Two Bits For Minnesota’s Outdoors

Numismatics rejoice…the Minnesota statehood quarter dollar has finally been released from the U.S. Mint and into circulation as of a few days ago.   This much anticipated quarter over the years saw many proposed designs until the final version was chosen by Governor Tim Pawlenty at last year’s Governor’s Fishing Opener celebration and festivities.

So why announce the winning design of a quarter at a Fishing Opener party?   Quite honestly Minnesota’s quarter is somewhat unique in that it celebrates the outdoors – the wildlife, the recreation, and the natural resources we all enjoy.   It also proudly promotes the fact we are the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” even though most of us native folk know there are actually 11,842+ lakes (10 acres in size or larger).

What makes the Minnesota quarter unique, at least as far as I can tell, is the Minnesota statehood quarter dollar is the first minting to entirely and exclusively promote the outdoors.   Sure, many of the other states were proud of certain aspects of nature but they did not devote the entire quarter to their state being represented as an outdoor state.   It seems like most states chose a design representative of an industry, a specific place or destination, or some historical landmark.

Instead, Minnesota chose to celebrate the outdoors in a very unique and satisfying way.   Stare at the quarter for more than a few minutes and your mind will start recalling many of the fond memories spent “up north.”   Indeed, the setting shown on the quarter could be depicting either yours or my favorite fishing hole…outlined with the majestic Norway pines and garnished with the presence of an occasional loon serenading the anglers.

No, it was very appropriate for the Governor to make the announcement at last year’s fishing opener.   Minnesota has a rich history of the outdoors that truly deserves to be honored in this manner.

I’ve discovered that when most folks think of Minnesota their mind usually conjures up two things:  It’s cold up there and all the lakes.   Truth is, if we were to celebrate the cold how would we have done that on a quarter…moreover, is that something we really want to be known for by the rest of the world?   I think not.

It was a long and serious process to determine the eventual winning design.   Click here for some other designs that did not win out.   Thank goodness the design depicting the Charles Schultz Snoopy character did not get chosen.   That’s just my personal bias.

As it turns out, I think we have a statehood quarter that most Minnesotan’s can be proud to claim as our own.   When the world starts discovering these quarters in their pants pockets and purses they will be reminded what truly makes Minnesota a unique state.   Sure, other states can boast of having great natural resources for their sportsmen…but name another state (Alaska excluded) where those natural resources are as diverse and abundant as found in Minnesota.

Helpful Links:

Minnesota Tourism
IGoUGo
Bemidji Tourism (my favorite area in No. MN)

© 2005 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.