In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states were featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. On the front, otherwise known as the obverse, the mintmarks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait. The small "S" indicates San Francisco Mint.

The Illinois State Quarter is the first of five State Quarters to be issued in 2003. Illinois is the 21st state, so this is the 21st coin in the series. The coin features Abraham Lincoln as a young man within an outline map of the state. Illinois is known informally as the Land of Lincoln, a slogan that also appears on the coin. The design is completed by a farm scene to represent the states agricultural heritage and the Chicago skyline to symbolize the importance of the city to Illinois history and culture. The 21 stars that surround the design denote Illinois as the 21st state, while the inscription 21st State/Century celebrates Illinois place in American History from its admission to statehood through the 21st century.

Each coin is encapsulated - please keep the coins in their protective coin holder to maintain their condition.

In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states were featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. On the front, otherwise known as the obverse, the mintmarks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait. The small "S" indicates San Francisco Mint.

The second State Quarter of the year 2003 honored Alabama and was released into circulation by the U.S. Mint on March 17, 2003. Alabama was the 22nd state to join the Union, so the Alabama State Quarter was the 22nd coin in the series. The Alabama State Quarter depicts Keller sitting with a book on her lap. She learned to read with Braille, and her name appears in Braille above the English Inscription. A long leaf pine branch (state tree) is on the left, while magnolias (state flower) are on the right. The Spirit of Courage banner at the bottom celebrates Kellers unique place in Alabama and U.S. history.

Each coin is encapsulated - please keep the coins in their protective coin holder to maintain their condition.

In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states were featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. On the front, otherwise known as the obverse, the mintmarks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait. The small "S" indicates San Francisco Mint.

The Missouri State Quarter was the fourth coin in the 2003 set of Americas State Quarters. It was also the 24th coin overall in the collection. Missouri joined the Union on August 10, 1821, as the 24th state. The Missouri State Quarter design was an image celebrating 200 years of Missouri history. It depicts three members of the Lewis and Clark expedition returning to St. Louis down the Missouri River in 1806. The inscription Corps of Discovery 1804-2004 refers to the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The modern Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (known as the Gateway Arch) is in the background of the coin and is the states best-known symbol in the 21st century.

Each coin is encapsulated - please keep the coins in their protective coin holder to maintain their condition.

In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states were featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. On the front, otherwise known as the obverse, the mintmarks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait. The small "S" indicates San Francisco Mint.

The fifth and final State Quarter of the year 2003 honors Arkansas. This is the 25th coin in the State Quarters series, so it also marks the exact half-way point in the collection that will eventually feature all 50 states. Arkansas is known as The Natural State. The coin depicts Rice Stalks, a diamond, and a mallard flying above the lake. The rice represents Arkansas agricultural heritage and the fact that it remains the leading producer of rice in the United States. The diamond symbolizes Arkansas as one of the few places in the U.S. where diamonds are mined. The lake and mallard represent the states sporting traditions

Each coin is encapsulated - please keep the coins in their protective coin holder to maintain their condition.