2003-P Maine State Quarter, 50 State Quarters Program
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch). The U.S. Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, established in 1792.
Pattern: 50 State Quarters Program, Maine Design (Pemaquid Point Light)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch). The U.S. Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, established in 1792.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (Outer layers: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper). Contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 5.67 grams.
Description
A standard circulation 2003 Maine State Quarter. The reverse design showcases the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, one of the state's most iconic landmarks, accompanied by a three-masted schooner. This piece was part of the highly successful 50 State Quarters program intended to foster interest in state history and geography.
Key Features
Pemaquid Point Light imagery, 'P' mint mark indicating Philadelphia origin, reeded edge, and 2003 date.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (Outer layers: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper). Contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with relief engraving. Features the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and the schooner Victory Chimes. Obverse features George Washington.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'P' (Philadelphia), 'MAINE 1820', '2003', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'LIBERTY', 'QUARTER DOLLAR', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Planchet-pressed. Mass-produced high-speed industrial minting process using hardened steel dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (119 reeds) for anti-counterfeiting and tactile recognition; legal tender currency.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard flat coin design).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck; precision-engineered dies used for high-volume output. Characteristic 'clad' edge where a reddish copper core is visible between nickel-copper layers.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive reeded edge showing copper core (sandwich effect), proper weight/dimensions for U.S. Mint specs, and correct die-pressed relief patterns.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Philadelphia Mint, Pennsylvania.
Era & Period
Modern Era (20th/21st Century); 50 State Quarters Program (1999–2008).
Age Estimate
Dated 2003; 21 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represented the state of Maine in the largest numismatic program in history, which reached an estimated 147 million collectors.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Visible surface scratches, minor tarnish/oxidation spots, and significant wear on the relief elements of the lighthouse and text.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25). In this circulated condition, it holds no significant premium over its 25-cent denomination.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated coins, no special care is needed. Do not clean with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; store in a dry place to prevent further environmental toning.
Similar Pieces
2003-D Maine Quarter (Denver Mint), 2003-S Maine Proof (San Francisco Mint), and 2003-S 90% Silver Proof (the only silver version of this coin).
Interesting Facts
The Maine quarter was the 23rd coin released in the program. Total mintage for the Philadelphia 'P' mark in 2003 was 217,400,000.