Connecticut
"The Constitution State," a symbol of liberty. The legendary "Charter Oak" tree is engraved on its reverse.
Connecticut is a state that from an early period cherished the spirit of self-government and liberty, and its nickname is “The Constitution State.” It was also the fifth state to ratify the Constitution (No. 5).
On the coin’s reverse is engraved a single great oak tree, and beneath it is written the phrase “The Charter Oak.” The entire design focuses on this one tree, giving a sense of how special this oak is to the people of Connecticut.
The “Charter Oak” is the subject of a famous story handed down in Connecticut. According to legend, in colonial times the residents hid the charter of self-government they treasured inside the hollow of this large oak in order to protect it. And so this tree has long been beloved as a symbol of liberty and self-government that was safeguarded.
Connecticut joined the Union on January 9, 1788. As one of the original thirteen states, it holds within the nickname “The Constitution State” the spirit of seeking to protect its own rights.
Gazing at the single tree on the coin, we can recall how an old story of people trying to protect their freedom is still remembered to this day.