United States Mint Maryland State Quarter (Circulated Core Alloy)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic) · United States Mint (Department of the Treasury); specific mint mark not visible on reverse but typically struck at Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D).
Pattern: 50 State Quarters Program, Maryland Design (The Old Line State)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic)
Maker
United States Mint (Department of the Treasury); specific mint mark not visible on reverse but typically struck at Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D).
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel; Inner core of 100% copper). Note: This is not silver; the 'silver' color is from nickel plating.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm; Thickness: 1.75 mm; Standard weight: 5.67 grams. This is standard U.S. quarter size.
Description
This is a circulating United States quarter representing Maryland, part of the historically successful 50 State Quarters Program launch in 1999. The reverse depicts the dome of the Maryland State House, surrounded by white oak leaf clusters, symbolizing the state's role as the 'Old Line State.'
Key Features
Maryland State House motif, '2000' date, standard reeded edge, copper-nickel clad appearance.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel; Inner core of 100% copper). Note: This is not silver; the 'silver' color is from nickel plating.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Features Maryland State House dome, White Oak clusters, and 'E Pluribus Unum' inscription. Style is contemporary American numismatic art.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscriptions on reverse: 'MARYLAND 1788', 'THE OLD LINE STATE', '2000', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. No silver purity marks present.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck using high-pressure presses on prepared clad planchets (blanks).
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting; legal tender currency for the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Flat numismatic object).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced government coinage. Precision die-striking is evident but obscured by heavy circulation wear.
Authentication Indicators
Design elements match official 2000 Maryland quarter dies; weight and dimensions appear consistent with government standards; typical 'sandwich' clad edge (though not visible in the top-down view).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Manufactured at Philadelphia or Denver Mint facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era (50 State Quarters Program, 1999–2008).
Age Estimate
Dated 2000; approximately 24 years old.
Cultural Significance
The 50 State Quarters Program is credited with renewing public interest in coin collecting and commemorating state-specific history and architecture.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (Good to Very Good). Significant surface wear, numerous contact marks/scratches, heavy environmental tarnish/toning, and flattened high points of the design.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 (USD). In this circulated condition, it holds no significant premium above face value.
Care & Maintenance
No specific care needed for circulated base-metal coins; avoid cleaning with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
90% Silver Proof Maryland Quarters (identifiable by a mirror-like finish and 'S' mint mark); other state quarters from the 2000 series (Massachusetts, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia).
Interesting Facts
Maryland was the 7th state to be honored in the program. The State House shown is the largest wooden dome in the US built without nails. This coin does not contain silver unless it were a 'Silver Proof' version (which would have a 'S' mint mark and a reflective finish).