The Hawaii quarter, the 50th and last coin in the popular 50 State Quarters Program, was ceremonially launched at Bishop Square in downtown Honolulu today. Amid a keiki hula performance and Hawaiian music, United States Mint Director Ed Moy bade farewell to the Nation’s most successful coin program in history.
“Long after the last coin in the 50 State Quarters Program rolls off the presses at the United States Mint, we will remember the wonderful things we accomplished with this 10-year initiative,” said Director Moy. “Americans gained a renewed sense of pride in their respective states. More of us were inspired to explore our Nation’s history through the unique story that each quarter-dollar tells. Because of the 50 State Quarters Program, a geography lesson will jingle in our pockets for years to come.”
Following the ceremony, Governor Linda Lingle and Director Moy handed out shiny new Hawaii quarters to children who attended the launch. Adults lined up to exchange their bills for $10 rolls of Hawaii quarters. An estimated 147 million Americans collect the coins in the 50 State Quarters Program.
In 2009, the United States Mint will embark on the District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarters Program by minting and issuing six newly designed quarters.
Tip: U.S. Mint
Governor Sarah Palin’s office announced as late as last night that she would be spending today at the Alaska State Fair to introduce the newest state quarter into circulation.
U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy (
