This page is dedicated to the history and design of the 2008 Arizona State Quarter.

Design of the 2008 Arizona State Quarter

The Arizona quarter features an image of the Grand Canyon with a Saguaro cactus in the foreground. A banner reading Grand Canyon State separates the two images to signify that the Saguaro cactus does not grow in the Grand Canyon. The coin also bears the inscriptions Arizona and 1912.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon covers more than 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona. The Canyon, sculpted by the mighty Colorado River, is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 18 miles at its widest. It is home to numerous rare and threatened plant and animal species. The Grand Canyon joined the National Park system in 1919 and is visited by more than four million tourists a year.

Versions of the 2008 Arizona State Quarter

1) Regular business strike meant for circulation bearing the P mark of the US Mint at at Philadelphia

2) Regular business strike meant for circulation bearing the D mark of the US Mint at Denver

2) A proof version bearing the S mint mark of the US Mint at San Francisco

3) A silver proof version, made of silver, bearing the mark of the US Mint at San Francisco.

4) Special release collectible satin finish version bearing the P mark of the US Mint at Philadelphia

5) Special release collectible satin finish version bearing the D mark of the US Mint at Denver

Quarter Composition

Like all state quarters, the circulating Arizona state quarter is made from 8.33% nickel with the remaining balance from copper. It weights 5.67 grams, is .955 inches in diameter and is 1.75 mm thick. The edge is reeded with 119 grooves.

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