2003-D United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Missouri Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

2003-D United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Missouri Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: N/A
Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
Weight (g): 5.67
Diameter (mm): 24.26
Finish: BU

Launched in 1999, the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that honored each of the nation’s states in the order that they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Each quarter was produced for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again. State designs are displayed on the reverse (tails) of the quarters, while the obverse design displays the familiar image of George Washington.

Released on August 4, 2003, this is the 24th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program and the fourth released in 2003. Missouri, admitted into the Union on August 10, 1821, themed the coin, Corps of Discovery. It highlights Lewis and Clark's historic return to St. Louis down the Missouri River, with the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Gateway Arch in the the background. President William J. Clinton was in office when this legislation was signed. Three United States Mint Directors served under President Clinton's tenure; David J. Ryder of Idaho, Philip N. Diehl of Texas, and Jay W. Johnson of Wisconsin.

Obverse design:
John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington (modified by William Cousins) is featured on the obverse. Also seen are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the mintmark.

Reverse design:
The reverse design features Lewis and Clark’s return to St. Louis. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, “E Pluribus Unum,” “Corps of Discovery,” and the years “1804” and “2004.” The coin’s reverse was designed by Paul Jackson and engraved by Alfred Maletsky.