Numismatic

2004-P Iowa State Quarter BU

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In 2004, the United States Mint continued its popular circulating commemorative series with a tribute to the state of Iowa. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this Brilliant Uncirculated quarter dollar features a copper-nickel clad composition bonded to a core of pure copper. The coin serves as a miniature canvas celebrating the state's cultural and educational heritage. The obverse displays the classic profile of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan. Alongside the portrait, the traditional inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the "QUARTER DOLLAR" denomination are clearly struck, accompanied by the "P" mint mark denoting its Philadelphia origin. On the reverse, designer John Mercanti brings a nostalgic scene to life under the theme "Foundation in Education." The design depicts a teacher and student outside a traditional one-room schoolhouse, with the student sitting in a nearby tree. This imagery is deeply rooted in the regionalist style of artist Grant Wood, whose name is inscribed on the reverse. The top of the coin features the state name "IOWA" and its statehood year of 1846, while the bottom bears the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the release year of 2004.