Rhode Island 50 State Quarter

50 State Quarter of Rhode Island

Designed by Thomas D. Rodgers

Released May 21, 2001

Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in New England region of the US which is known for sandy shores and seaside Colonial towns. On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown. Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen colonies to join the Union on May 29, 1790.

Mintage: 870,100,000

The Rhode Island quarter, the third quarter of the 2001 series, honors the "Ocean State." The 50 State Quarter of Rhode Island was released on May 21, 2001, featuring a sailboat gliding through Rhode Island's famous Narragansett Bay, and the Pell Bridge in the background. The design pays tribute to Rhode Island's most popular sport- sailing. Known as the sailing capital of the world, Rhode Island was home to the America's Cup for more than 50 years. Inscription: The Ocean State.

Rhode Island 50 State Quarter

The Rhode Island quarter, the third quarter of the 2001 series, honors the "Ocean State." Featuring a vintage sailboat gliding through Rhode Island's famous Narragansett Bay, and an image of the Pell Bridge in the background, with the design showcasing Rhode Island's most popular sport- sailing.

With more than 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island, the smallest state in the Union, has more than 100 fresh water and salt water beaches. Known as the "sailing capital" of the world, Rhode Island was home to the America's Cup for more than 50 years. Narragansett Bay is crucial to the architecture of Rhode Island. An inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, extending into eastern Rhode Island, the Bay receives four major rivers, and has several islands.

Selection of the design began when Governor Lincoln Almond issued an order authorizing the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to organize a Coin Concept Advisory Panel. More than 500 design concepts were submitted to the panel, and three finalists were chosen. Rhode Island residents were invited to vote for their favorite design at area libraries, the Statehouse and via the Internet. The sailboat design was declared the winner, earning 57 percent of the 34,566 votes cast. 

Source: United States Mint's 50 State Quarters Program