E Pluribus Unum. From one, many. The United States of America has always been defined by the idea of diversity: diversity of ideas, of experience, of cultural and national backgrounds. The Founding Fathers knew that the great strength of America was in her many parts - the states, united. Each state brings a particular and unique character and strength to the nation. Each state has its own distinct history and contribution.

In 1999, the United States Mint launched an innovative program of commemorative quarters, honoring every state with its own unique design on the reverse of the quarters. Over the course of the incredibly popular 50 States Quarter program, the Mint released five State Quarters each year for ten years. It was followed by the District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarter Program, with quarters for Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The US Mint estimates that more than 100 million people collected the coins, both casually and deliberately.

Some of the 50 State Quarters celebrated a significant event in a state's history. North Carolina's quarter depicted the Wright Brothers and their historic first flight at Kitty Hawk. Virginia's coin commemorated Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in America. Other quarters honored the outstanding natural beauty of the states, such as Oregon's Crater Lake. Many of the quarters included the various states' mottoes, such as Pennsylvania's motto "Virtue, Liberty, Independence."

The stunning success of the 50 State Quarters Program has inspired a new program of commemorative quarters: the America the Beautiful Quarters, honoring America's incredible National Parks. The program, which will run for eleven years and release 56 new designs, kicks off on April 19, 2010, with Arkansas and the Hot Springs National Park.

The site of Hot Springs National Park was discovered by the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition, sent by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804 to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, developed around the therapeutic waters of the hot mineral springs, which were established as the first federally protected site in the U.S. on April 20, 1832. In addition to the incredible 143° thermal waters, modern-day visitors enjoy the rich history and amazing architecture of the area, as well as the outstanding natural beauty of Arkansas.

The Hot Springs National Park quarter depicts the façade of the Hot Springs National Park headquarters building, with a fountain in the foreground. Built in Spanish colonial revival style, the building was completed in 1936. The National Park Service emblem is featured to the right of the door. The final design was selected over three others and was developed in consultation with representatives of the park.

Whitman Publishing has everything you need to start collecting America the Beautiful Quarters. So, whether you're starting your own collection or inspiring a young numismatist to learn about the history of our great country and awe-inspiring national parks, we've got you covered.