Washington, D.C. - May 11, 2000. The U.S. Mint today announced that the new South Carolina Quarter under the 50 State QuartersÔ Program will be available online at www.USMINT.gov beginning Wednesday, May 24 at 12:00 Noon (Eastern Time) for a 72-hour sales period and ending at 12:00 Noon (Eastern Time) on Saturday, May 27.

"The overwhelming response by the American people to collect the 50 state quarters was witnessed by the sell-out of the Maryland quarter bags in less than two hours on April 3," said Acting Director John P. Mitchell. "Therefore, the Mint will institute a 72-hours sales period to accept and fulfill all orders received during this time period."

"We believe the 3-day purchase period without limits better responds to the needs of our Customers, and allows everyone to participate in this exciting offer," said Associate Director of Numismatics David Pickens.

The Maryland quarter bags pushed the Mint web site to its first multi-million dollar hour on April 3, with total single hour sales reaching $2.7 million. The Maryland quarter bags went on sale at 9 a.m. By 11 a.m., both the 100-coin bags and 1,000-coin bags were sold out.

The South Carolina quarter design will be officially unveiled in a ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina on May 26. The South Carolina quarters will be available in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins. Look for details in an upcoming press release or check online at www.USMINT.gov.