Quarters are easy to find and everyone can afford to collect them. If you are on a budget -- save the quarters from your change. Or if you want to become more serious -- buy bags of uncirculated coins from the US Mint or coin dealers.
Facts
- The 50 State Quarters® Program runs for ten years from 1999 to 2008.
- Five coins are distributed each year at about ten week intervals.
- The individual designs for each state are on the reverse side of the coin.
- Quarters are minted in both Denver and Philadelphia, on a not quite 50-50 basis.
Quarters minted in 2000 are the most plentiful with almost six and a half million produced that year. The Iowa Quarter, Philadelphia mint, had the lowest production run of 213,800,000 coins, while the Virginia Quarter minted in Philadelphia had a whopping run of 943,000,000.
- State Quarter gallery with images of all coins released through 2006.
Millions Collect!
In early 2000, Market research by the U.S. Mint indicated that
106 million Americans were collecting the new coins. In April 2006, according to the US Mint,
the numbers have grown to
140 million collectors.
Getting the Family Collecting
It's always fun to find the newest one in your pocket change and what a terrific way to get your kids into
an inexpensive hobby that comes with a history lesson.
They can research each coin when they find it, read about the State history and find out where the coin was minted.
They'll be learning through collecting and maybe not even realize it.
What's the Order of Release?
This is where the history lesson comes in --
the order of statehood is the answer and since Delaware was our first state, it was the
first quarter released.
Where to Keep
If you're a casual collector (e.g. saving from your change) -- plop your coins into a glass bowl or jar.
If you're more organized and a serious collector, check out the numerous options available for your coins. Folders, coin envelopes and special
plastic bags are a few options available. United States maps with special inserts for each State Quarter are available from numerous resources and it's never too late to start filling it.
Take the Poll Are you a State Quarter collector?
Check Out the US Mint
The best spot on the Internet for collectors is the U.S. Mint. Information, tips and a place to buy new coin comemoratives all add up to make this a must spot to visit.
Be sure and check out the FAQ section for specific information on The 50 State Quarters® Program.
