Alaska Quarter: The fourth commemorative quarter coin released in 2008 honors Alaska, and is the 49th coin in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program.
Alaska was admitted into the Union on January 3, 1959, becoming our Nation’s 49th State. Alaska's quarter features an image of a grizzly bear emerging from the water clutching a salmon in its jaws. The design also includes the North Star above the inscription "The Great Land". Two other inscriptions are displayed on the coin: "Alaska" and "1959."
The salmon and grizzly bear represent the natural beauty and abundant wildlife in Alaska. The bear presents strength and the salmon represents the nutrition that provides the strength. Approximately 98% of the United States' grizzly bear population are found in Alaska and can be seen in Denali and Katmai National Parks, Kodiak and Admiralty Islands. Additional details
