Mint Hits The Right Note With Tennessee State Quarter
Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Don Sundquist today joined U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Treasurer of the United States Rosario Marin at the Country Music Hall of Fame to unveil the 16th state quarter in the 50 State Quarters Program, honoring the musical heritage of the "Volunteer State."
Tennessee became the 16th state to be admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796. The new coin features a trumpet, a fiddle, a guitar, and several musical notes, symbolizing the State's many contributions to American music, with the inscription "Musical Heritage." Similarly, Tennessee's state flag has three stars representing each region of the State.
"From folk to blues to country and western, Tennessee musicians have made enduring contributions to our nation's musical heritage," said Fore. "It is fitting that the Tennessee quarter honors the instruments, people and traditions that have so enriched American culture." She added that Tennesseans should be proud of this coin and the place it now takes as the 16th state in the 50 State Quarters Program.
Governor Sundquist selected the final design after the Tennessee Coin Commission received and reviewed more than 1,000 design suggestions from across the state. The final design, which was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, features musical instruments representing the State's three major musical genres - a fiddle, representing the Appalachian music of East Tennessee; a guitar, symbolizing the country music of Nashville in Central Tennessee; and a trumpet, reflecting the blues of West Tennessee for which Memphis is renowned. The winning design was submitted by Shawn Stookey, a teacher at Lakeview Elementary in New Johnsonville, Tenn.
"This is an exciting time for Tennessee as we begin the New Year by celebrating our State's rich history and showcasing it to the world through this distinctive quarter," said Governor Sundquist. "Our quarter reflects our State's diverse musical heritage that thrives in Tennessee's three grand divisions."
"With the trying times our nation has recently endured," said U.S. Treasurer Marin, "the Volunteer State embodies the American spirit of serving one's country and helping one's neighbor. With that in mind, I am especially proud to be in the great State of Tennessee to honor this new state quarter."
Hundreds of Tennesseans attended the launch ceremony held in the Country Music Hall of Fame's Ford Motor Company Theatre. The Hillsboro High School Sophisticats kicked off the event, which included remarks from Gov. Sundquist, Mint Director Fore, U.S. Treasurer Marin and performances by singers Isaac Hayes, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and Ruby Wilson. Following the ceremony, an open house was held at the State Capitol.