What Year Did the State Quarters Program Start?
Explore the complete story of the U.S. State Quarters Program, from its pioneering start and design to its significant impact on American coinage.
The Program’s Beginning
The United States Mint introduced the 50 State Quarters Program. This initiative aimed to honor each of the nation’s states through unique designs on the reverse side of circulating quarters. The program served as a means to foster public interest in coin collecting and to educate citizens about the distinct history and geography of their country.
The State Quarters Program officially commenced in 1999, following legislative authorization. The 50 State Quarters Program Act, signed into law in 1997, mandated the creation of this series. The primary motivation behind its inception was to engage the public with coinage and celebrate the individual heritage of each state.
The initial states featured in 1999 were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut, reflecting their order of ratification of the Constitution. Each quarter featured a common obverse design depicting George Washington, while the reverse showcased a unique design representing the respective state. This staggered release approach aimed to maintain sustained public engagement throughout the program’s run.
Program Structure and Design
The State Quarters Program was structured to release five new quarter designs each year. States were honored in the sequence of their entry into the Union. This systematic release schedule allowed for consistent anticipation among collectors and the general public.
Each quarter in the series maintained a consistent obverse, featuring a modified image of George Washington. The reverse side provided a distinct canvas for each state’s unique design. These reverse designs often incorporated state symbols, historical events, famous landmarks, or significant figures relevant to the state’s identity.
The process for selecting each state’s design involved a collaborative effort between the state and the U.S. Mint. States typically submitted multiple design concepts. These proposals were then reviewed by advisory committees before final approval was granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. The program ran for a full decade, concluding in 2008.
The Program’s Legacy and Successors
The popularity and success of the 50 State Quarters Program paved the way for subsequent commemorative coin series. Immediately following its conclusion, the U.S. Mint launched the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program in 2009. This extension honored the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The designs for these quarters similarly reflected the distinct characteristics and historical significance of each territory.
Building on this momentum, the U.S. Mint introduced the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which began in 2010 and concluded in 2021. This series featured a design on the reverse of the quarter depicting a national park or national site from each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The program issued 56 different designs over its 12-year run.