Numismatic

2004-S Florida State Quarter Gem Proof

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In 2004, the United States Mint released a special tribute to the Sunshine State as part of the celebrated State Quarter series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint with a brilliant proof finish, this copper-nickel clad quarter dollar showcases a design that bridges the gap between historical exploration and modern scientific achievement. The reverse of the coin features a Spanish galleon alongside a modern space shuttle, representing Florida's unique legacy as a gateway to discovery. Pristine sandy shores and native palm trees frame these vessels, grounding the design in the state's natural landscape. The inscription "GATEWAY TO DISCOVERY" anchors the scene, accompanied by the state name, the year of its admission to the Union (1845), the year of coinage (2004), and the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." On the obverse, the coin bears the classic portrait of George Washington, a design element originally introduced in 1932 to commemorate 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. The obverse inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR," alongside the "S" mint mark indicating its San Francisco origin.