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The Virginia quarter, the tenth coin released under the 50 State Quarters®
Program, honors Jamestown, Virginia, our nation's first permanent English
settlement. Jamestown turns 400 years old in 2007. The selected design features
the three ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These ships brought
the first English settlers to Jamestown.
On April 10, 1606, King James I of England chartered the Virginia Company to
encourage colonization in the New World. The first expedition, consisting of the
three ships depicted on the quarter, embarked from London on December 20, 1606.
On May 12, 1607, they landed on a small island along the James River nearly 60
miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It was here the original settlers
(104 men and boys) established the first permanent English settlement called
Jamestown, in honor of King James I.
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The Virginia quarter features the three ships,
Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These ships brought the first English
settlers to Jamestown.
United States Mint image |
The selection of the design for Virginia's new quarter began when Governor
James Gilmore III selected State Treasurer Susan F. Dewey to serve as liaison to
the United States Mint for the 50 State Quarters® Program. Ideas were solicited
from colleges, universities, museums, and state agencies. Public comment was
overwhelming, with thousands of responses received.
Representatives from the Library of Virginia, the Department of Historic
Resources, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Department of General
Services assisted the State Treasurer in selecting design concepts for the
Virginia quarter. The citizens of Virginia were encouraged to provide their
comments. Governor Gilmore then forwarded his final design concept
recommendation, the Jamestown Quadricentennial, to the Secretary of the Treasury
who gave final approval.
Purchase a
Virginia State Quarter
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