Numismatic

2004-S Florida State Quarter Gem Proof (Silver)

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The 2004-S Florida State Quarter, struck in 90 percent silver at the San Francisco Mint, presents a striking visual narrative that connects two vastly different eras of exploration. This proof coin features a highly polished finish, bringing its detailed design elements into sharp contrast. On the reverse, a composition titled Gateway to Discovery brings together a sixteenth-century Spanish galleon and a modern space shuttle, separated by a strip of land adorned with Sabal palm trees. This imagery celebrates the region's long history as a starting point for voyages into the unknown, from the ocean to the stars. The inscriptions on this side include the state name, the year 1845, the phrase GATEWAY TO DISCOVERY, and the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM alongside the 2004 release year. The obverse displays the familiar profile of George Washington, originally designed by John Flanagan and modified by William Cousins. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR. The small S mint mark is positioned to the right of the portrait, denoting its origin at the San Francisco Mint.