On the shores of Maine's rocky coastline, the United States Mint celebrated the release of the newest quarter at a ceremony on June 9, 2003.  The ceremony, which was held at Pemaquid Point Light, marked the release of the twenty-third state to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters® Program.

Teachers, below you will find several activities and links that will bring the excitement of Maine's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom!

Maine Quarter

Learn more about the latest quarter and the important symbols that inspired it.

• For kids
• For adults

50 State Quarters Program

Find out more about this program that honors every state in America!

• For kids
• For adults

50 State Quarters Program Lesson Plans

The 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans are ready for you to use in your classroom!  Take a look at the lessons created specifically to celebrate the Maine quarter:  Quarters From the Coast (K–1), Follow the Lights (2–3), and Hardships on the Maine-land (4–6)!  After that, be sure to check out the rest of the state-specific plans, FREE to download in sets designed specifically for grades K and 1, 2 and 3, and 4 through 6.

For additional information and ideas about adding lighthouses to your day's instruction, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's "Teacher's Lighthouse Resource for Grades K–4."

State Quarter Day Classroom Activities

Here are some fun ways to infuse your curriculum with activities that celebrate the arrival of the newest quarter in circulation!

Also, take a trip to Get a Clue About Collecting to Find the Hidden Coins that are a part of the 50 State Quarters Program.

A Coin from the Coast

Not only is Maine's quarter the newest coin to be released into circulation, but it is also the Coin of the Month for June!  See why this month is perfect for celebrating Maine's special design, then try out the new Teacher Feature, "A Brand New Day".  Students will look at Maine in a whole new light!

Connected Coins and Medals

Did you know that in 1607, the same year that the Jamestown colony was settled, there was another settlement established in Popham, Maine?  Due to harsh weather conditions and other factors, this settlement didn't last for much more than a year.  However there is a special American which celebrates the success of the Jamestown settlement.  Read on to learn more:

The ships that carried cargo and crew to our nation's oldest settlement are honored with another of the coins from the 50 State Quarters Program, the 2000 Virginia quarter design.  Read more about these ships and the historic voyage that they made when you stop by the Coin News section of this site.

Our Foreign Friends

The coins produced for the 50 State Quarters Program share much in common with the European currency, the euro.  With your students, visit the interactive cartoon, Coins of the World, to see how these two programs are similar (here's a hint: look at the backs of euros from different countries, and then look at their fronts).

Quarter Games

	Here's a challenge for your students!  Put all the pieces of the Maine quarter back together—in three minutes or less!
	Are your students budding artists?  Let them try their hands at painting the Maine quarter.  A pink ocean and a blue coastline...let their imaginations run wild!
	Here's a word search all about quarters and other coins.  Can your students find all the words on each list?

A Coinage Cartoon

Teachers' Network

Teachers, if we've piqued your interest with the activities above, please sign up for the Teachers' Network.  As a member, you can receive information about all of the new educational resources that become available from the United States Mint!