California
The "Golden State," engraved with John Muir, who protected the nature of Yosemite, along with Half Dome and a California condor.
California is a large state located on the Pacific coast of the western United States, and its nickname is “The Golden State.” The nickname originates from the history in which, when gold was discovered in the mid-19th century, countless people flocked in carrying their dreams. In the 50 States quarter series it was issued 31st.
The reverse of the coin contains three things together. John Muir, who loved nature, stands there; a California condor flies in the sky; and behind them rises Half Dome, the giant rock peak of Yosemite. Below are engraved the letters “John Muir” and “Yosemite Valley.”
John Muir is well known as a person who took the lead in calling for the need to protect the beautiful nature of the United States. The place he especially loved was Yosemite, and its majestic valley and Half Dome remain to this day as symbols showing the greatness of nature. The California condor drawn together is a large bird that lives in this region.
California became an official state of the United States on September 9, 1850, 31st in order. It became a state of the United States during the period when the West was rapidly growing with the people who flocked in search of gold.
When you hold this coin in your hand, you first encounter not a splendid city or gold, but the beauty of nature that one person protected. California, in effect, chose “nature that must be protected” as its own point of pride.