(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced Chimney Rock as his selection for the commemorative U.S. quarter to represent Nebraska. He was joined for the announcement by Secretary of State John Gale.
The Chimney Rock design, which was one of four finalists presented to the Governor last month, features a pioneer family, a covered wagon and Chimney Rock, the clay and sandstone natural wonder that served as a landmark for westward expansion and that today serves as a tourist destination and historical marker. The Governor has forwarded his choice to U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow for final approval.
“I chose Chimney Rock because I felt it best represented our state’s pioneering spirit and cultural heritage,” Gov. Heineman said. “It reflected the resolve, persistence and incomparable work ethic that our forbearers brought to the plains.”
The Governor received hundreds of calls, letters and e-mails regarding the four finalists for the quarter design. The overwhelming majority supported either Chimney Rock or Chief Standing Bear. Designs featuring the Capitol and Sower each received fewer than 50 letters of support, while Chimney Rock and Chief Standing Bear received more than 250 apiece. Calls to the Governor’s Office also favored the top two choices.
“I told Nebraskans that I would seek their input in as many ways as possible, and while the committee offered four quality selections to choose from, two designs clearly received the most passionate support, Chief Standing Bear and Chimney Rock,” Gov. Heineman said.
The U.S. Treasury Department expects to mint around 500 million Nebraska commemorative quarters, which are expected to be in circulation for at least 30 years. Nebraska quarters are scheduled to be issued to the public in April 2006. A quarter design committee led by Secretary of State Gale received nearly 6,500 design submissions from people across Nebraska. The committee eventually picked four finalists, and the U.S. Mint developed artwork for each, available on the Secretary of State’s Web site at http://www.sos.state.ne.us.
Secretary Gale said, “The values and heritage of the early pioneers live on in the hearts and minds of Nebraskans in the 21st century. This design will capture the attention of America and will reflect the proud heritage of Nebraska.”
The Chimney Rock design, which was one of four finalists presented to the Governor last month, features a pioneer family, a covered wagon and Chimney Rock, the clay and sandstone natural wonder that served as a landmark for westward expansion and that today serves as a tourist destination and historical marker. The Governor has forwarded his choice to U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow for final approval. 