2005 - West Virginia State Quarter (D)

The fifth and final quarter to be released in 2005 commemorates the State of West Virginia. On 20th June 1863, the "Mountain State" became the 35th state to be admitted into the Union, making this the 35th coin to be issued in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program. This coin captures the scenic beauty of the State with its depiction of the New River and the New River Gorge Bridge. The coin bears the inscription "New River Gorge".

Prior to gaining statehood, the area that is now West Virginia formed the western part of Virginia. Settlers in the western part of the "Old Dominion" began their efforts to join the federal Union when Virginia announced its secession in 1861. In the western part of the State, the Restored Government of Virginia in Wheeling drafted a state constitution in 1862. The new state called West Virginia applied to Congress for admission into the Union. Congress approved the request with one condition, that the new state abolish slavery. President Lincoln signed the West Virginia statehood bill and on 20^th June 1863, West Virginia officially became the 35th state to be admitted into the Union.

Quarter Specifications

Release Date – 14^th October 2005

Reverse Side - New River Gorge

Engraver - John Mercanti

Standard Weight - 5.670g

Standard Diameter - 24.26mm

Thickness: 1.75 mm

Edge Detail - Reeded

Composition - Cupro-Nickel Clad  (8.33% Nickel / 91.67% Copper)