Numismatic

2002-S Ohio State Quarter Gem Proof

---

The 2002 Ohio quarter is a brilliant entry in the celebrated State Quarters program, struck in a pristine proof format at the San Francisco Mint. This modern copper-nickel clad coin showcases a mirror-like finish that highlights the intricate details of its unique reverse design, which honors the state's rich contribution to flight history. On the reverse side, the design prominently features the state name, the year of statehood (1803), and the inspiring inscription "BIRTHPLACE OF AVIATION PIONEERS". An astronaut and an early aircraft share the field, representing Ohio's legacy of exploration from early aviation to space travel. The traditional national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the release year of 2002 are also struck on this side. The obverse carries the familiar portrait of George Washington, a design lineage that began in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of the first president's birth. This enduring series stands as the second longest-running coin design in United States history, surpassed only by the Lincoln cent. The front of the coin displays the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", and the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR", alongside the distinct "S" mint mark indicating its San Francisco origin.