The quarter might be the most iconic coin in the United States. It is the smallest denomination of currency and has been a part of our system of money. The quarter has seen many changes over the years and has become a symbol of American history and culture. Here are some interesting facts about quarters that you might not know. For more read our interesting facts about dimes post.
Uncovering the Fascinating History Behind U.S. Quarters
The quarter is a quintessential piece of American currency that has a fascinating history. The original quarter was introduced into circulation in 1796 as part of the Coinage Act. The quarter was designed by Robert Scot, the first chief engraver of the United States Mint. It featured a portrait of George Washington on the obverse side and an eagle with an olive branch and arrows in its claws on the reverse side. The original quarter was made of silver, but the size and composition of the quarter has changed several times over the years.
In 1965, the composition of the quarter was changed to copper-nickel clad due to rising silver prices. In 1975, the Washington quarter was redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the American Revolution.
The obverse side featured a portrait of Washington, while the reverse side featured a depiction of the Liberty Bell and the moon. In 1999, the United States Mint introduced a new series of quarters featuring designs from each of the fifty states. This series, known as the 50 State Quarters Program, was launched to great fanfare and was widely popular with collectors. It ran from 1999 to 2008 and featured a different design from each state on the reverse side.
The U.S. Mint has also issued a number of commemorative quarters in recent years, including quarters honoring the National Park Service Centennial in 2016 and the Puerto Rico Statehood Quarter Program. The U.S. quarter has come a long way since its introduction in 1796, and its design has changed significantly over the years. While it may have a different face today, the quarter remains an iconic symbol of American currency and a reminder of the country’s rich history.
10 Interesting Facts About Quarters You Probably Didn’t Know
- The current 25-cent coin in the United States is the Quarter Dollar. It was first minted in 1796 and was made of silver until 1837, when the composition changed to copper-nickel.
- The quarter has been produced in four different designs during its history. The first design was the Draped Bust, followed by the Capped Bust, the Seated Liberty, and the current Washington quarter.
- The Washington quarter was first issued in 1932 and was the first circulating coin to feature an actual person, rather than a mythical figure or symbol.
- The Washington quarter was designed by John Flanagan and features a portrait of George Washington on the front, along with the words “United States of America” and the year of issue. The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings.
- On the back of the quarter, the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” is inscribed, which is Latin for “Out of Many, One.”
- Every state in the United States has had its own commemorative quarter issued.
- In 2004, the U.S. Mint began issuing special-edition quarters with a reverse design featuring a national park or other site from each state, as part of the “50 State Quarters” program.
- The “50 State Quarters” program was so popular that it was extended to the United States territories, with the “America the Beautiful Quarters” series.
- The U.S. Mint has also issued commemorative quarters for special occasions, such as the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service.
- There are currently more than 10 billion quarters in circulation in the United States, with a total face value of $2.5 billion.
The Unique Designs That Make U.S. Quarters So Unique
The United States quarter is a unique and iconic element of the country’s coinage. It is known for its distinctive designs, which change every 10 years to commemorate a different moment in American history. These designs, known as the America the Beautiful quarters, were first issued in 2010 and feature national parks, forests, and landmarks from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories.
The designs for the America the Beautiful quarters are created by the U.S. Mint, which is responsible for designing and producing the nation’s coins. The Mint works with a team of artists and sculptors to create a unique design for each quarter. These designs are then submitted for approval to the United States Commission of Fine Arts, a federal agency that advises the president on matters of art and architecture. Once approved, the designs are hand-engraved into a steel die, which is used to strike each coin.
The designs on the America the Beautiful quarters are very detailed and represent a wide range of iconic American scenes. Each quarter features a portrait of the featured location, along with its name, year of issue, and the words “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”), the national motto of the United States. The reverse side of each quarter features a unique design that represents the history, culture, or natural beauty of the featured location.
The America the Beautiful quarters are a unique and lasting tribute to the beauty and diversity of America. The designs on each quarter provide a snapshot of the country’s history and culture, and remind us of the importance of preserving our national parks, forests, and landmarks.
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