Dateline: 01/20/03

The US Mint and the Postal Service have signed an agreement to market products combining two of the most popular collectibles in their history -- the 50 State Quarters Program and the Greetings from America stamps.

"The United States Mint and the Postal Service are pleased to debut this genuine American product," said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. "The coin and stamp series represents the history of a proud nation, rich in culture, diversity and enduring values."

The new products will be available for sale through the United States Mint Website, www.usmint.gov or by ordering toll free at 1-800-USA-MINT.

"The Postal Service is proud to join the United States Mint in the introduction of this fun and educational program," said Postal Service Chief Marketing Officer Anita Bizzotto. "Bringing together the Greetings from America postage stamps and the 50 State Quarters Program is sure to be a hit with all Americans."

Already being collected by over 139 million adults and countless children, the 50 State Quarters Program has quickly become the most popular specialty commemorative product ever produced by the U.S. Mint. 

The 50 States Quarters Program honors each of the nation's states in the order that they were admitted to the Union. Each quarter is struck for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again. Both the design and the state's design selection process of every coin in the series is unique. The distinctive designs and limited production of the State Quarters combine to ensure they will grow in collectible value for years to come.

Launched in 1999, the 50 State Quarters Program will take 10 years to complete.

Created by Congress in 1792, the United States Mint is the manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States. In fiscal year 2002, the United States Mint manufactured approximately 15 billion coins and generated revenue of $1.8 billion.

With facilities in five states and the District of Columbia, the United States Mint has customers in 54 countries and is the world's 30th largest e-retailer. For more information, please visit www.usmint.gov.

Order the 2002 - 50 State Quarters Greetings from America Portfolio
This portfolio includes one of each of the five 50 State Quarters® Program quarters issued in 2002; Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana and Mississippi, and the five corresponding Greetings from America Stamps for those states. [Details and pictures]

State Quarters to be produced during 2003

• Illinois - admitted into Union on December 3, 1818
• Alabama - admitted into the Union on December 14, 1819
• Maine - admitted into the Union on March 15, 1820
• Missouri - admitted into the Union on August 10, 1821
• Arkansas - admitted into the Union on June 15, 1836
  
  
• Full 10-Year State Quarters Production Schedule
  
  
• Order the State Quarters
  
  

• Order the Greetings From America stamp sheet