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Alaska State Quarter

Year of Issue

2008

Authorizing Legislation

Public Law 105-124

Background

Released on August 25, 2008, the Alaska quarter is the 49th quarter in the 50 State Quaters Program. Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

The reverse of the Alaska quarter features a grizzly bear emerging clutching a salmon in its jaws, symbolizing Alaska's natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The North Star is depicted above the inscription "The Great Land." Additional inscriptions are "Alaska" and "1959."

Characteristics

The obverse (heads) design features the familiar image of George Washington by John Flanagan, used on the quarter since 1932.

The reverse (tails) design features a grizzly bear emerging from the waters clutching a salmon in its jaw. The coin’s design includes the North Star.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • LIBERTY
  • IN GOD WE TRUST
  • QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse Inscriptions

  • THE GREAT LAND
  • ALASKA
  • 1959

Mint and Mint Mark

Artist Credits

Content last updated on January 07, 2026