BKCoins Coin News

Mint Reveals 2008 Presidential $1 Coin Designs

2007-12-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Mint Reveals What the New 2008 Presidential $1 Coins Will Look Like

WASHINGTON - Jingling in your pockets in 2008 will be Presidential Dollar Coins bearing the images of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren-the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Presidents of the United States. The United States Mint released photographs of the four coins today.

The United States Mint will be putting a new Presidential Dollar Coin into circulation every three months in 2008 beginning with the James Monroe Presidential Dollar Coin on February 14. The John Quincy Adams Presidential Dollar Coin will follow May 15. Then look for the Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar Coin on August 14 and the Martin Van Buren Presidential Dollar Coin on November 13.

"We hope the next four Presidential Dollar Coins will not only jingle in pockets but be spent as well," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "These coins are convenient. Each Presidential Dollar Coin weighs less than four quarters, and they're especially useful for vending machines and mass transit."

The United States Mint is launching a business-to-business pilot program in metropolitan Washington, D.C., to increase the use of Presidential Dollar Coins and to stimulate business and bank customer demand nationwide.

2009 Quarters to Honor D.C. and Territories

2007-12-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

New Quarters in 2009 to Honor District of Columbia and U.S. Territories

WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories will get their own commemorative quarter-dollars in 2009, under new legislation signed by President Bush.

"The 50 State Quarters Program has been the most popular coin program in U.S. history, generating billions of dollars that have been used to pay down the National debt," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "We look forward to honoring the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories by minting and issuing six quarters in 2009 that will build upon the success of a program that has educated a generation in state geography and history."

An estimated 147 million people collect the 50 State Quarters coins, a ten-year program introduced in 1999 that will end in late 2008 with the issuance of the Hawaii commemorative quarter, marking the 50th State to be honored.

Congress has now added a provision to the 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act that calls on the United States Mint to produce six newly designed quarters in 2009 honoring the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The new quarter program will continue to feature images of President George Washington on the obverse (heads side) of each quarter. The image on the reverse (tails side) will commemorate the history, geography or traditions of the District of Columbia and each territory.

The first quarter to be issued in the 2009 program will be the one honoring the District of Columbia. The five United States territories will follow throughout 2009.

2008 50 State Quarters Coin Designs

2007-11-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

U.S. Mint Rolls Out the 2008 50 State Quarters Coin Designs

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is announcing today the designs for the five new 2008 commemorative quarter-dollars in the 50 State Quarters Program. The new quarters-honoring Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii-signal the end of the most popular coin program in the history of U.S. coinage.

The first commemorative quarter of 2008 honors Oklahoma. It is the 46th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. Oklahoma, nicknamed the "Sooner State," became the 46th state admitted into the Union on November 16, 1907. Designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill, the reverse of the coin features Oklahoma's State bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher, in flight with its distinctive tail feathers spread. The bird is soaring above the State wildflower, the Indian Blanket, amid a field of similar wildflowers. The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Oklahoma" and "1907."

The second commemorative quarter of 2008 honors New Mexico. It is the 47th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program. Nicknamed the "Land of Enchantment," New Mexico was admitted into the Union on January 6, 1912, becoming the 47th state. Designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, the reverse of the New Mexico quarter features the Zia sun symbol. The symbol is superimposed over a topographical outline of the State. The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Land of Enchantment," "New Mexico" and "1912."

The third commemorative quarter of 2008 honors Arizona. It is the 48th coin in the 50 State Quarters Program. Arizona, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon State," was admitted into the Union on February 14, 1912, becoming the Nation's 48th state and the last in the continental United States. The Arizona quarter was designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Joseph Menna. The reverse of the coin features a detailed image of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, with Arizona's State flower, the Saguaro Cactus, in the foreground. Inscribed on the coin is a banner reading "Grand Canyon State." The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Arizona" and "1912."

The fourth commemorative quarter of 2008 honors Alaska. It is the 49th coin in the 50 State Quarters Program. Alaska was admitted into the Union on January 3, 1959, becoming the 49th state. Designed by AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers, the reverse of the Alaska quarter features a grizzly bear emerging from the water clutching a salmon in its jaw. The coin's design includes the North Star displayed above the inscription "The Great Land." The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Alaska" and "1959."

The fifth and final commemorative quarter in the 50 State Quarters Program honors Hawaii. Nicknamed the "The Aloha State," Hawaii became the 50th state admitted into the Union on August 21, 1959. Designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, the Hawaii quarter features King Kamehameha I stretching his hand toward the eight major islands of Hawaii. The coin also bears Hawaii's state motto "UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘AINA I KA PONO," ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), "Hawaii" and "1959."

Madison Presidential Dollar Coin

2007-11-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

James Madison Forth Coin in The Presidential Dollar Series.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Nation may exchange dollar bills next Thursday, November 15 at banks and financial institutions for shiny new Presidential $1 Coins honoring James Madison. President Madison was the fourth U.S. President, and this will be the Nation's fourth Presidential $1 Coin.

Known as the Father of the Constitution, Madison was renowned for his acumen, and he was the Constitution's leading advocate for 50 years. Madison wrote in 1829, "The happy union of these States is a wonder: their Constitution a miracle: their example the hope of Liberty throughout the World."

"James Madison was a brilliant President, and his contributions to our young country should not be underestimated," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "As Americans spend these new James Madison $1 Coins, I hope they'll think about the man who fought so hard for the document that is the foundation of our law and democracy."

The design of the James Madison $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic. Edge-lettering also draws attention to the inscriptions "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust," as well as the date and the mint mark, distinguishing Presidential $1 Coins from all other coins in circulation today.

The obverse (heads side) of the James Madison $1 Coin was designed by Joel Iskowitz, a United States Mint Artistic Infusion Master Designer from Woodstock, NY and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. The reverse (tails side) on all the Presidential $1 Coins is a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.

Utah State Quarter

2007-11-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Utah Quarter Spikes Interest in Joining of the Rails

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - United States Mint Senior Official Gloria C. Eskridge, Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. and First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman launched the Utah commemorative quarter-dollar today, while the Bonneville Elementary School 4th grade class serenaded the audience at Rio Grande Depot with "Iron Wheels a Rollin'--the Golden Spike Song." The Utah launch ceremony honored the 45th coin in the United States Mint's popular 50 State Quarters Program.

The reverse of the Utah quarter features two locomotives moving toward the golden spike that joined the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads on May 10, 1869, at Promontory, Utah, linking East and West regions of the United States. "Utah's quarter design perfectly embodies that historic day when our Nation, separated by a vast continent, was transformed into one country by the transcontinental railroad," said Mrs.Eskridge, the United States Mint's Associate Director for Sales and Marketing.

The coin also bears the inscriptions "Crossroads of the West," "Utah," and "1896," the year Utah was admitted into the Union.

Following the launch ceremony, members of the Golden Spike Park Rangers and Girl Scouts helped Mrs. Eskridge and Governor Huntsman hand out newly minted quarters to children in the crowd. On the eve of the launch, the United States Mint hosted a Coin Collectors Forum at the Discovery Gateway Museum in Salt Lake City, where attendees expressed their ideas on coin programs and coin design.

Wyoming State Quarter

2007-09-14T15:23:00.000-06:00

Wyoming Strikes Up the Band at State Quarter Launch

CHEYENNE, WYOMING - The sounds of the University of Wyoming Marching Band filled the Cheyenne Civic Center today in celebration of the official launch of the State's commemorative quarter-dollar. Hosted by United States Mint Director Ed Moy and Governor Dave Freudenthal, the Wyoming launch ceremony honored the 44th coin in the United States Mint's popular 50 State Quarters Program.

Released into circulation on September 4, the Wyoming quarter design features a bucking horse and rider, which pays homage to the State's Wild West heritage. The coin also bears the inscriptions "The Equality State," recognizing Wyoming's historical role in establishing equal voting rights for women; "Wyoming;" and "1890," the year Wyoming was admitted into the Union.

"The Wyoming quarter embodies ideals that our Nation reveres: a pioneering spirit and equal opportunity for all," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "The United States Mint is especially proud of this quarter because Wyoming's first woman governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, also served as the United States Mint's first woman director."

Following the launch ceremony, members of the University of Wyoming Cowgirls women's basketball team helped Director Moy and Governor Freudenthal hand out newly minted quarters to children in the crowd.

Jefferson Presidential Dollar Coin

2007-08-16T14:52:00.000-06:00

Thomas Jefferson is The Third Coin in The Presidential Dollar series.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Thomas Jefferson $1 Coin is the third coin in the series, because Thomas Jefferson was the Nation's third President. But a survey released this week by the United States Mint found that only 30% of Americans know that fact. According to the Presidential $1 Coin Survey, only seven percent of Americans can name the Nation’s first four Presidents in order: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

"That’s what’s great about the Presidential $1 Coin Program," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "These dramatic new Presidential $1 Coins provide a perfect opportunity for Americans to learn more about our Presidents and the critical roles they played in some of our Nation’s historic milestones."

The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin series with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007 in time for Presidents Day Weekend. The John Adams Presidential $1 Coin followed in May. The James Madison Presidential $1 Coin will be introduced on November 15, 2007.

The design of the Thomas Jefferson $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic. Edge-lettering also draws attention to the inscriptions "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust," as well as the date and the mint mark, distinguishing Presidential $1 Coins from all other coins in circulation today.

The obverse (heads side) of the Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin was designed and sculpted by Joe Menna, a United States Mint Medallic Artist. The reverse (tails side) on all the Presidential $1 Coins is a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Golden Dollar featuring Sacagawea, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired. The obverse (heads side) of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office. The reverse (tails side) displays an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions "United States of America" and "$1."

Idaho State Quarter

2007-08-03T11:46:00.000-06:00

Idaho State Quarter Attracts Cabinet Secretaries

BOISE, IDAHO - For the first time in the history of the 50 State Quarters Program, two Cabinet Secretaries joined the Director of the United States Mint today to celebrate a state quarter. The Idaho commemorative quarter-dollar, featuring a peregrine falcon design, was praised by Secretary of the Treasury Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, and Director of the U.S. Mint Ed Moy. State Treasurer Ron G. Crane represented the state of Idaho at the event at the Boise Depot in a ceremony that also featured Peregrine Fund President J. Peter Jenny, "Cowboy Rudy" Gonzales and KTVB-TV weatherman Larry Gebert.
The peregrine falcon in profile is the prominent image on the Idaho quarter, the 43rd coin released by the Mint in the popular 50 State Quarters Program. Next to the peregrine falcon profile are a map of the state and the state motto, "Esto Perpetua" (May it Be Forever), and above the falcon are the inscriptions "Idaho" and "1890," representing the year Idaho entered the Union.

"Today we celebrate a distinctive state quarter and the recovery of the peregrine falcon," said Secretary of the Treasury Paulson. "Millions of Americans will have the chance to collect the Idaho quarter and learn more about this spectacular bird."

"We are proud that Idaho took the lead in the recovery of the peregrine falcon. The greatest gift we have been given is our state's natural beauty, and we have a sacred responsibility to protect and preserve it," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "When our children hold Idaho's quarter, it will serve as our promise to do better to conserve species." Secretary Kempthorne formerly served as mayor of Boise and U.S. Senator and Governor of Idaho.

Mint to Display Gold Space Coins

2007-07-10T11:30:00.000-06:00

22-Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollars Flew Aboard Space Shuttle

The U.S. Mint will display the 12 gold proof Sacagawea Golden Dollars that flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999. The 12 gold versions of the circulating Golden Dollars will be unveiled at the American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money in Milwaukee, the largest coin show in the nation. Until now, the gold "space coins" have been stored at Fort Knox. They've never been seen in public, and similar gold coins were never sold, making them extremely rare. Although the coins' value has not been established, they are very unique as historic artifacts.

The 22-karat gold coins were minted to promote the use, and create public awareness, of the Sacagawea Golden Dollars that went into general circulation in 2000. The circulating Golden Dollar has a metal content of manganese brass. Like the circulating coin, the 12 gold proof Golden Dollars feature an image of Sacagawea, the Shoshone Indian woman who assisted Lewis and Clark on their 8,000-mile expedition. These 12 gold coins commemorated the first shuttle flight to be commanded by a woman, USAF Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins.

The 22-karat gold versions of the Sacagawea Golden Dollar are made of .9167 (half-ounce) fine gold.

Adams Presidential Dollar Coin

2007-05-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

First U.S. Coin Featuring President John Adams Heads Into Circulation Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Millions of new John Adams Presidential $1 Coins are heading to the Nation's banks and financial institutions. It is the first time the United States has featured President Adams on a coin. The United States Mint is marking the occasion with a ceremonial launch and coin exchange in John Adams' birthplace of Quincy, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, May 22.

"John Adams was a great patriot who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and served as Vice President and then President of our Nation in its early days," said Director Edmund C. Moy. "This new coin provides the opportunity to learn more about our second President and his fascinating life. With the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin before it, Americans are discovering that using a dollar coin is more convenient in many transactions."

John Adams was the second President of the United States, and the coin commemorating John Adams is the second of the Presidential $1 Coin series, now in circulation. The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin series in New York with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents Day.

Washington State Quarter

2007-04-11T16:55:00.000-06:00

The All "Washington" Quarter-Dollar

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – The Washington commemorative quarter-dollar was launched today at a ceremony in Seattle. Washington was the 42nd state to be admitted into the Union, and the Washington quarter is the 42nd coin produced by the United States Mint in its popular 50 State Quarters Program.

The Washington quarter-dollar features the traditional image of George Washington on the obverse and images representing the State of Washington on the reverse . Governor Chris Gregoire called it the first "100 percent Washington quarter." The Washington image includes a king salmon breaching the water in front of majestic Mount Rainier. The coin bears the inscriptions "The Evergreen State," "Washington" and "1889."

"This quarter has captured the State's pride in Washington's natural beauty, from the gracefully leaping king salmon to the awe inspiring Mount Rainier," Mint director Moy told the crowd. "Across the country, the Washington quarter-dollar will now serve as your ambassador." The Washington quarter-dollar is the second commemorative state quarter released by the United States Mint in 2007.

George Washington Dollar Coin Error

2007-03-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

Statement from the U.S. Mint

The Mint has struck more than 300 million George Washington Presidential $1 Coins. Some of these coins left the Philadelphia Mint without the edge-lettering. It is unknown how many of these coins without inscriptions on the edge have been placed into circulation.

First Presidential Dollar Coin

2007-02-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

George Washington First in Presidential $1 Coin Series

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Mint today released into circulation the new George Washington $1 Coin, the first in a series of $1 coins honoring former United States Presidents.

Modeled after the United States Mint’s successful 50 State Quarters Program, the Presidential $1 Coin Program will feature systematically rotating designs of former United States Presidents. The George Washington $1 Coin marks the first of four Presidential $1 Coins to be released this year, with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to roll out later in 2007.

Montana State Quarter

2007-01-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Montana State Quarter Features Bison Skull

HELENA, MONTANA - The Montana commemorative quarter-dollar coin, introduced in a ceremony at the Helena Civic Center today, features the image of a bison skull hovering in the sky over mountainous terrain. The Montana quarter is the 41st in the popular 50 State Quarters Program.

"Montana's history recalls a state composed of vast landscapes, mountains and high plains, big sky and bison, all of which are represented on the Montana quarter we launch today," said U.S. Mint Director Edmund Moy. "The bison skull is an evocative image of the American West, its bounty and hardships, familiar to Montanans as a symbol of their own rugged and resilient nature."

The reverse of the Montana quarter bears the inscriptions "Big Sky Country," "Montana" and "1889," the year Montana was admitted into the Union, becoming our Nation’s 41st state. The Montana quarter is the first commemorative quarter-dollar released in 2007.

Mint Displays 1933 Double Eagles

2006-08-16T12:29:00.000-06:00

DENVER, CO - The U.S. Mint unveiled ten recently recovered 1933 Double Eagles at the Opening Ceremony of the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Denver. The Mint has secured the rare gold pieces at Fort Knox until now.

The 1933 Double Eagles are fascinating because they should not exist, These gold pieces were never issued as coinage and should never have left the Mint at Philadelphia, because the Mint was were ordered to melt them down. But these ten gold pieces were stolen.

About 445,500 Double Eagle gold pieces were minted in 1933. However, President Franklin Roosevelt took the United States off the gold standard that year in an effort to help the struggling American economy recover from the Great Depression. As a result, all but two of the 1933 Double Eagles were ordered destroyed. Those two specimens were transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. None of the Double Eagles was issued at that time.

The United States Government has now recovered a total of twenty 1933 Double Eagles that were stolen from the United States Mint at Philadelphia. Nine of the 20 Double Eagles were seized by, or relinquished to, the Secret Service in the 1940s and 1950s, and were subsequently returned to the United States Mint and destroyed.

One 1933 Double Eagle surfaced in 1996 and was recovered by the United States Secret Service. Following a legal settlement, that gold piece was returned to the Mint and was subsequently issued and auctioned in New York City to an anonymous buyer for $7.5 million on July 30, 2002. The United States Department of the Treasury has said that it does not intend to monetize, issue, auction, or destroy the 10 recently recovered 1933 Double Eagles.

The gold Eagle coin was first produced in 1795 with a $10 denomination. When they where first struck, $20 gold pieces were popularly called "Double Eagles."

The 1933 Double Eagle obverse features "Liberty," a figure reminiscent of a Greek goddess. The image was designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The reverse features a majestic eagle.

Mint Strikes First Pure Gold U.S. Coins

2006-06-20T11:15:00.000-06:00

American Buffalo Gold Coin Goes on Sale This Week

WEST POINT, NY - The United States Mint officials struck some of the first American Buffalo Gold Coins, marking the first time ever the United States Government has minted pure (.9999) 24-karat gold coins for investors and collectors. The coins, in bullion and proof versions, go on sale Thursday, June 22, 2006.

"This American Buffalo Gold Coin will appeal to both investors who choose to hold gold and to others who simply love gold," said the Deputy Director. "These classic and beautiful American Indian and buffalo designs by James Earle Fraser, which have been American favorites since they were first used in 1913, recall a golden age of coin artistry."

Newly Designed Nickels

2003-04-24T15:29:00.000-06:00

Westward Journey Nickels

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nickel will soon have a new look. President Bush has signed an historic bill that authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to change the designs of 5-cent coins issued in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in recognition of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition. The design of the nickel has remained unchanged since 1938. In 2006, the nickel will return to a depiction of President Thomas Jefferson on the "heads" side and an image of Jefferson's home, Monticello, on the "tails" side.

Most Americans have not seen a nickel different from the current one, introduced in 1938, which features President Jefferson on the "heads" side and his home, Monticello, on the "tails" side. Many Americans and coin collectors have fond memories of a great American classic, the Buffalo nickel. Images emblematic of the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition will be the subjects depicted on the "tails" side of the new nickels. The "heads" side will continue to bear images of President Jefferson in recognition of his role in the Louisiana Purchase and the commissioning of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

New Jersey State Quarter

1999-06-15T18:46:00.000-06:00

Washington on Heads and Tails of New Jersey State Quarter

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Mint today announced the launch of the third design in the 50 State Quarters series. The third quarter of the series honors New Jersey, the third State to ratify the Constitution. The launch of the New Jersey quarters follows release of the Delaware and Pennsylvania quarters which were shipped to banks earlier this year, with quarters honoring Georgia and Connecticut to be released in Summer and Fall of 1999.

The New Jersey quarter features George Washington on both the reverse (tails) and obverse (heads) sides of the quarter. The tails design depicts George Washington accompanied by members of the Colonial Army crossing the Delaware River on their way to victories against the British at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. The famed portrait of President George Washington continues to grace the obverse; however, inscriptions have been moved to accommodate the state designs on the reverse.

Pennsylvania State Quarter

1999-04-12T14:50:00.000-06:00

Mint Ships Pennsylvania State Quarter to Banks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Mint today announced that it has begun shipping the second design in the new 50 State Quarter series to the Federal Reserve for distribution to commercial banks and financial institutions. The second quarter design of the 50 State Quarters series honors Pennsylvania, the second State to join the Union. The shipment of the Pennsylvania quarters follows the release of the Delaware quarters which were shipped in January 1999, with quarters honoring New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut to be released later in the year.

"With the release of new Pennsylvania quarters, we are continuing the momentum of the U.S. Mint's successful 50 State Quarters program. We know from the response to the Delaware quarters that Americans are eagerly awaiting Pennsylvania quarters, and are looking forward to collecting all 50 designs in this unique 10-year series," said U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow.

"We have a special feeling for the state of Pennsylvania because Philadelphia has been the original home of the Mint since 1792," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. "On behalf of the Mint, I want to thank the citizens of the Commonwealth for their part in helping to design the second of the 50 State Quarters."

The Pennsylvania quarter features a reverse (tails) design depicting the "Commonwealth" statue which sits atop the Pennsylvania capital dome, an outline of the state, the state motto and a keystone.

Delaware State Quarter

1999-01-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Delaware First in State Quarter Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Mint today announced that it has shipped the first of the new 50 State Quarters to the Federal Reserve for distribution to commercial banks and financial institutions.

The first 50 State Quarter features a reverse (tails) design honoring the state of Delaware. The coin is expected to start appearing in circulation in late spring or early summer, and while the goal is to make the coin as widely available as possible, it will not be readily available in every part of the country.

"The United States Mint will be striking and shipping a new state quarter to the Federal Reserve every ten weeks for the next ten years," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. "We begin with Delaware and continue throughout the year with quarters bearing reverse designs honoring Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut - the first changes in the designs of the U.S. circulating coins since the Bicentennial in 1976."

The Delaware coin's reverse depicts Caesar Rodney on horseback making his historic ride to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of independence.