In a ceremony on October 18, 2001, the United States Mint celebrated the release of the newest state's quarter, at a ceremony in Bardstown, KY.  The ceremony, held at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, marked the release of the fifteenth state's quarter 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 Kentucky's "State Quarter Day" into your classroom.

Kentucky Quarter

Learn more about the latest quarter and the important race 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

Fun Fact

Did you know that Kentucky's name is featured not once, but twice, on the reverse of their quarter?  Take a closer look and see if you can spot both mentions of "Kentucky" on this new coin!

50 State Quarters Program Lesson Plans

The 50 State Quarters Program lesson plans are now available on the H.I.P. Pocket Change^™ Web site for use in your classroom!  Check out these exciting plans that are FREE to download, and are available in sets designed specifically for grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–6.

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.

Kentucky and the United States Mint

Kentucky is home to the United States' Mint's most guarded facility, Fort Knox!  Visit the United States Mint Web site to learn some of the interesting facts about this important Mint Depository, then read up on the Mint Police who protect it.

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 Kentucky quarter back together—in three minutes or less!
	Are your students budding artists?  Let them try their hands at painting the Kentucky quarter.  A green horse in a purple field...let your imagination 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!