Rhode Island’s Quarter

The Process U.S. Mint contacts Governor Almond Governor Almond establishes a selection process Selection panel solicits design ideas from Rhode Islanders Panel makes recommendations to Governor Almond Governor sends three to five recommen- dations to the Mint

The Selection Panel At the Governor’s request, the State Arts Council will convene a seven- member selection panel to review design concepts for the Rhode Island quarter.

Members of the Selection Panel Chairman of the State Arts Council President of the Rhode Island School of Design Chairman of the Rhode Island Historical & Preservation Commission

Members of the Selection Panel A Rhode Island numismatist A representative of the Rhode Island design community A representative of the Governor’s Office Senator John Chafee or his designee, in recognition of Senator Chafee’s role in introducing the Commemorative Coin legislation in the United States Senate

Coin Concepts -- “Mint Conditions” Designs shall maintain “a dignity befitting the Nation’s coinage”. Designs shall have “a broad appeal” and avoid “controversial subjects or symbols likely to offend”. Suitable subject matter include “State Landmarks”, “landscapes”, “historically significant buildings”, “state icons” and outlines of the state.

Coin Concepts -- “Mint Conditions” “No head and shoulder portrait or bust” may be included. State mottos are acceptable, but other inscriptions should not be included. Priority will be given to designs and concepts that are “enduring representations” of the State, since coins have a commercial lifespan of at least 30 years and are collected for generations.

Eligibility Rhode Island residents of all ages are encouraged to submit coin concepts Deadline for submissions is May 14th, by 4:30pm

Criteria Each coin concept must be accompanied by a written description, no longer than 100 words in length, which describes the reasons for consideration of the concept. Include the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the individual who submitted the coin concept. Individuals may submit only one coin concept.

Criteria Coin concepts must be submitted on paper no larger than 8 1/2” x 11”. No slides, film, transparencies or three- dimensional designs or photography will be accepted. Coin concepts must meet the federal design concept parameters.

Submission deadline Coin concepts must actually be received by 4:30pm on May 14, Concepts post-marked that date but not received will not be accepted. No late entries will be accepted.

What Happens Then? The Selection Panel meets in early June. It reviews all the design concepts and sends Governor Almond five recommendations Governor Almond announces the five design concepts to be forwarded to the U.S. Mint

What Happens Then? The U.S. Mint’s design people produce drawings of all the design concepts. The Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee (a federal committee) reviews the drawings and recommends candidate designs. The U.S. Fine Arts Commission (another federal committee) reviews the candidate designs.

What Happens Then? Candidate designs will be presented to the Secretary of the Treasury for review and approval. The Mint will then return approved designs to Governor Almond for selection of the final State design.

Final Design Selection -- Citizen Input Governor Almond will present the finalist designs to the citizens of Rhode Island. At that point, Rhode Islanders will be encouraged to “cast their vote” for the design of the Rhode Island quarter

“Cast Your Vote” Rhode Islanders will cast their vote: – Through a special fax line – Through an Internet poll over Governor Almond’s web site – Via a mail-in form available through the media The highest vote-getter will be Rhode Island’s choice for the Rhode Island quarter.

Contribute Your Design Concept By fax: By Via the Web: Also, information on this project can be found on the Governor’s web site ( and the State Arts Council web site (

Rhode Island’s Quarter