What, No Potato?!?

Quarter Time in Idaho

By Shea Andersen, 10-03-05

Art and politics make lousy bedfellows. Money and art, well, we know they seldom meet.

But the intersection of all things oily and watery is upon us, with Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's attempt to narrow the field on Idaho quarter designs.

As has been reported, Kempthorne has five finalists in mind, and I'll quote here from his own press release on the matter:

1. Peregrine Falcon

In a style similar to the new Jefferson Nickels, the head or head and shoulder profile of a peregrine falcon protrudes from the left side of the coin. Detail is minimal, with the exception of the falcon’s eye, which is clear and imposing. Its curved beak is slightly open. The state’s motto “Esto Perpetua� is written in the open space to the right.

“This magnificent raptor’s story is one that deserves to be memorialized,� Kempthorne said. “Its successful return is a great source of pride for Idaho and is indicative of our state’s passion for its flora and fauna.�

2. Sawtooth Mountains

The snow-capped Sawtooth mountain range occupies the uppermost portion of the coin. A rocky river winds its way from the mountains, narrow at the top and widening to the right as it descends, subtly creating the outline of the State of Idaho. Tall Ponderosa Pine trees speckle the landscape. Our motto, “Esto Perpetua,� is written to one side.

“As the design submissions attested, there are few places in Idaho that are more beloved than the spectacular vistas of the grand Sawtooth Mountains,� Kempthorne said. “Its panoramic grandeur belongs to all Idahoans and would be a worthy symbol of Idaho’s rugged beauty.�

3. Farmland Tapestry

A mosaic is created from an aerial view of various crops and orchards… plowed ground alternates with fallow or planted ground in strips or sections. On the horizon, Idaho’s majestic timber-covered mountains rise from the farmland.

“Idaho’s rich agricultural heritage is an early and continuing foundation of our state’s prosperity and spirit,� Kempthorne said. “Agriculture is a large part of who we are and who we will be for generations. It, too, is a worthy symbol of Idaho’s essence.�

4. State Song

The outline of the State of Idaho is centered on the quarter. The first two lines of the chorus of Idaho’s state song [And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame] are written on either side of the state’s outline.

“The simple image of the state’s outline, coupled with the wonderful words of our state song says everything about our past, present and future,� Kempthorne said. “It’s striking and poetic in its simplicity and meaning.�

5. Bold and Distinctive

The word, Idaho, is written prominently across the center of the coin. Each of the letters can be depicted in a way that defines the natural beauty and rugged individualism found in our state.

“Idaho’s quarter should be distinctive,� Kempthorne said. “This simple, bold design would stand out in a way reminiscent of our state’s character and way of life.�



...let the games begin!

Now, some lucky ink-stained wretch at the U.S. Mint will try to sketch out just what the heck "bold and distinctive" looks like, along with the other four nominees, and send the sketches back to Kempthorne by December.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.