2005-P 25C California MS68 Certification #21916689, PCGS #14034

Jaime Hernandez

The 2005-P Mint State California Quarters were officially released on January 31, 2005. This was the first quarter of five to be released in the year 2005.

Obverse: The obverse of the coin depicts the same George Washington motif used on all State Quarters from 1999 to 2008.

Reverse: The reverse of the coin depicts conservationists John Muir admiring the Yosemite National Park. Muir was instrumental in saving and preserving several historical parks and sites. Shown in the background is Yosemite Valley's monolithic granite headwall and a California condor, soaring through the sky. The word, CALIFORNIA and the date 1850 are also shown towards the top of the reverse design. The name, John Muir is towards the left of the design and the words, YOSEMITE VALLEY are shown towards the right. Finally, below the reverse design are the date, 2005 or the year in which the coins were released and the words, E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Overview: Each coin in the 50 Statehood Quarter Dollar Program was struck in the order in which the State was admitted into the Union. California was admitted into the Union on September 9, 1850. Therefore, the California Quarter was the 31st coin released in the State Quarter program. The State Quarter Program began in 1999 and ended in 2008.