Owner Comments:
2001 continues the issue of five state quarters each commemorating a state and the year entering the union.
New York:
New York joined the Union in 1788. Growing quickly in population and importance to the country. "Gateway to Freedom" is the theme of the design, recalling the immigration of millions of people in the past and continuing to the present.
An engraving of the state with topography forms the backdrop to the full view of the Statue of Liberty. Liberty is minutely engraved, highly detailed flowing gown, torch and head.
Showing as a deeply engraved line through the map is the westward exploratory route between the northern Adirondacks and the southern Catskills mountains. The line traces the Hudson river valley and the Mohawk river valley.
North Carolina:
First Flight themes the North Carolina state quarter. Once part of the Thirteen Colonies and entering the Union in 1789. Growing economically and in importance, it is noted as the location of modern air flight.
Filling the design is the Wright brothers "First Flight" depiction. Well engraved is the famous bi-plane.
Rhode Island:
Rhode Island state quarter celebrates the entering to the Union in 1790 and ratifying the US Constitution in the same year.
Although the smallest state in total area it is well positioned along the eastern coast and suitable to the shipping trade. Costal waterways, bays and inlets are important to its shoreline.
Adopting the official nickname "The Ocean State" the design of the quarter also highlights the Pell Bridge in the background. Per the official mint description, a vintage sail boat is on the Narragansett Bay occupying the foreground. All elements of the design are minutely engraved. Designer Thomas D. Rogers placed his initials within the waves in the lower right corner, interestingly one the hardest of all designer initials to find.
Vermont:
As found on the State Seal "Freedom & Unity" has been the Vermont state motto since entering statehood 1791. Setting the background to the design is the Camel's Hump Mountain part of the Green Mountains range.
In the foreground are two Sugar Maple trees being tapped. Maple syrup has become a leading attraction to Vermont. Trees are tapped for their sugar rich sap in late winter and early spring, hence the coat and scarf of the figure in the design.
Kentucky:
Sharing the reverse of the Kentucky state quarter are two important symbols of the state. In the foreground is a well rendered thoroughbred racehorse. Behind the thoroughbred is the historic mansion Federal Hill. Built by Judge John Rowan over the course of 1795 to 1818 and became known as "My Old Kentucky Home" serving as a meeting place for important events shaping the course of the state.
Kentucky is located in a favorable climate enhancing large pasture land suitable for livestock and farming. Horse racing was quick to take hold and is still a major attraction to the state.