2001 State Quarters

The United States Mint's 50 State Quarters program progressed into its third year in 2001, further celebrating the nation's diverse heritage with five new state-themed coin designs. These quarters were released in the order the states joined the Union. The first quarter of 2001 honored New York, featuring the iconic Statue of Liberty set against a backdrop of an outline of the state, symbolizing the state's role as a gateway to freedom and opportunity for countless immigrants. The second quarter paid tribute to North Carolina, showcasing the historic Wright Brothers' first successful flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, a groundbreaking event that forever transformed aviation. The third quarter celebrated Rhode Island, depicting the state's picturesque Narragansett Bay, complete with the Pell Bridge and a vintage sailboat, highlighting the state's rich maritime heritage. The fourth quarter, commemorating Vermont, featured the idyllic image of Camel's Hump Mountain in the background, alongside maple trees being tapped for sap, reflecting the state's natural beauty and its vital role in the maple syrup industry. Lastly, the fifth quarter issued in 2001 honored Kentucky, showcasing the stately Federal Hill Mansion, popularly known as "My Old Kentucky Home," a symbol of the state's proud history and enduring Southern charm. These unique state quarters continued to be minted in limited quantities, capturing the imagination of collectors and the general public, and fostering a greater appreciation for the nation's multifaceted history and culture.