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The Alabama State Quarter Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. As the result of a design contest launched by Governor Don Siegelman, over 450 drawings and design suggestions were received from Alabama schoolchildren. The contest guidelines allowed the submission of three designs per grade for each Alabama school. Schools were allowed to select designs from individuals, groups or school-sponsored competitions. Governor Siegelman asked participants to follow the theme, "Education: Link to the Past, Gateway to the Future." The idea behind the contest was to give students the opportunity to exercise their creativity and to encourage research into Alabama's rich history. Submitted designs included moon rockets and space shuttles representing Alabama's contribution to the U.S. space program; a statue of Vulcan symbolizing Alabama's heritage of iron production; depictions of the beautiful Alabama State Capitol; Native American Cherokee Indian Chief Sequoyah; various state symbols. The Governor and his staff had a difficult time selecting ideas to submit to the U.S. Mint, but finally decided on a handful that included the State Capitol, Alabama's state bird, the yellowhammer, Helen Keller, and a design by Birmingham's Amy Peterson depicting various symbols of Alabama's history, including Cherokee Indian Chief Sequoyah, on an historical time line. All agreed that the historical timeline, submitted by the Birmingham school freshman, was the most beautiful of the group. Mint engravers also agreed but determined that the design was too detailed to be featured on the small face of a quarter. "Amy's quarter was spectacular," Mike Kanarick, the governor's press secretary, said. "But it was too detailed to duplicate on the face of a quarter." In early 2002, the U.S. Mint narrowed the designs down to six potential designs, some of which incorporate elements suggested by Peterson. By July, 2002, Helen Keller was selected to represent Alabama on its commemorative state quarter. Governor Don Siegelman remarked, "Helen Keller symbolizes the courage of a people who've been through civil war and civil rights. She is a visible reminder of the importance of education and determination, and the importance of having a good teacher." Governor Siegelman unveiled the design, for the Alabama state quarter, at Epic School before an auditorium filled with elementary school students. "‘Spirit of Courage’ represents the strength, perseverance and positive attitude of Alabamians who, from their earliest habitation, have shown remarkable courage,” Siegelman said. “Embodying such courage in the face of overwhelming challenges was Helen Keller, whose life and spirit continue to inspire generations the world over.”
The quarter features a likeness of Helen Keller that was selected by her great-great-niece, Keller Johnson-Thompson and other family members. She is seated, reading a book in Braille. The slogan, "Spirit of Courage" is displayed on a banner below Helen Keller's image. Her name is reproduced in Braille. Helen Keller is framed by Southern Longleaf Pine branches (Alabama's official state tree) and Camellias (Alabama's official state flower). In 1887, Helen's life was re-born when 20-year-old Anne Sullivan was hired to teach the wild, unruly child. The breakthrough came when Miss Sullivan spelled "water" in sign language in Helen's hand while pumping water over it. Helen finally understood that "w-a-t-e-r" was the word for the cool, liquid substance. Helen Keller died in 1968. Keller's life and Sullivan's struggle to awaken Helen's mind to the world of language and communication were depicted in William Gibson's play and 1962 movie "The Miracle Worker." Patty Duke and Ann Bancroft won Oscars for their rolls, in the movie, as Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Mark Twain called Keller one of the two most interesting characters of the 19th century. The U.S. Mint introduced the new Alabama quarter, at Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. Governor Bob Riley, former U.S. Senator Howell Heflin and former Miss America Heather Whitestone-McCallum joined U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman-Fore for the festivities. Every year at "Ivy Green" in Tuscumbia, a weeklong celebration is held to commemorate her lifetime of accomplishments and her "Spirit of Courage." Source: United States Mint, http://www.usmint.gov, March 7, 2002. |
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The Alabama state Quarter was the 22nd quarter to be released in the U.S. Mint's 50
State Quarters™ Program and the second to be released in 2003.