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State and Territory Quarters

State & Territory Quarters

Welcome to the captivating world of State and Territory Quarters! Minted between 1999 and 2009, these coins celebrate the unique history and heritage of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Each quarter boasts a distinct reverse design, capturing the essence of its respective region. Created to honor America's rich diversity, these coins are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Uncover these beautiful collectibles by exploring our exquisite selection at L&C Coins today.

Discover the Beauty of America with State and Territory Quarters

Origin

The origin of American state and territory quarters can be traced back to the inception of the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee (CCCAC) in 1993. The committee was established to support a new generation of coin collectors, and soon after its formation, members began pushing for the creation of a unique coin series that would celebrate each of the 50 states. 

Initially, there was pushback from the U.S. Treasury, as they doubted the Mint’s revenue estimates and were concerned about commemorative coins being produced in excess and hoarded. Despite these concerns, the United States Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 was passed, which allowed for the investigation of the program's viability. 

Once deemed viable, the U.S. Mint was given the green light to begin the design process. As a result, the 50 States Quarters Program was officially launched in 1999. The success of the initial program led to the passing of the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act in 2007, and the subsequent launch of the expanded coin series in 2009.

 

Design

American state and territory quarters underwent a significant design transformation to showcase the unique character and symbolism of each location. In order to accommodate these captivating new designs, traditional text elements, such as "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," were moved to the obverse of the coin.

These coins’ reverse prominently features the name of the state or territory engraved at the top, with a distinctive design below that embodies the essence of that particular location. The year of minting is inscribed at the bottom of the reverse, accompanied by the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" as a reminder of the nation's unity. The selection of state quarter designs were chosen by the governor or through votes from state residents.

 

Circulation and Availability

This special American quarter series, which commenced in 1999, remains the most popular commemorative coin series in U.S. history. These captivating coins were minted in the order that states ratified the Constitution or joined the Union, with a new quarter featuring a unique reverse design being released every 10 weeks.

In 2009, a special District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program was introduced, which saw the minting of six additional designs honoring Washington, D.C. and the 5 territories. Since the completion of this series in 2009, the United States Mint has introduced other commemorative coin programs, but state quarters remain a popular and cherished part of American numismatic history. 

The design and production of the DC and territory coins for the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands involved a meticulous seven-step process. 

  • First, the U.S. Mint contacts the chief executive of the honored district or territory, who then appoints a liaison. 
  • Second, the district or territory conducts a concept selection process, providing two to three narrative concepts emblematic of their region. 
  • Third, the U.S. Mint creates candidate designs based on the narratives, considering aesthetics, historical accuracy, appropriateness, and coinability. 
  • Fourth, collaboration with local historians or officials ensures accuracy and proper representation. 
  • Fifth, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) review and make recommendations on the designs. 
  • Sixth, the district or territory recommends primary and secondary design choices. 
  • Finally, the primary recommended design is presented to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval.

 

Discover the L&C Coins Difference 

Welcome to L&C Coins, a trusted, family-operated coin dealership that has proudly served collectors since 1974. As accredited PCGS and NGC dealers, we leverage our knowledge in coin valuation and design to curate a diverse and authentic inventory. With our customer-friendly policies, including a 15-day return privilege, complimentary shipping on standard orders, expedited shipping for orders over $25, and interest-free layaway plans for up to five months, you can shop with total confidence. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions during your shopping experience.

 

Frequently-Asked Questions

What are State Quarters made out of?

The mint state and clad proof quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. They consist of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a pure copper core and a layer of the copper-nickel alloy on both sides. The US Mint also produced silver proof quarter sets that were 90% silver.

 

When were the State and Territory Quarters issued? 

The State Quarters were issued between 1999 and 2008, with five designs released per year in the order each state joined the Union. The six Territory Quarters were issued in 2009.

 

What are the U.S. territories represented in the quarters?

The U.S. territories represented on these coins are Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. This coinage program also includes a coin featuring the District of Columbia.

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