Alabama State Quarter

Released on March 17, 2003, the Alabama State quarter was the 22nd coin in the State quarter series.

Designed and engraved by Norman E. Nemeth, on the reverse side of the coin, Helen Keller (a Tuscumbia native who lost her sight and hearing at the age of 18, and went on to become a worldwide known writer and educator) is seen sitting in a chair while reading Braille. Directly below her is the inscription, "Spirit of Courage".

Governor Don Siegelman said, "Helen Keller symbolizes the courage of a people who've been through civil war and civil rights. She is a visible reminder of the importance of education and determination, and the importance of having a good teacher".

To the right of Helen Keller's image is the inscription, "Helen Keller". Directly above the inscription is her name in Braille.

The complete image is framed by the state tree's branches (Southern Longleaf Pine), and the state flower (Camellias).

“E Pluribus Unum”, and the coin’s date of mintage is at the bottom, and state name of Alabama, and its statehood date are at the top of the image.

As with some of the other 50 state quarters, drawings were submitted by schoolchildren.

Coin Specifications for the Alabama State quarter:

Mintage: 225,000,000 Philadelphia, 232,400,000 Denver, 3,408,516 (San Francisco Clad Proof), 1,125,755 (San Francisco Silver Proof)
Coin 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