Florida State Quarters (Buy on eBay) were released on March 29, 2004 as the twenty-seventh coin in the State Quarter series. Florida’s original Statehood date was March 3, 1845.
The reverse design features a Spanish galleon, the Space Shuttle, and palm trees. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, “E Pluribus Unum,” and “Gateway to Discovery.” The coin’s reverse was designed by Ralph Butler and engraved by T. James Farrell.
The 16th century Spanish galleon represents the state’s beginnings as a starting point for discovery. Florida is home of the Kennedy Space Center, from which this eras most important space expeditions were launched. The reverse also features Sabal palm trees.
The nine person Florida Commemorative Quarter Committee reviewed 1,500 design concepts and sent ten to the governor. He selected five and forwarded these to the United States Mint. The final design was selected based on a public vote from Florida residents. Other designs which were considered for the Florida Quarter included the Everglades, St. Augustine, America’s Spaceport, and a fishing theme.
The Philadelphia mint produced 240,200,000 Florida Quarters and the Denver mint produced 241,600,000. The San Francisco Mint produced clad proof and 90% silver proof coins for inclusion in government issued proof sets.
Florida Quarter Mintages
- 2004-P Florida Quarter: 240,200,000
- 2004-D Florida Quarter: 241,600,000
- 2004-S Proof Florida Quarter: 2,740,684
- 2004-S Silver Proof Florida Quarter: 1,769,786
Florida Quarter Specifications
- Designers: William Cousins after John Flanagan (obverse), Ralph Butler (reverse)
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad), 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof)
- Diameter: 24.26 mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Edge: Reeded
