The old adage about learning something new every day has been proven again.
We thought we fully answered the question "How many actual people have been depicted on State quarter dollars so far?" in the Feb. 21 "The State Quarters" column.
But we found out differently when we received e-mail from collector Steven Bieda of Michigan.
Bieda is also an artist who designed the reverse of the 1992 Olympic copper-nickel clad half dollar and a state legislator.
Bieda writes that we omitted identifying James Monroe, who served as a lieutenant in George Washington's Army and who would become the fifth U.S. president.
Bieda writes that Monroe is depicted in the Emanuel Leutze painting Washington Crossing the Delaware as the man standing behind Washington holding the flag. Leutze's painting was the inspiration for the design on the 1999 New Jersey State quarter dollar.
History does record that Monroe served with Washington at the Battle of Trenton and was, in fact, severely wounded.
While researching Bieda's observation we came across several other claims or traditions of other famous men who served with Washington at the Trenton battle.
Among those believed to be there were James Madison, the fourth U.S. president; John Marshall, a future chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; and American statesmen Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.
But some of that tradition doesn't square with recorded history.
Madison's health precluded military service, according to information from the National Archives and Records Administration.
Marshall was a captain during the Revolutionary War and served on Washington's staff at Valley Forge, Pa., but apparently didn't serve at the Battle of Trenton.
Hamilton was captain of an artillery company that supported Washington's bold attack in Trenton.
History records Burr serving Washington briefly as an aide but more than likely was not involved in the Trenton battle.
It's good to check out all facts when presented with something as "genuine" history.
We appreciate Steve Bieda sharing his knowledge. That sharing is exactly what helps collectors find even more enjoyment in the State quarter dollars program.
First Reports
Fred Kamler of Kansas reported Feb. 16 that he was able to get two rolls of 2005-D California quarter dollars at a bank in Lenexa.
Winnie Skaarland of Montana reported Feb. 16 that she got a roll of 2005-D California quarter dollars from a credit union.
Betty Cox of North Carolina reported Feb. 17 that she found a 2005-P California quarter in change from a vending machine.
Patricia Clayton of Washington reported Feb. 17 that she received a 2005-D California quarter in change at a convenience store.
Johniece Brooks of Washington, D.C., reported Feb. 17 receiving a 2005-P California quarter in change.
Gary Dobbs of Tennessee reported Feb. 18 that he received two 2005-P California quarters in change at a dry cleaner in Memphis.
Joe Burton of Colorado reported Feb. 21 that his bank was able to supply him with several rolls of 2005-D California quarters.
Circulation Reports
Robert Ivy Jr. reported Feb. 25 that he received a roll of 2005-D California quarter dollars from a bank.
Melody Fowler of Illinois reported Feb. 28 that she received a 2005-P California quarter in change at a grocery store.
Walt Williams of Nebraska reported March 1 that he received a 2005-P California quarter in change from a store.
Greg McKelvey of Maine reported March 2 that he found a 2005-D California quarter in his change.
