Celebrating the Great Lakes State
On January 26, 1837, Michigan officially became the 26th state in the Union, and in 2004, the state celebrated its history, geography, and connection to the Great Lakes with the release of its commemorative quarter. Part of the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program, Michigan’s coin design showcases the state’s outline and the Great Lakes system, proudly inscribed with “Great Lakes State.” From its inception to its final design, this coin tells a story of Michigan’s unique identity and its unbreakable ties to the largest freshwater system on Earth.
The Michigan quarter was unveiled on January 26, 2004, the 167th anniversary of the state’s admission into the Union. This marked the 26th design in the 50 State Quarters Program, an initiative that released five new quarters annually based on the order states joined the Union.
The Design Process
The design process for Michigan’s quarter began in 2001 when then-Governor John Engler created the Michigan Quarter Commission. After soliciting ideas from over 4,300 residents, the commission narrowed the choices to five designs. Each concept featured the state outline but differed in theme. An informal poll gauged public opinion, but the final decision fell to Governor Jennifer Granholm, who chose the “Michigan State Outline with Great Lakes” design.
This simple yet powerful image highlights Michigan’s geography as the only state to border four of the five Great Lakes. Standing anywhere in Michigan, you’re never more than 85 miles from a Great Lake—an essential element of life for Michiganders.
Quarter’s Debut
The quarter’s debut was celebrated with great fanfare at the State Capitol in Lansing, where United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Governor Granholm emphasized its symbolic value. As Director Fore noted, the quarter serves as a geography and history lesson, reflecting Michigan’s historical reliance on the Great Lakes for its economy and culture.
The coin also represents Michigan’s unique position as a steward of the Great Lakes. These waters are not only vital to the state’s history but are integral to its environmental future, making the design as relevant today as it was in 2004 and will be for generations to come.
Michigan’s state quarter is more than just a piece of currency—it’s a celebration of the Great Lakes State’s identity. From its thoughtful design process to its release on a significant historical anniversary, the coin highlights what makes Michigan special: its geography, its history, and its people. Whether you’re a lifelong Michigander or just pulling the quarter out of your pocket, this small piece of art serves as a reminder of Michigan’s rich heritage and its vital connection to the Great Lakes.