I’m sure that by now people living in the United States know about the US Mint 50 State Quarter program by now. For those who haven’t used cash in a while I’ll fill you in on the rough details. The US Mints decided to add a little much needed variety to our currency. So, after having a nice long think about just how well the Sacajawea dollar coin did (it didn’t, it’s been universally declared a flop) they decided that celebrating each of the 50 US states would be a good thing. So far it’s working out rather well. People love them and are even collecting them. The program started in 1999 and the quarters are issued in 10 week cycles in order that the state joined the country. There is a lengthy process to decide the actual design of the coin but towards the end the states can put the finalists to a vote. The Arizona quarter is slated to be minted in mid 2008 and the five finalists are up for the popular vote. I figure that as everyone in America will be using them I don’t see why non-Arizonians shouldn’t be able to have a voice in selection. So have at it and see if your choice ends up in your pocket.

Arizona State Quarter