Alabama State Quarter Helen Keller Design Embodies Alabama’s “Spirit of Courage,”
First U.S. Coin with Braille Minted for Circulation
Back to State Quarter Mintage
Birmingham – Gov. Don Siegelman today unveiled the design for the
Alabama state quarter at Epic School before an auditorium filled with
elementary school students. The depiction of Alabama native Helen Keller
on the quarter embodies Alabama’s “Spirit of Courage.” The quarter
will be the first United States coin ever minted for circulation with a
Braille inscription.
“‘Spirit of Courage’ represents the strength, perseverance and
positive attitude of Alabamians who, from their earliest habitation, have
shown remarkable courage,” Siegelman said. “Embodying such courage in
the face of overwhelming challenges was Helen Keller, whose life and
spirit continue to inspire generations the world over.”
A seated depiction of Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, is located
in the center of the quarter, with an inscription of her name in both
English and Braille to the right of her image. The seated depiction of
Keller was inspired by a photograph provided by her great-great-niece, who
describes it as a family favorite. The inscription, “Spirit of Courage,”
is positioned in a banner at the bottom of the design area. Bordering the
right side of the design is a wreath of camellias, Alabama’s state
flower, and on the left is a wreath of needles and cones from the Southern
Longleaf Pine, Alabama’s state tree.
Alabama’s state quarter, scheduled for release in March 2003, will be
the second of five state quarters minted next year as part of the U.S.
Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which began in Jan. 1999. The program
is a 10-year initiative commemorating each of the 50 United States. State
designs are displayed on the reverse (tails) of the quarters, while the
front (heads) of the quarters continue to display the familiar image of
George Washington.
The program allows the governor of each state to determine the design
process. The selection of Keller resulted from a statewide school
competition, announced by Siegelman in Jan. 2001, with the theme of “Education:
Link to the Past, Gateway to the Future.” Approximately 450 designs were
submitted by students from around the state, a number of which included
the likeness of Keller.
Alabama’s state quarter will be the 22nd quarter released, reflecting
that, when admitted to the Union in 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state.
Alabama’s quarter will be minted after the Illinois quarter and followed
by the quarters for Maine, Missouri and Arkansas. Alabama’s quarter will
be produced at U.S. Mints in Philadelphia and Denver.
At 4 p.m. today, Siegelman will present a framed depiction of the
Alabama state quarter for permanent display to Ivy Green, Keller’s
birthplace.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mike Kanarick DATE: October 07, 2002
(334) 242-7150
More information about the 50 State Quarters Program is available at http://www.usmint.gov/
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