary War history. The design is inspired by Emanuel Leutze's painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware," depicting General George Washington and his troops crossing the river on Christmas night in 1776 to launch a surprise attack in Trenton and Princeton.
31. New Mexico
All four finalist designs for New Mexico's quarter, the 47th in the series, included the state's outline and the Zia sun symbol. The Zia people, who held the sun in high regard, used this symbol to represent the number four, reflecting elements like the four seasons and life's sacred duties. New Mexico adopted the symbol, which appears on the state flag, the Capitol building, and now the quarter.
32. New York
New York's quarter honors its role as a gateway for millions of immigrants who helped shape America. The winning design, which secured 76% of the vote, triumphed over concepts featuring Henry Hudson and his ship, as well as the Battle of Saratoga.
33. North Carolina
The 12th quarter in the series showcases an engraved version of John T. Daniel's famous photograph capturing the Wright Brothers' historic first flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903.
34. North Dakota
North Dakota's quarter, the 39th in the series, features two American bison grazing in the state's Badlands. This species, once nearly extinct, has seen a resurgence in areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Other finalist designs highlighted the state's natural beauty, with one focusing on agriculture and another on its expansive landscapes.
35. Ohio
Ohio's quarter challenges North Carolina's claim to aviation history by celebrating its status as the "Birthplace of Aviation Pioneers." While North Carolina is home to the "First Flight," Ohio is the birthplace of Orville Wright, Neil Armstrong, and John Glenn. The design includes an early flying machine and an astronaut's suit, symbolizing the state's contributions to aviation and space exploration. This theme resonated strongly among the finalist designs.
36. Oklahoma
Oklahoma's quarter design highlights the state bird, the Scissortailed Flycatcher, and the state flower, the Indian Blanket (gaillardia). This simple yet symbolic imagery was chosen over four other finalists, all of which depicted scenes from pioneer life.
37. Oregon
The 33rd quarter in the series showcases Crater Lake, formed millennia ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama. Known as America's deepest lake, it has no rivers flowing into it. The design also includes Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone within the lake. This concept triumphed over other finalists featuring a leaping salmon, the Oregon Trail, and Mount Hood.
38. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's quarter centers on the Commonwealth statue, a 14' 6" bronze-gilded figure by Roland Hinton Perry, which has adorned the Harrisburg capitol since 1905. The design includes the state's outline, the motto "Virtue, Liberty, Independence," and a simplified keystone, symbolizing Pennsylvania's pivotal role in early American history.
39. Rhode Island
Rhode Island's quarter celebrates its extensive coastline, boasting over 400 miles of shoreline, with the caption "The Ocean State." The design features a sailboat in Narragansett Bay, the largest estuary in New England. This concept won 57% of the vote in a statewide poll after being selected as one of three finalists.
40. South Carolina
South Carolina's quarter, the eighth in the series, incorporates a mix of state symbols. Alongside the state outline, it features the Carolina wren (state bird), yellow jasmine (state flower), and palmetto tree (state tree).
41. South Dakota
The 40th quarter in the series highlights South Dakota's iconic Mount Rushmore, alongside wheat stalks and a Chinese ring-necked pheasant. These symbols, while representative, have drawn criticism for their invasive nature in a state with a significant Native American population. Mount Rushmore, in particular, has been a source of controversy due to its association with the seizure of Lakota lands. Similarly, pheasants and wheat are non-native species that have displaced local flora and fauna.
Critics argue that South Dakota's quarter design overlooks its Native American heritage, as Mount Rushmore symbolizes the violent history of land appropriation from the Lakota tribe. Additionally, the inclusion of pheasants and wheat, both non-native, further emphasizes the displacement of indigenous species.
42. Tennessee
Tennessee's quarter features three stars, symbolizing the state's three distinct regions, each contributing uniquely to America's musical legacy. The design includes an open book of sheet music, a fiddle representing Appalachian music from east Tennessee, a trumpet for Memphis' Blues in the west, and a guitar for Nashville's country music in central Tennessee.
Observant critics have noted that Tennessee's quarter, despite celebrating its musical heritage, inaccurately depicts the acoustic guitar with only five strings.
43. Texas
The 28th quarter in the series captures Texas' nickname, "The Lone Star State," with a single star inside the state's outline. The design is encircled by a lariat, symbolizing the ropes used by Texan cowboys.
44. Utah
Utah's quarter commemorates the historic "wedding of the rails" on May 10, 1869, when the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met in Promontory, Utah, to complete the first transcontinental railroad. The design shows two trains facing each other, marking the event that earned Utah the title "Crossroads of the West." This concept was chosen over finalists featuring a beehive, the state seal, and a winter sports theme celebrating the 2002 Winter Olympics.
45. Vermont
Vermont's quarter, the first state admitted after the original 13 colonies, depicts a serene winter scene. Camel's Hump mountain stands in the background, while a Vermonter collects sap from maple trees. The state motto, "Freedom and Unity," is also engraved on the coin.
46. Virginia
The tenth quarter in the series honors Virginia as the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The design features the three ships of the Virginia Company—Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—which landed on May 12, 1607, to establish Jamestown. This historic event marked its 400th anniversary in 2007.
47. Washington
Washington's quarter, the 42nd in the series, highlights the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The design features a leaping king salmon in the foreground, with Mount Rainier, an active volcano covered in snow and ice, towering over a dense forest in the background.
48. West Virginia
West Virginia's quarter showcases New River Gorge, with the river below and the iconic bridge above. Completed in 1977, the bridge was once the world's longest steel single-span arch bridge and the highest vehicular bridge. Among 1,800 submissions, one notable concept featured Mothman, a mysterious winged figure reportedly sighted in the state during the 1960s.
49. Wisconsin
Wisconsin's quarter, the 30th in the series, proudly displays a wheel of cheese, reflecting the state's dominance in dairy production with 17,000 farms and over 350 cheese varieties. The design also includes an ear of corn, symbolizing Wisconsin's broader agricultural contributions.
50. Wyoming
Three out of five final designs for Wyoming's quarter included a bucking horse and rodeo rider, making their inclusion on the coin unsurprising. The cowboy symbolizes the state's Wild West legacy. The design also incorporates Wyoming's motto, "The Equality State," highlighting its pioneering role in women's suffrage, as it was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869.
This post originally appeared in 2014.
