WASHINGTON – United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore today announced that, for the first time, the United States Mint is offering collectors a five-coin set featuring only the 2004-dated commemorative quarter-dollar coins in lustrous coin silver (90 percent silver), beginning at noon (Eastern Time) on April 5, 2004.

“It was your enthusiasm that made the 50 State Quarters Program coins the most popular coin program in American history,” said Director Fore in her letter to collectors that accompanies the new set, “and it was your suggestion that we create this proof set. It is extraordinarily beautiful in silver.”

Priced at $23.95, the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set includes all five new quarters issued in 2004 in the 50 State Quarters Program – Michigan “Great Lakes State,” Florida “Gateway to Discovery,” Texas “The Lone Star State,” Iowa “Foundation in Education,” and Wisconsin “Forward.”

Each of these beautiful silver proof coins has a distinctive cameo appearance created by the contrast of a finely detailed frosted foreground against a shimmering mirror-like background. Produced at the United States Mint at San Francisco, the coins bear the “S” mint mark. The sealed cases containing the coins are inserted into a specially printed sleeve and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Because we expect demand for the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set to be high, customers are encouraged to place orders early. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

Customers can purchase the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set online through the United States Mint’s secure website at www.usmint.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) 8:00 a.m. to midnight (E.T.), seven days a week. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (E.T.), Monday through Friday.