Oklahoma...100 years of statehood...1907 - 2007

[82Rigger]

This year Oklahoma marks 100 years of statehood. Lots of big centennial events planned.

As it turns out, next year...January,2008...is Oklahoma's turn for a Statehood Quarter.

Oklahoma's selection of designs for their quarter is still in progress.

Last year Gov. Henry requested that the people of Oklahoma submit ideas (not designs, but narratives of 100 words or less) to his office for the Statehood Quarter.

Tens of thousands of Oklahomans responded with ideas. After the deadline for submissions, the field was narrowed to 10 themes.

Oklahomans of all ages then got to go online to the Governor's website, view the themes, and vote for their favorite.

The 5 themes receiving the most votes were then submitted by the Governor to the US Mint, where the mint's artists and engravers created designs based on those themes.

Soon, once again, it will be up to the people of Oklahoma to vote
online and select their statehood quarter.

Thought maybe ya'll would like to see the five finalist themes and the designs the Mint's folks created for them.

And, of course, you get to choose your favorite design and see if it wins!


Theme:

"A tilted three-dimensional shape of the state of Oklahoma is in the middle of the coin. On the east side of the state is an old-fashioned gushing oil derrick representing prosperity and the enduring impact of the state's oil and gas industry. On the west side of the state is a rendering inspired by the Pioneer Woman. A celebrated statue in Ponca City, the Pioneer Woman honors the courage, tenacity and ingenuity of those who endured great hardships to build their dreams. Along the edges of the coin are shocks of wheat to represent the state's vibrant agriculture industry, a vital part of both our economy and heritage."


Mint's design: