USA 25-CENTS (2018)

In 2010, the US Mint launched the "America the Beautiful" quarters program. Five quarters will be issued each year through 2020 (and one in 2021), for a total of 56 different designs. Each quarter will depict a national park or site from each of the 50 states, the federal district, and each territory). Minnesota's coin features Voyageurs National Park, located in the northern part of the state. The "voyageurs" are actually The Canadian fur traders who were the first Europeans to settle in the area.

The Common Loon shown on the coin is the State bird of Minnesota, and it is also the Provincial bird of Ontario (my home). Once you hear the songs of the loons echoing from lake to lake, you never forget it. Especially the long undulating haunting cry they do.

This coin was sent to me by Marilynn in Wisconsin. When I opened the envelope, I found a beautiful Loon card, but had no idea what the coin was inside. After enjoying the card for awhile and wondering if Marilynn somehow knew about my long love affair with loons -- she did say it was the perfect card -- I opened it up and saw Washington (the obverse). Once I peeled the holder off and saw that it was the Loon quarter it all made sense. Big smiles were upon me.

Thanks Marilynn!