2003-P United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Alabama Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

2003-P United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Alabama 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 March 17, 2003, this is the 22nd coin released in 50 State Quarters Program and the second coin released in 2003. Alabama, who was admitted into the Union on December 14, 1819, themed the coin, Spirit of Courage. It highlights an image of Helen Keller with her name in English and in a reduced-size version of Braille, an Alabama long leaf pine branch with magnolias gracing the sides of the design, and the Spirit of Courage banner underlining the image. 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 Helen Keller reading Braille. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, “E Pluribus Unum,” “Helen Keller” and a banner reading “Spirit of Courage.” The coin’s reverse was designed and engraved by Norman E. Nemeth.