2000 State Quarters

In the year 2000, the United States Mint continued its groundbreaking 50 State Quarters program, releasing five new state-themed coins to celebrate the unique history and culture of each state. The designs were introduced in the order the states joined the Union. The first quarter of the year honored Massachusetts, featuring the celebrated Minuteman statue against a backdrop of the historic Concord Bridge, signifying the state's integral role in the American Revolution. The second quarter paid tribute to Maryland, depicting the distinctive dome of the Maryland State House, the United States' oldest state capitol in continuous use, along with the state's nickname, "The Old Line State." The third quarter celebrated South Carolina, showcasing the state bird (Carolina Wren), state flower (Yellow Jessamine), and state tree (Cabbage Palmetto) along with an outline of the state and its motto, "The Palmetto State." The fourth quarter, commemorating New Hampshire, featured the iconic rock formation known as the Old Man of the Mountain, a symbol of strength and endurance that sadly collapsed in 2003, alongside nine stars to represent the state's status as the ninth state to join the Union. Finally, the fifth quarter issued in 2000 honored Virginia, depicting the historic ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, which transported the first English settlers to Jamestown in 1607, marking the beginning of the United States' colonial history. These distinctive state quarters were minted in limited quantities and continued to captivate collectors and the public alike, promoting a deeper appreciation for America's diverse heritage.