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 Iowa State Quarter was the fourth of five coins in the 2004 set of Americas State Quarters. It was also the 29th coin in the overall collection that started in 1999. The design features a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree. The inscription Foundation in Education reflects the states commitment to education for more than 150 years.

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