Arkansas

Arkansas is a state located in the southern United States, and its nickname is “The Natural State.” Just as the name suggests, it is rich in rivers and lakes, forests and fields, and is a place that boasts the beauty of nature.

The reverse of the coin captures these features of Arkansas in three images. There is the state gem, the diamond; the rice stalks ripening with grain; and a mallard flying over a lake.

The diamond is a mineral that has a deep connection with this land, so much so that Arkansas made it the state gem. The rice stalks represent the farming actively carried out in this state, and the mallard flying over the lake shows the abundant nature where there is much water and wild animals live. The three images come together to express the generosity of nature, encompassing the treasure beneath the ground, the grain in the fields, and even the bird in the sky.

Arkansas became the 25th state of the United States on June 15, 1836. It is striking that, instead of a splendid city or a famous figure, the nature this land holds was itself placed on the coin.

A single small coin contains a sparkling gem, ripening grain, and a bird beating its wings all together. When you hold this quarter in your hand, you naturally feel the heart of Arkansas, which boasts of nature before the hand of humankind.