WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is wrapping up the 50 State Quarters® Program, the national phenomenon that sent Americans searching through their change for the latest quarter to add to their collections.  It is estimated that 147 million Americans have been collecting the coins in the 10-year 50 State Quarters Program, which has honored each state in the order it ratified the U.S. Constitution or was admitted into the Union.  The program, authorized by Congress, kicked off in early 1999 with the introduction of the Delaware quarter and concludes at the end of 2008 with the Hawaii commemorative quarter-dollar coin. 

"This groundbreaking initiative has been the most successful coin program in the Nation's history," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy, who participated in the launch ceremony for the Hawaii quarter on November 10, 2008.  "The 50 State Quarters Program has educated a generation of Americans about the history and geography of the States.  It has also generated tremendous state pride and encouraged citizens to consider which images should symbolize the region where they live."

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