The Maine quarter is the third quarter of 2003, and the 23rd in the 50 State Quarters Program. Maine became the 23rd state to be admitted into the Union, as part of the Missouri Compromise on March 15, 1820. The Maine quarter design incorporates a rendition of the Pemaquid Point Light atop a granite coast and of a schooner at sea. Pemaquid Point Light is located in New Harbor, and marks the entrance to Muscongus Bay and Johns Bay. Since the beginning of ship activity in the area, a shoal created hazardous navigation conditions, causing many shipwrecks. As maritime trade increased in the area, so did the need for a lighthouse. In 1826, Congress appropriated funds to build a lighthouse at Pemaquid Point. Although the original building was replaced in 1835, and the original 10 lamps in 1856, the light is still a beacon for ships and remains one of Maine's most popular tourist attractions. The schooner resembles "Victory Chimes, " the last three-masted schooner of the Windjammer Fleet. "Victory Chimes" has become synonymous with Maine windjamming. Source: United States Mint Welcome to the great state of Maine! From the pristine wilderness of the conifer and hardwood forests that cover 895 of the state, to the magnificent rocky coastline of the north, to the long sandy beaches of the south, Maine is truly a scenic wonder. Picturesque lighthouses and quaint fishing villages add to the natural splendor of the coastline. Majestic homes of 19th century sea captains, many with their original widow's walks, grace the seaside towns. Humorist Will Rogers remarked, "Did you ever see a place that looked like it was built to enjoy? Well this whole state of Maine looks that way." Maine isn't just about beautiful scenery and wilderness. Maine's history and economy have been linked to vast timber reserves and to the sea; in this case, the Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of timber served the state well as Maine became noted for its shipbuilding in colonial times. The first ship built and launched in western hemisphere was the Virginia, launched in 1607. Shipbuilding continued to flourish in Maine as the manufacture of wooden ships gave way to iron and steel. The first atomic submarine, the Swordfish was built in Maine. On the other end of the scale, Maine produces more canoes than any other state in the union. Though the wooden shipbuilding industry disappeared long ago, Maine forests continue to provide the raw resources for its most important manufactured products; cardboard boxes, paper bags, wood pulp, and paper. Maine's blueberry harvest is the largest in the nation, yielding almost all the low bush blueberries grown in the United States. Potatoes are a major product of Maine, growing well in the cool north. And the state is famous for delicious shellfish, too, especially clams and the famous Maine lobster. Maine's yearly lobster catch is larger than any other state. Description: State: Maine Hand Cut from Actual Coins Composition: Cupro-Nickel Clad Depicts: Only One-Side of the Coin Features: A rendition of the Pemaquid Point Light atop a granite coast and of a schooner at sea. Includes: Cut coin, 18 inch fine chain Length and chain styles can vary Made in USA Qty: 1 set Ships FREE A Great Gift Idea for any Coin Collector! Ships FREE applies to the United States Only!