[Archive June 1, 2005]
Yesterday Governor Bill Owens (R) and his wife Frances unveiled the Centennial State's quarter design for the U.S. Mint's "50 State Quarters ® Program". From over 1,500 proposals, 5 final designs were sent to the governor for selection. Of course, the Rocky Mountains were at the center of the design as expected. The mountain in the design may be either Longs Peak as viewed from Bear Lake or Pikes' Peak. We'll have to wait for a confirmation.
The United States acquired eastern Colorado as part of the Lousiana Purchase in 1803. Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. The quarter will debut in 2006. The latest "50 State Quarters ®" quarter is Minnesotta. Later in the year Oregon, Kansas, and West Virginia will appear. California started the year. 2006 will feature Nevada followed by Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Colorado State Motto: Nil Sine Numine ("Nothing Without Divine Will" or "Nothing Without Providence"(common rendering))
Colorado State Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
Colorado State Bird: Lark bunting
Colorado State Tree: Colorado blue spruce
Photo: Colorful Colorado (denverpost.com Kathryn Scott Osler)
