Mint Launches Wisconsin State Quarter
WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN - United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore joined Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle in launching the Wisconsin commemorative quarter-dollar coin near Milwaukee today. The image on the new quarter-dollar celebrates the State’s pride in its agriculture.
"This new quarter proudly depicts Wisconsin as the dairy land of the Nation,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. “It is a tradition of abundance and a gift from the heartland that the citizens of your great State have provided to enrich the Nation."
Joining the Director, Governor and First Lady as master of ceremonies at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis was radio personality Wayne Larrivee, the voice of the Green Bay Packers. Students from Colby Elementary School of Colby, Wisconsin, sang the national anthem, and the West Allis Central Band and dancers from Hmong, Latino, African-American and Native American groups also performed. A colorful farmer’s market, featuring Wisconsin products, completed the celebration.
Following the launch ceremony, Director Fore and Governor Doyle distributed shiny new Wisconsin quarters to children attending the ceremony, and adults were able to exchange their coins and bills for rolls of Wisconsin state quarters. Peter the Mint Eagle was on hand to celebrate with the crowd.
The Wisconsin quarter is the fifth of 2004, and the 30th in the 50 State Quarters Program. On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted into the Union. The Wisconsin design depicts an agricultural theme, featuring the head a cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn. The design also bears an inscription of the State motto, "Forward."
Wisconsin adopted the State motto, "Forward," in 1851, reflecting the state’s continuous drive to be a national leader. Wisconsin produces more than 15 percent of the Nation's milk and more than 350 varieties, types and styles of award-winning of cheeses. Wisconsin is also a major corn producer. State corn production contributed $882.4 million to the Wisconsin economy in 2003.