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 South Dakota State Quarter was the fifth and final State Quarter issued in 2006. It also completed the 8th year in the original ten-year collection that will eventually honor all 50 states. South Dakota was the 40th state to join the Union, so this coin is the 40th in the complete collection. Each coin is a limited edition of about 10 weeks before production starts on the next coin. The South Dakota coin will be followed be Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah in 2007. South Dakotas State Quarter design selection process began when state residents were asked to submit design suggestions. The process reached its final phase in January 2005 when state residents were able to vote on the final five design proposals. The winning South Dakota State Quarter design features the official state bird - a Chinese ring-necked pheasant - in flight above Mount Rushmore National Monument. Heads of wheat frame the design on the left and right to symbolize the states agricultural heritage.

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