I have never been a coin collector.  However, on visiting one of Florida’s fleamarkets at St. Cloud in 1999, I discovered a stallholder dealing in various coins.  There were several colourful and interesting Albums on display, with information and pockets for each of the State Quarters, and that’s how my interest for the State Quarters began.

The  State Quarters Programme was launched in early 1999, and finishes at the end of 2008.

Whilst serious coin collectors are particular only to purchase newly minted ‘uncirculated’ coins from a bank or coin collecting establishment, you can  have lots of fun (it’s still not too late) to look for these interesting coins in your change.  Even the earliest ones, if slightly tarnished, can be gently cleaned with a jewellery cleaning cloth and will shine nicely in your album.

The programme began as a bill introduced by Delaware Congressman Michael Castle.  Congress members thought that by putting each state on a coin, it would teach people about the USA’s history and geography.  President Clinton was in favour of the idea and authorisation was given on 1st December 1997.

As a result, the US Mint releases (every ten weeks)  five new designs each year.  The coins are being released in the order in which the states became part of the US.  When the programme ends later this year, the American Eagle (on the reverse – “tails”) will again appear on the coins as previously.

The State Quarters are produced at two branches of the US Mint – Philadelphia and Denver.  This means there are two different versions.  A small ‘P’ or ‘D’ can be found under the words ‘In God We Trust’

The coins in order of circulation ……

1999 -  Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut.

2000 -  Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia

2001 -  New York, North Carolina, Rhoda Island, Vermont, Kentucky

2002 -  Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi

2003 -  Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas

2004 -  Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin

2005 – California, Minnesota , Oregon, Kansas, West Virginia

2006 -  Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota

2007 -  Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah

2008 -  Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii

Each of the State Quarters have designs of interest to each particular state.  Also the Album I have lists each individual State’s symbols, i.e. State Flower, State Bird and State Flag, together with other details, such as the State’s nickname.

Florida as everyone will know is called ‘The Sunshine State’.  Florida’s State Flower is Orange Blossom, and the State Bird is the Mockingbird.  Florida was the 27th State to join The Union on 3rd March 1845.

There is also another coin ‘The Golden Dollar’ – it isn’t really made of gold, but if you have a special slot for it in your album, it is worth collecting too.  It is the first new one-dollar coin issued in 20 years.  The woman depicted on this coin is a Shoshane Indian named Sacagawea.  The reverse side shows the American bald eagle encircled by 17 stars.

I hope I have whetted your appetite to look through the coins in the purse or pocket.