Your Complete Guide To The 1999-2008 Fifty State Commemorative Quarters

What are the fifty state commemorative quarters 1999 to 2008?

The fifty state commemorative quarters are a series of 50 quarters released by the United States Mint from 1999 to 2008 to honor each of the 50 states. The quarters were released in the order that the states joined the Union, with Delaware being the first in 1999 and Hawaii being the last in 2008.

Each quarter features a unique design that is emblematic of the state it represents. For example, the Delaware quarter features the state's official bird, the blue hen, while the Hawaii quarter features the state's famous Diamond Head crater.

The fifty state commemorative quarters were a popular success, with many people collecting the entire set. The quarters are also a valuable educational tool, as they can teach people about the history and geography of the United States.

Here is a table of the fifty state commemorative quarters, along with their release dates:

| State | Release Date ||---|---|| Delaware | January 1, 1999 || Pennsylvania | February 1, 1999 || New Jersey | March 1, 1999 || Georgia | April 1, 1999 || Connecticut | May 1, 1999 || Massachusetts | June 1, 1999 || Maryland | July 1, 1999 || South Carolina | August 1, 1999 || New Hampshire | September 1, 1999 || Virginia | October 1, 1999 || New York | November 1, 1999 || North Carolina | December 1, 1999 || Rhode Island | January 1, 2000 || Vermont | February 1, 2000 || Kentucky | March 1, 2000 || Tennessee | April 1, 2000 || Ohio | May 1, 2000 || Louisiana | June 1, 2000 || Indiana | July 1, 2000 || Mississippi | August 1, 2000 || Illinois | September 1, 2000 || Alabama | October 1, 2000 || Maine | November 1, 2000 || Missouri | December 1, 2000 || Arkansas | January 1, 2001 || Michigan | February 1, 2001 || Florida | March 1, 2001 || Texas | April 1, 2001 || Iowa | May 1, 2001 || Wisconsin | June 1, 2001 || California | July 1, 2001 || Minnesota | August 1, 2001 || Oregon | September 1, 2001 || Kansas | October 1, 2001 || West Virginia | November 1, 2001 || Nevada | December 1, 2001 || Nebraska | January 1, 2002 || Colorado | February 1, 2002 || North Dakota | March 1, 2002 || South Dakota | April 1, 2002 || Montana | May 1, 2002 || Washington | June 1, 2002 || Idaho | July 1, 2002 || Wyoming | August 1, 2002 || Utah | September 1, 2002 || Oklahoma | October 1, 2002 || New Mexico | November 1, 2002 || Arizona | December 1, 2002 || Alaska | January 1, 2003 || Hawaii | December 1, 2008 |

Fifty State Commemorative Quarters 1999 to 2008

The fifty state commemorative quarters, issued from 1999 to 2008, hold significant historical and cultural value, representing each state's unique identity and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the United States.

• Commemorative: Honoring each state's journey and heritage.
• Sequential: Released in the order of statehood, reflecting the nation's growth.
• Emblematic: Designs capturing the essence of each state, showcasing its symbols and landmarks.
• Educational: A valuable tool for learning about state history, geography, and culture.
• Collectible: A popular series among numismatists and enthusiasts, fostering a sense of completion.
• Artistic: Showcasing the talent of coin designers, expressing state pride through intricate details.
• Historical: A tangible connection to the past, preserving statehood milestones for future generations.

These aspects intertwine, contributing to the overall significance of the fifty state commemorative quarters. They not only represent individual states but also collectively tell the story of the United States, its diverse heritage, and the spirit of unity that binds the nation together.

1. Commemorative

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 hold significant commemorative value, honoring the unique journey and heritage of each state. These quarters serve as tangible reminders of the historical milestones and cultural identities that have shaped the United States.

• Celebrating Statehood: Each quarter marks the anniversary of a state's admission to the Union, commemorating the growth and westward expansion of the nation.
• Showcasing State Symbols: The designs incorporate iconic symbols, landmarks, and natural features that represent each state's distinct character, fostering a sense of pride and connection.
• Preserving Historical Events: Some quarters depict significant historical events or figures associated with the state, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the nation's past.
• Honoring Cultural Heritage: The quarters recognize the diverse cultural heritage of each state, showcasing the contributions of various ethnic and immigrant groups to American society.

By honoring each state's journey and heritage, the fifty state commemorative quarters contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nation's history, diversity, and shared identity.

2. Sequential

This aspect of the fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 holds historical significance, mirroring the nation's westward expansion and growth.

• Chronological Progression: The quarters were released in the same order that the states joined the Union, from Delaware in 1999 to Hawaii in 2008. This chronological progression provides a tangible timeline of the nation's territorial growth.
• Historical Context: Each quarter's release date coincides with the anniversary of the state's admission to the Union, evoking the historical context and milestones of the nation's development.
• Westward Expansion: The sequential release of the quarters reflects the westward expansion of the United States, as new states were formed and settled in the territories beyond the original thirteen colonies.
• National Unity: By presenting the states in chronological order, the quarters emphasize the gradual formation of a unified nation, showcasing the collective journey of the United States.

The sequential release of the fifty state commemorative quarters not only commemorates individual states but also serves as a chronicle of the nation's growth and westward expansion, providing insights into the historical and geographical evolution of the United States.

3. Emblematic

The emblematic designs of the fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 play a crucial role in capturing the essence of each state, showcasing its unique symbols and landmarks, and fostering a sense of identity and connection.

• Visual Representation: The designs translate each state's identity into a visual representation, using iconic symbols, landmarks, and natural features to create a recognizable and meaningful image.
• State Pride: The quarters serve as a source of pride for state residents, as they see their state's symbols and landmarks immortalized on a nationally recognized coin.
• Educational Value: The designs provide an educational opportunity, allowing people to learn about the different states, their histories, and their contributions to the nation.
• Cultural Significance: The quarters reflect the cultural heritage and diversity of the United States, showcasing the unique symbols and landmarks that represent each state's cultural identity.

The emblematic designs of the fifty state commemorative quarters are not merely decorative elements; they are integral to the quarters' commemorative value and serve as a powerful means of expressing each state's identity and significance within the larger context of the United States.

4. Educational

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 provide a valuable educational tool for learning about the history, geography, and culture of each state. The quarters' designs incorporate iconic symbols, landmarks, and natural features that represent each state's unique identity, making them a tangible and engaging way to learn about different parts of the United States.

• Historical Significance: The quarters depict historical events, figures, and landmarks that have played a significant role in each state's history. By studying the designs, students can gain insights into the key moments and individuals that have shaped the nation's past.
• Geographical Awareness: The quarters showcase the diverse geography of the United States, featuring mountains, rivers, forests, and other natural landmarks. This exposure helps students develop a better understanding of the physical features and regions that make up the country.
• Cultural Diversity: The quarters reflect the cultural heritage and diversity of the United States. They incorporate symbols and designs that represent the different ethnic and immigrant groups that have contributed to each state's unique identity.
• Cross-Curricular Connections: The fifty state commemorative quarters can be used as a cross-curricular tool, integrating history, geography, and culture into other subjects. For example, students can use the quarters to create historical timelines, map out the different states and their landmarks, or research the cultural traditions associated with each state.

Overall, the fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 are a valuable educational resource that can be used to teach students about the history, geography, and culture of the United States. By incorporating these quarters into their lessons, educators can make learning about different parts of the country more engaging and interactive.

5. Collectible

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 have gained popularity among numismatists and coin enthusiasts, contributing to their collectible nature and fostering a sense of completion among collectors.

Numismatists, individuals who study and collect coins, are drawn to the fifty state commemorative quarters due to their historical significance, unique designs, and limited mintage. The quarters provide an opportunity for collectors to acquire a comprehensive set that represents all fifty states, making the completion of the collection a significant achievement.

The collectible nature of the fifty state commemorative quarters has also fueled a sense of community among enthusiasts. Collectors often engage in trading, buying, and selling quarters to complete their sets or acquire specific designs. This interaction creates a shared passion and fosters a sense of camaraderie among collectors.

The popularity of the fifty state commemorative quarters as collectibles has practical implications. It has led to increased interest in coin collecting, particularly among younger generations. The quarters have also stimulated the coin market, creating opportunities for collectors to buy, sell, and trade coins at a profit. Furthermore, the collectible nature of the quarters has contributed to their preservation, ensuring that these commemorative pieces remain available for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

In summary, the collectibility of the fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 is an important aspect of their significance. It has fostered a sense of completion among collectors, created a community of enthusiasts, and contributed to the preservation of these commemorative pieces for future generations.

6. Artistic

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 showcased the exceptional talent of coin designers and served as a canvas for expressing state pride through intricate details.

• Artistic Expression: Coin designers were given the creative freedom to translate each state's unique identity into visual representations, resulting in a diverse range of artistic styles and techniques.
• Symbolic Representation: The quarters incorporated symbolic elements, such as state flowers, animals, and landmarks, to capture the essence of each state's history, culture, and natural beauty.
• Intricate Details: The designers employed intricate details to bring the designs to life, showcasing their technical skills and artistic vision. These details added depth and meaning to the quarters, making them visually appealing and collectible.
• State Pride: The artistic designs fostered a sense of state pride among residents, as they saw their state's unique characteristics immortalized on a nationally recognized coin.

The artistic merit of the fifty state commemorative quarters is undeniable. They stand as a testament to the talent and creativity of coin designers and have become cherished collectibles that represent the diverse heritage and spirit of the United States.

7. Historical

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 serve as a tangible connection to the past, preserving statehood milestones for future generations. These quarters embody the historical significance of each state's journey to becoming part of the United States, ensuring that these milestones are not forgotten.

• Commemorating Statehood:
  Each quarter marks the anniversary of a state's admission to the Union, providing a tangible reminder of the growth and expansion of the nation. They commemorate the unique circumstances and historical events surrounding each state's statehood, preserving these milestones for future generations to study and appreciate.
• Preserving Historical Narratives:
  The designs of the quarters often depict historical figures, events, or landmarks associated with each state. These visual representations help preserve historical narratives and provide insights into the rich tapestry of the nation's past. By studying these quarters, future generations can gain a deeper understanding of the people, places, and events that have shaped the United States.
• Educational Value:
  The fifty state commemorative quarters serve as an educational tool, fostering an appreciation for history and encouraging further exploration of each state's unique heritage. They provide a starting point for students and history enthusiasts to learn about the historical significance of different states and the nation as a whole.
• Legacy for Future Generations:
  As tangible artifacts, the fifty state commemorative quarters will endure as a lasting legacy for future generations. They represent a commitment to preserving the historical milestones of each state and ensuring that the nation's heritage is passed down to future generations.

In conclusion, the fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 are more than just coins; they are historical artifacts that preserve statehood milestones for future generations. Through their commemorative designs, educational value, and lasting legacy, these quarters serve as a tangible connection to the past and a reminder of the rich history that has shaped the United States.

FAQs on Fifty State Commemorative Quarters 1999 to 2008

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 have garnered significant interest and generated several common questions. This FAQ section addresses some of the frequently asked questions to provide a clearer understanding of these commemorative coins.

Question 1: What is the significance of the fifty state commemorative quarters?

These quarters were issued to honor each of the fifty states in the order they joined the Union. They serve as a tribute to the unique history, culture, and landmarks of each state, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

Question 2: What are the design elements featured on the quarters?

Each quarter showcases distinct design elements that represent the state it commemorates. These elements may include state symbols, landmarks, historical figures, or natural features, providing a visual representation of each state's identity.

Question 3: Why were the quarters released over a ten-year period?

The sequential release of the quarters allowed for a gradual celebration of each state's statehood anniversary. It also provided ample time for the public to collect and appreciate the complete set, fostering a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Question 4: What is the numismatic value of these quarters?

The numismatic value of the fifty state commemorative quarters varies depending on factors such as their condition, rarity, and collector demand. Some quarters may have a higher value due to their limited mintage or unique design elements.

Question 5: How can I obtain these commemorative quarters?

The fifty state commemorative quarters can be acquired through various channels, including coin dealers, online marketplaces, and numismatic events. They may also be found in circulation, although this is less common.

Summary of key takeaways:

• The fifty state commemorative quarters celebrate the unique history and identity of each state in the United States.
• The designs feature symbolic elements that visually represent each state's culture, landmarks, and historical significance.
• The sequential release of the quarters over ten years allowed for a gradual celebration of statehood anniversaries.
• The numismatic value of these quarters varies based on condition, rarity, and collector demand.
• Commemorative quarters can be obtained through coin dealers, online marketplaces, and numismatic events.

Conclusion

The fifty state commemorative quarters issued from 1999 to 2008 stand as a testament to the rich history, diverse cultures, and unique identities of each state in the United States. These quarters have not only served as commemorative tributes but have also fostered a sense of national pride and unity, while providing educational insights into the nation's heritage.

The designs featured on these quarters capture the essence of each state, showcasing its symbols, landmarks, historical figures, and natural features. Through their artistic merit and intricate details, these quarters have become cherished collectibles, preserving the historical milestones and cultural heritage of each state for future generations.

The fifty state commemorative quarters remind us of the nation's growth and expansion, the contributions of each state to the larger tapestry of the United States, and the importance of preserving our collective history. As tangible artifacts of the past, they continue to inspire a sense of connection to our shared heritage and foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity and unity that define the United States.