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.