Vermont State Quarter Honors Maple Industry
MONTPELIER, VERMONT - The entire country received a taste of Vermont today as the U.S. Mint debuted the 14th state quarter in the 50 State Quarters Program. Governor Howard Dean and U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore led the national celebration at the Vermont State House in a ceremony that honored an industry that is synonymous with the state's history - the maple syrup industry.
The quarter honoring the "Green Mountain State" features two maple trees with a view of one of Vermont's most significant landmarks, Camel's Hump Mountain and the inscription, "Freedom and Unity."
"As the nation's largest producer of maple syrup, it is fitting that the Vermont quarter honors the people and the industry that have contributed so much to the state in its 210-year history," said Henrietta Holsman Fore, Director of the U.S. Mint. "Vermonters should be proud of the coin and the place it now takes in the 50 State Quarters Program."
Governor Dean selected the design after an extensive 18-month process led by the Vermont Arts Council. Working with the U.S. Mint, the Council narrowed the proposed designs to three, giving the Governor the final vote in choosing the winner. To help him, the Governor asked Vermonters for their opinions during his public appearances around the state.
"Last summer, as I traveled around talking to Vermonters," the Governor said, "the maple sugaring scene was everyone's favorite design throughout the state. I'm happy and proud that it was chosen so clearly by the people of Vermont because it reflects our rural heritage and highlights our beautiful landscape. I'm sure this coin, like our state, will be valued by everyone for a long time."
Residents from throughout the state participated in the State House launch ceremony. A children's choir opened the event by singing the new state song. The launch also featured a video telling the story of the quarter design and two students read from their winning essays on the importance of maple syrup in Vermont's history.
Following the ceremony, the Vermont Department of Agriculture offered a taste of Vermont, selling sugar snow from the Sugar Shack, maple cotton candy, maple creamies and maple popcorn. Buyers at the sale, proceeds from which will benefit the Department's education fund, received the new Vermont quarter in change.