Numismatic

2003-D Alabama State Quarter BU

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The 2003 quarter representing Alabama stands out as a remarkable milestone in United States coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint, this piece features a dual-language tribute on its reverse side, honoring the legacy of Helen Keller. Her name is displayed in standard English lettering alongside its equivalent in raised Braille, marking a significant moment of accessibility and representation on a circulating coin. Designed by Norman Nemeth, the reverse composition depicts Keller seated, accompanied by a branch of the Alabama long leaf pine and delicate magnolia blossoms. A banner bearing the inspirational phrase "The Spirit of Courage" anchors the design. The year of Alabama's statehood, 1819, is positioned at the top, while the year of release, 2003, sits at the bottom. The obverse of the coin displays the classic portrait of George Washington, originally created by John Flanagan. This side carries the familiar inscriptions of national identity, including the country name, the quarter dollar denomination, and the traditional mottos of liberty and trust. A small "D" mint mark indicates its origin in Denver. This particular specimen remains in brilliant uncirculated condition, preserving the crisp details of its copper and nickel composition bonded to a core of pure copper.