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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.

In 1998, five state quarters were released and this schedule continued for a period of ten years, so it would end this year. Every 10 weeks, a quarter is again released. The program also devised a new and unique method of issuing coins - the state quarters were issued based on the year they became part of the US. The state quarters are minted and you can see George Washington's image at the obverse or front side while on the reverse or back side, you will find a noteworthy design about the specific state.

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 unique? Each state gets a chance to choose a unique design which is of great importance to it and the current governor of the state will determine the process of selection. Some of the states designate a certain design committee while other states held contests among the residents who can come up with a significant and unique design. Some states post various designs of the coin in their official site and the residents simply place online votes and the coin that gets the highest 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.

Youngsters and old alike can now start collecting coins through the State Quarters. If you want, you can inquire at your local bank and see if the coins are still available. But you must hurry since the program ends this year.