Starting your coin collecting hobby with the State Quarters series is a great place to start if you are unsure where to begin collecting. What exactly is the State Quarters series? In the late 1990's the Fifty State Quarter Program was enacted; the program commenced in 1997 and has continued through the present time. It is a very popular program, and the State Quarters series is the most famous series in the history of the US Mint.

10 years ago was the starting year of a decade long schedule for releasing state quarters.This is the last year of it.This program has distinguished way of issuing coins - the state quarters were given on the year they became part of the United States of America.On the both sides of the coin you can see the face of George Washington but also you can see a small mark that is specific for the state that it is made in.

The program will end this year (2008) and after that, the coins will again be designed normally, with the reverse side having an eagle design.

Since the program will end this year, you still have a chance to collect such coins. You will find it harder to obtain the coins once the program is over because the coins will be considered collectors items at that time and there will be a slight of a premium for the mint condition coins. But never fear--the State Quarters were minted in high quantities so you can still begin building your collection failry inexpensively compared to other old US coins such as the ever-popular CC coins (from the Carson City mint) and other types.

So, what makes these minted coins unique? Each state gets a chance to choose a unique design which is of great importance to it and the current governor of the state will determine the process of selection. Some of the states designate a certain design committee while other states held contests among the residents who can come up with a significant and unique design. Some states post various designs of the coin in their official site and the residents simply place online votes and the coin that gets the highest votes win.

The coins are greatly in demand and besides, these coins will never again be minted. The price of these state quarters will naturally increase as years pass and currently, some of the older state coins sell for $1 each or even more depending on its condition. Some coin collectors are also into 'error coins' collection and these flawed coins can cost more or less $500 each.

The program of State Quarters has definitely gained extreme popularity in the US. Special coin holders for the series are popular and coin collectors can purchase them so that they can keep their collections in an attractive holder.

Both youngsters and elderly can now begin collecting coins through the State Quarters. If you wish, you can ask at your local bank and find out if the coins are still available. But you should show some urgency as the plan concludes at the end of this calendar year.