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If you want to start your very own coin collection and you have no idea where to begin, the State Quarters is one series you may wish to consider. What are State Quarters all about? Way back in 1997, an Act was approved and it was called Fifty State Quarter Program. The program started in that same year and it is still running up to present (2008). This coin program is quite popular and, in fact, it is the most well-known minted series of coins in the US Mint history.

10 years ago was the starting year of a decade long schedule for releasing state quarters.This is the last year of it.This program has distinguished way of issuing coins - the state quarters were given on the year they became part of the United States of America.On the both sides of the coin you can see the face of George Washington but also you can see a small mark that is specific for the state that it is made in.

The program will end this year (2008) and after that, the coins will again be designed normally, with the reverse side having an eagle design.

The last coins in the series will be minted this year so you can still collect them as they appear. But once the minting run is over they will be harder and harder to find, especially those that are considered in mint condition. Commemorative state quarters were minted in very high numbers so you can still easily find them in circulated condition making them an inexpensive way to start coin collecting, compared to old coins which are still legal tender but very hard to find in circulation.

So, what makes these minted coins different? Every state gets an opportunity to select an original design which is of immense relevance to it and the present governor of the state will decide on the procedure of selection. Some of the states name a particular design committee while other states organize contests among the locals who can come up with a substantial and original design. Certain states post different designs of thee coin in their official website and the locals just place votes on the Internet and the coin that secure the maximum number of votes win.

The coins are greatly in demand and besides, these coins will never again be minted. The price of these state quarters will naturally increase as years pass and currently, some of the older state coins sell for $1 each or even more depending on its condition. Some coin collectors are also into 'error coins' collection and these flawed coins can cost more or less $500 each.

The program of State Quarters has definitely gained extreme popularity in the US. Special coin holders for the series are popular and coin collectors can purchase them so that they can keep their collections in an attractive holder.

Both youngsters and elderly can now begin collecting coins through the State Quarters. If you wish, you can ask at your local bank and find out if the coins are still available. But you should show some urgency as the plan concludes at the end of this calendar year.