Numismatic

2002-S Mississippi State Quarter Gem Proof

---

In 2002, the San Francisco Mint struck a special proof edition of the Mississippi quarter as part of the celebrated State Quarters series. This copper-nickel clad coin showcases the high-contrast, mirror-like surfaces characteristic of the Gem Proof finish. The design honors Mississippi, known widely as the Magnolia State. The reverse side of the coin features a detailed depiction of the state flower, the magnolia, alongside the state's name and its nickname, "The Magnolia State." The year of release, 2002, and the classic motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are also displayed on this side. On the obverse, the coin carries the traditional portrait of George Washington, a design that has represented the denomination since 1932 to mark the bicentennial of the first president's birth. This long-running series represents the second-longest surviving coin design in United States history, surpassed only by the Lincoln cent. Legible inscriptions on the coin include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR" on the obverse, framing the portrait of Washington alongside the national mottos "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The small "S" mint mark denotes its origin from the San Francisco Mint, where it was crafted specifically for collectors to appreciate the finest details of the engraver's art.