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PG 9 03.01.08
On December 1, 1997, President Bill Clinton signed the 50
States Commemorative Coin Program Act.
The Commemorative Coin Program was designed to honor the 50 states, promote
patriotism, and generate public interest in United States history. The only other program similar to the Commemorative Coin
Program was the minting of the special Bicentennial quarters back in 1975 and 1976.
According to Public Law 105-124:
"Congress find that it is appropriate and timely to honor the unique Federal Republic of 5O States that
comprise the United States; and to promote the diffusion of knowledge among the youth of the United Stares about the individual
states, their history and geography, and the rich diversity of national heritage.
"And to encourage young people and their families to collect memorable tokens of all the states for the face
value of the coins."
You may be wondering why the quarter is the coin of choice for this special program. Very simply,
the quarter was chosen for its broad circulation and its size. That's right. The quarter's size allows for a larger design
as opposed to the significantly smaller penny, dime, or nickel. In the Commemorative Coin Program, each state is honored
with its own unique design. Three to five designs were reviewed by the U.S. Mint to deem their coin-ability. Screened
designs were submitted to each state governor for selection of the final design.
The State Quarters
are produced at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints. Five different quarters are produced each year. The program
will run for 10 years, resulting in 50 state commemorative coins.
The release schedule for each state quarter is reproduced
below.
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