Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 25 Cents 2008, KM# 424a, United States of America (USA), 50 State Quarters Program, Alaska
  • 25 Cents 2008, KM# 424a, United States of America (USA), 50 State Quarters Program, Alaska
Description

The 50 State Quarters Program was the release of a series of circulating commemorative coins by the United States Mint. From 1999 through 2008, the 50 state quarters were released by the United States Mint every ten weeks, or five each year.

Each quarter's reverse commemorated one of the 50 states with a design emblematic of its unique history, traditions and symbols. Certain design elements, such as state flags, images of living persons, and head-and-shoulder images of deceased persons were prohibited.

The 50 State Quarters Program was started to support a new generation of coin collectors, and it became the most successful numismatic program in history, with roughly half of the U.S. population collecting the coins, either in a casual manner or as a serious pursuit.

Quarters are issued in the order that the states ratified the Constitution. Release date (statehood date): August 25, 2008 (January 3, 1959).

Obverse

A head of George Washington, the first President of the United States, facing left.

Designer: John Flanagan (JF), 1932 version from a 1786 bust by Houdon / William Cousins.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN
GOD WE
TRUST
LIBERTY
S
JF
QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse

Grizzly bear with salmon (state fish) and Pole star.

The name "Alaska" (Аляска) was introduced in the Russian colonial period when it was used to refer to the peninsula. It was derived from an Aleut, or Unangam idiom, which figuratively refers to the mainland of Alaska. Literally, it means object to which the action of the sea is directed. It is also known as Alyeska, the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.

Engraver: Charles L. Vickers (CLV).

ALASKA ★
1959
THE
GREAT
LAND
CLV
2008
E PLURIBUS UNUM

Edge

25 Cents

Washington Silver Proof Quarter
KM# 424a
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 6.25 g
Diameter 24.3 mm
Thickness 1.75 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
San Francisco Mint (S)

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