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Release date of Montana State Quarter: January 29,
2007.
The first commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2007 honors Montana,
and is the 41st coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program.
Montana, nicknamed "Big Sky Country," was admitted into the Union on November 8,
1889, becoming our Nation's 41st state. The reverse of Montana's quarter
features a bison skull depicted above the diverse Montana landscape with the
inscription "Big Sky Country." The coin also bears the inscriptions "Montana"
and "1889."
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The Montana State Quarter features a bison skull
amid "Big Sky" country.
United States Mint image |
The bison skull is a powerful symbol, sacred to many of Montana's American
Indian tribes. This symbol can be seen across the State on schools, businesses
and license plates, and reflects the rich native tradition of Montana, which was
once home to large tribes such as the Crow and the Northern Cheyenne. After a
visit from Lewis and Clark, Montana became a destination first for fur trappers
and later for gold prospectors following the discovery of gold in the 1860s.
Cattle ranchers also made their way west to Montana. This rapid growth in
population led to boomtowns. The nickname "Big Sky Country" reminds residents of
Montana's open lands and pioneering way.
The recommended design was chosen based on feedback from the Montana Quarter
Design Selection Commission, which was created by Governor Brian Schweitzer, and
a subsequent public vote. United States Mint sculptor-engravers and artists
participating in the United States Mint's Artistic Infusion Program rendered the
"Bison Skull" design and three others submitted to Governor Schweitzer. The
designs were based on narratives submitted by Montana residents.
The Department of the Treasury approved the design on June 22, 2006. The other
three designs considered were "Bull Elk," featuring a bull elk posed
majestically on a rugged rock formation; "State Outline," showing mountains
tapering to the eastern Montana plains; and "Big Sky with River," prominently
featuring Montana's big sky with a river emerging from a mountain range.
Purchase a
Montana State Quarter
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