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The Indiana State Quarter The Hoosier State's quarter is centered around a modern "Indy" car calling attention to the world-famous Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The racer is superimposed over an image of the state and seems to roll out of the circle of 19 stars. Below the car is the inscription CROSSROADS OF AMERICA. 1816 is the year that Indiana was admitted to the union. Built in 1909 for automotive research purposes, the 2 1/2 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway is most recognized for the famous Indianapolis 500 race. The first Indy 500 took place in 1911 and has been run every year since then except during the two world wars. The spirit of competition and America's preeminence in automotive engineering are represented by the Indy car that comes right at us on the Indiana State Quarter. Nineteen stars are incorporated into the design echoing the famous race track and representing Indiana as the 19th state to enter the union; December 11, 1916. Indiana has been proclaimed the "Crossroads of America" because of its central geographic location and reputation as a transportation hub. "Crossroads of America" was made the official motto of the state by the legislature in 1937. Ceremonies for the official release took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Governor Frank O'Bannon arrived in the back of an Indy car driven by Sara Fisher, the youngest woman ever to compete in the Indy 500. Governor O'Bannon was joined by First Lady Judy O'Bannon, U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George for the official unveiling. Racecar drivers Sara Fisher and Mark Dismore were also on hand to sign autographs. "We are very proud of this coin, and we think people around the country will instantly think of Indiana when they see it," Governor O’Bannon said. "Our state played a significant role in the expansion and development of the United States at its crossroads, and this coin signifies that importance." Selection of the design for the coin was made from over 3,700 design suggestions from all over the state after a request by the First Lady of Indiana, Judy O'Bannon, at the Indiana State Fair on August 17, 1999. The Indiana State Coin Committee narrowed the selection down to 17 semi-finalists that were put to a vote by Indiana state residents. Almost 160,000 votes produced four top design choices including two focusing on state symbols, one honoring Native American, Chief Little Turtle and one representing the sports legacy of the state with an Indy Car and a basketball player.
Source: United States Mint, http://www.usmint.gov, January 17, 2002. |
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The Indiana state quarter was officially released on August 8, 2002. It is the
19th quarter to be released in the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters™ Program and the fourth to be released
in 2002.
The final design, taking elements from many of the submissions, most closely
resembles a design by 17 year-old Josh Harvey in spirit. Josh's design featured the Indy Car and a
basketball player, the torch and 19 stars and a state outline.