2008 New Mexico Platinum Quarter - Philadelphia Mint

The New Mexico quarter is the 47th coin in the State Quarters collection. This Quarter features a unique design that was selected by the state to reflect its history and culture. About 1,000 suggestions were received from New Mexico residents, the Commission forwarded the top four ideas to the US Mint. The Zia Symbol over a topographical state outline was the final design chosen.The Zia sun symbol was developed by the Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. The Zia Pueblo believed the sun symbol represented the giver of all good, who gave life in groups of 4. The symbol consists of a circle symbolizing life and love, and 4 groups of 4 rays that represent the 4 directions, the 4 seasons, the 4 phases of the day, (Sunrise, Morning, Noon & night), and the 4 divisions of life (childhood, youth, middle years & old age). The design also includes the state nickname ""Land of Enchantment"" and the year, ""1912"".Each uncirculated Philadelphia Mint quarter is layered 7 times in pure platinum. Each coin is encapsulated to protect it's condition.In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. Five states will be featured each year, based on the order in which they ratified the Constitution or became states. The mint marks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait on the obverse: the small ""P"" indicates the Philadelphia Mint and the small ""D"" refers to the Denver.