A Superb Gem from the Centennial State

This listing offers a remarkable and highly collectible piece of modern American numismatics. It is a 2006-D Colorado State Quarter, officially certified by the Independent Coin Graders, or ICG, at the prestigious MS67, or Mint State 67, grade. This coin features the celebrated Colorful Colorado design and is struck at the Denver Mint. It is encapsulated in a protective plastic slab, preserving its exceptional condition for generations to come.

Historical Context: The 50 State Quarters Program

The 50 State Quarters Program was a ten-year initiative from 1999 to 2008 that became the most successful numismatic program in United States history, with roughly half of the American population collecting the coins. The program generated about three billion dollars from increased quarter demand. Each state was honored in the order of its admission to the Union, with the Colorado quarter being the thirty-eighth coin released in the series.

The Colorado State Quarter: A Tribute to the Rocky Mountains

The Colorado quarter was officially released on June 14, 2006. Colorado was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876, earning it the nickname the Centennial State for achieving statehood less than one month after the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The governor of Colorado formed a commission that reviewed more than 1,500 design proposals. Five finalists were forwarded to the United States Mint, and Governor Bill Owens selected the Colorful Colorado design, stating: "In the end, I made my selection based on what most people think of when they think of Colorado: our majestic Rocky Mountains."

The reverse design was created by United States Mint sculptor-engraver Norman E. Nemeth. It features a sweeping view of the Rocky Mountains with evergreen trees in the foreground, a banner reading Colorful Colorado, and the state's name and statehood date 1876. Other design concepts considered for the Colorado Quarter included Mesa Verde National Park, Pikes Peak, and the 10th Mountain Division.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by John Flanagan with modifications by William Cousins, features a right-facing portrait of George Washington, the first United States President. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR appear on the obverse. The reverse, designed by Norman E. Nemeth, features the Rocky Mountains with evergreen trees and a banner reading Colorful Colorado. The inscriptions include COLORADO, 1876, 2006, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 25 Cents, Quarter Dollar
Year: 2006
Mint: Denver, D mint mark
Grade: MS67
Certification: ICG
State: Colorado
Admission to Union: August 1, 1876, 38th State
Release Date: June 14, 2006
Designer, Obverse: John Flanagan with modifications by William Cousins
Designer, Reverse: Norman E. Nemeth
Composition: Outer layers of 75 percent Copper and 25 percent Nickel over a pure Copper center
Weight: 5.67 grams
Diameter: 24.3 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 294,200,000 pieces

Understanding the MS67 Designation

MS, or Mint State, indicates an uncirculated coin with no signs of wear. The 67 grade indicates a superb gem-quality coin with a sharp strike, brilliant luster, and only minor imperfections visible under magnification. According to PCGS, examples up to MS67 condition can be obtained with minimal effort, but anything grading above MS67 can be very challenging. This makes MS67 a highly desirable grade for collectors of this issue.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by ICG, or Independent Coin Graders. It is securely encapsulated in a protective plastic slab, which preserves the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the ICG slab provides expert verification of the coin's genuineness and high MS67 grade. It is a high-grade example, with MS67 being an exceptional grade for a business-strike state quarter, with examples above this grade being very challenging to obtain. It features a historic design, with the Colorful Colorado design selected by Governor Bill Owens from over 1,500 proposals, celebrating Colorado's majestic Rocky Mountains. It carries Centennial State heritage, as Colorado's statehood date of 1876 connects this coin to the nation's 100th anniversary. Most of all, the 50 State Quarters Program is one of the most widely collected coin series in United States history.

This coin is more than currency. It is a superb gem from the Centennial State, offering a high-grade example of the Colorado State Quarter with exceptional eye appeal. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. C

• Low Estimate: 50.00
• High Estimate: 100.00