Owner Comments:
Numismatic Firsts Highlight The 2003 Proof State Quarters
Illinois:
A young Abraham Lincoln striding through an outline of the state is central to the design of the Illinois State Quarter. Born in 1809 Lincoln grows to become president during the years of the Civil War.
A symbol of Illinois's agricultural power is represented by the farm house, barn and silo left of Lincoln. Chicago, the largest city of Illinois is seen in a skyline view completing the major designs to the quarter.
The official state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" honors Lincoln.
US Circulating Coinage First: Abraham Lincoln is featured as a young man. Lincoln is well known on the US cent first minted in 1909. His portrait on the cent is of Lincoln's later years.
Alabama:
Hellen Keller a renowned citizen of Alabama is honored on the Alabama State Quarter. Hellen who was deft-blind is depicted reading braille. Braille is also above her name on the quarter making it unique in circulating US coinage.
Framing the sides is the state tree; Alabama long leaf pine and magnolias to the right. A circa 1920 photo indicates Hellen's fondness of the magnolias.
US Circulating Coinage First: Braille is used on the Alabama State Quarter in Hellen Keller's name, a first. Also, a first in depicting a disabled woman on US circulating coins.
Maine:
Pemaquid Point Light a historic lighthouse is featured on the Maine State Quarter. Maine located at the northeastern most part of the US, shipping was important to its commerce. Well maintained lighthouses were essential.
Built on exposed bedrock, the scene of the lighthouse includes the keeper's house and additional buildings. At sea is a well detailed 3-masted schooner.
The lighthouse scene was decided by vote of Maine residents to become the design featured on the State Quarter. The dramatic setting of the lighthouse above the water is well detailed, fencing is recognizable as well as the northern pine. Sea gulls above the schooner are well rendered.
US Circulating Coinage First: A lighthouse featured on a circulating coin design is a first with the Maine State Quarter.
Missouri:
The return of Lewis and Clark from their expedition to explore westward is the theme of the Missouri State Quarter. Corps of Discover, as the expedition was known, departed St. Louis in 1804. Other significant dates found on the quarter are:
2004 marks the 200 th anniversary of the beginning of the expedition
1821 is the year Missouri entered the union
2003 issue date of the Missouri State Quarter
Missouri advancing into the present is depicted by the Jefferson Nation Expansion Memorial Gateway Arch. A strong reference to the achievements of the expedition and President Thomas Jefferson who commissioned the journey.
Arkansas:
Arkansas's official nickname "The Natural State" influences the design of the Arkansas State Quarter. Setting the background is a forest scene depicting its importance to the economy.
A mallard duck in flight over water points to its wildlife. With diverse terrane Arkansas natural resources extend across the entire state.
A well detailed diamond is in reference to Crater of Diamonds State Park.