News Release
Governor Asks Montanans To Submit Quarter Designs - MontanaQuarter@mt.gov
Creates Montana Quarter Commission
6/30/2005
Sarah Elliott
406-444-9725
selliott@mt.gov
The state will provide to the United States Mint at least three, but no more than five, different concepts or themes emblematic of the state; each concept or theme will be in narrative format. The narrative must explain why the concept is emblematic of the state and what the concept represents to the state's citizens. A narrative that merely describes a particular design is not acceptable. The Commission will accept narratives until August 31, 2005. Narratives can be mailed to Sarah Elliott, Governor's Office, Montana State Capitol, Helena, MT 59620-0801, faxed to 406-444-5529 or can be emailed to MontanaQuarter@mt.gov.
Design Criteria As Outlined By U.S. Mint
The design may not contain any frivolous or inappropriate design and no head-and-shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design.
Designs shall have broad appeal to the citizens of the state and avoid controversial subjects or symbols that are likely to offend.
Suitable subject matter for designs include state landmarks (natural and man-made), landscapes, historically significant buildings, symbols of state resources or industries, official state flora and fauna, state icons (e.g. Texas Lone Star, Wyoming bronco, etc.), and outlines of the state.
State flags and state seals are not considered suitable for designs.
Consistent with the authorizing legislation, the states are encouraged to submit designs that promote the diffusion of knowledge among the youth of the United States about the state, its history and geography, and the rich diversity of our national heritage.
Priority consideration will be given to designs that are enduring representations of the state. Coins have a commercial life span of at least 30 years and are collected for generations.
Inappropriate design concepts include, but are not limited to logos or depictions of specific commercial, private, educational, civic, religious, sports, or other organizations whose membership or ownership is not universal.
The Commission will accept narratives until August 31, 2005. Narratives can be mailed to Sarah Elliott, Governor's Office, Montana State Capitol, Helena, MT 59620-0801, faxed to 406-444-5529 or can be emailed to MontanaQuarter@mt.gov.
Commission
The Commission, established by the Governor will review design submissions and make recommendations to the Governor about the selection. The State of Montana sends three to five designs to the Mint to be drawn by professional artists. Montana's design concepts are due to the Mint at the end of September. The Montana Quarter is due out in 2007. The Commission members are:
Governor Brian Schweitzer, Chair
Arnie Olson, Historical Expert
Gary Marks, Numismatist
Keith Gumm, Numismatist
Nancy Warneke-Gaynor, Citizen Member
Sarah Elliott, Commission Staff
United States Mint 50 State Quarters Program is a ten-year initiative commemorating each of the 50 states. The Secretary of the Treasury approves all final designs.
More information on the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Program is available at www.usmint.gov.
