The State Quarter Program continued in 2003 with the next five designs in the series. Coins were issued to honor Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri, and Arkansas. This year’s designs included depictions of two famous individuals. Abraham Lincoln and Helen Keller were honored on the Illinois and Alabama State Quarters.

You can view detailed information about each State Quarter including large size images, mintages, and design descriptions by following the links.

Illinois State Quarter

The Illinois Quarter was the twenty first coin in the State Quarter series. It was released on January 2, 2003 and features a young Abraham Lincoln. The President spent many years in Illinois practicing law before he went on to become President.

Alabama State Quarter

The Alabama Quarter was the twenty second coin in the State Quarter series. It was released on March 17, 2003 and features Helen Keller. She was born in Alabama and despite losing her sight and hearing, she was able to learn to read and write.

Maine State Quarter

The Maine Quarter was the twenty third coin in the State Quarter series. It was released on June 2, 2003 and features a lighthouse near the sea. The Permaquid Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1826 and is one of the state’s most popular tourist sites.

Missouri State Quarter

The Missouri Quarter was the twenty fourth coin in the State Quarter series. It was released on August 4, 2003 and features Lewis and Clark returning to St. Louis. The famous Gateway Arch is also visible in the background.

Arkansas State Quarter

The Arkansas Quarter was the twenty fifth coin in the State Quarter series. It was released on October 20, 2003 and features a collection of symbols related to the state. This includes rice stalks, a diamond, and a mallard duck.