Mississippi State Quarter

Released on October 15, 2002, this is the 20th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program and the fifth coin released in 2002. Mississippi, admitted into the Union on December 10, 1817, themed the coin, The Magnolia State. The quarter showcases the beauty and elegance of the state flower, combining the blossoms and leaves of two magnolias with the inscription "The Magnolia State."

The magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), named for the French botanist Pierre Magnol, is strongly associated with the South where the flower became enormously popular after it was introduced from Asia. This association became strong enough that Mississippi adopted it as the state flower in 1952.

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 the state flower, combining the blossoms and leaves of two magnolias.

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

• THE MAGNOLIA STATE
• MISSISSIPPI
• 1817
• 2002
• E PLURIBUS UNUM

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