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STATE OF ALABAMA

Office of the Governor


BOB RILEY
Governor





Press Office






March 13, 2003

Riley To Send Alabama’s Quarter Into Circulation

Click for more images in this series

Tuscumbia - Gov. Bob Riley will hold a ceremony later this month in Tuscumbia to officially launch Alabama’s quarter featuring Helen Keller into circulation.


The event will mark Alabama as the twenty-second state to be celebrated as a part of the 50 State Quarters Program. Our coin, however, has the distinction of being the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a reduced version of Braille writing.


"Parents should bring their children out to the ceremony to learn why we’re honoring such a special Alabamian," Riley said, adding that children attending will receive new Alabama quarters. "Helen Keller’s life and accomplishments cast a wonderful reflection upon the State of Alabama, and having her image on a national coin will undoubtedly remind us all of her courage and strength."


The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m., Monday, March 24, at the Ivy Green Estate, birthplace of Keller, located at 300 West North Commons, Tuscumbia. For directions and location information, please call the Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation at 256-383-4066.


Officials from the U.S. Mint and several noteworthy Alabamians will join Riley.


The Alabama quarter design features an image of Keller with her name printed in English and in a reduced-size version of Braille. Alabama long leaf pine branches and magnolias grace the sides of the design, and a "Spirit of Courage" banner underlines the central image.


Riley proclaimed next Wednesday, March 19, as "State Quarter Day in the Classroom" and encouraged teachers and parents across the state to discuss the coin and Keller with children.


Teachers and parents can find several activities and links about Alabama’s coin by visiting www.usmint.gov/kids and clicking the "State Quarter Day" icon.


While a congressman, Riley secured funding to establish the nation’s first junior college for the deaf and blind at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega. He also began an effort to place a statue of Keller in the U.S. Capitol, which is still underway.


(Image of quarter attached. Courtesy of the U.S. Mint)







For more contact information, visit Governor Bob Riley's Web Site: http://www.governor.alabama.gov/

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