PHOENIX — Arizona is finally a two-bit state — literally.
Nine years and 33 billion coins after the U.S. Mint launched its 50 State Quarters program, Arizona's coin is now in circulation.
About 500 million Arizona coins will be produced during the next five weeks, the Mint estimates, before production ceases.
The quarter, which features an image of a saguaro next to the Grand Canyon, was the product of a selection process that resulted in 4,200 design suggestions, later narrowed-down to five by a state commission. Gov. Janet Napolitano selected the winning design last May after Arizonans voted online.
An estimated 5,000 people lined up outside the state Capitol Monday for a ceremony to kick off the circulation of the quarter and for the opportunity to buy $10 rolls of the coins.
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Appearing on stage with U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy to launch the quarter, Napolitano later went down into the crowd to hand out brand-new state quarters to children.
Twelve-year-old Matthew Rounis managed to get his quarter — one that he actually helped produce. Rounis sat for two years on the Arizona Quarter Commission.
"I went around to schools and explained the program," said Matthew, who said he is happy with the final design.
But collecting the coins isn't just for kids.
In 90-some-degree weather, Marian and L. Nelson Umble, residents of Carefree, stood in a line that wrapped around the block to buy quarters for themselves and their grandchildren. They've been collecting them since the program launched in 1999.
"It's nice to represent the state of Arizona," L. Nelson said. "I think it's a beautiful design."
It's people like them that have made the program successful. The federal government has made nearly $4 billion from the State Quarters program because most are held by collectors.
The Mint makes triple the number needed for circulation. Only about a third are used, Moy said. A similar program is being launched with $1 coins, with the faces of American presidents appearing on them.
Arizona is the 48th state to get a quarter — since it was the 48th state to join the union.
TO GET COINS
The coins will be in circulation here soon, but the Arizona quarter can be purchased in two-roll sets and in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins. To place an order, go to usmint.gov
