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A collector in Maryland posed an interesting question in a recent letter.
Lester Klein asks: "Of the 50 states in the Union, which are northernmost, southernmost, easternmost and westernmost?"
He says readers can "easily verify [the answers] by consulting a world map or globe of our planet."
Do you have the answers?
I'd have to say at first glance when I read his answers and before consulting a map that I had my doubts, but then had to admit he was right – once I understand his perspective. That's a hint, by the way.
His question is particularly of interest during 2008, the last year of the State quarter dollars program. We've already seen the Oklahoma quarter dollar launched in January. Collectors can most likely expect to see the New Mexico coin sometime in early April (though neither the U.S. Mint nor the New Mexico governor's office have released details.)
Maybe this hint will help you with figuring out the answers: One state is the answer for three of the four categories.
The categories of northernmost, southernmost and easternmost state is embodied in one state – Alaska. If you look at a map, focus on the Aleutian Islands; some of them cross the International Dateline, putting Alaska in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Now if you thought Maine was the easternmost you'd be technically correct if you were asked to consider only the 48 contiguous states. Under that restriction the northernmost state is Minnesota and the westernmost is Washington.
So can you guess the southernmost state (now that you know Klein's perspective)?
It's Hawaii. If you were only considering the contiguous 48 states it would be Florida.
Whatever answer you came up with, you've now enjoyed some of the allure of State quarter dollar collecting.
If nothing else, this program continues to give collectors something to think about.
First Reports
Jim Edwards of Ohio reported Feb. 21 that a bank provided him with a 2008-P Oklahoma quarter dollar.
John von Ahsen of Iowa reported Feb. 22 that he received eight 2008-D Oklahoma quarter dollars from his bank.
Ira Simon of Maryland reported Feb. 25 that he found a 2008-P Oklahoma quarter in his change.
Bill Kears of West Virginia reported Feb. 25 that he found a 2008-P Oklahoma quarter dollar in the cash drawer where he works.
Jim Krupar of New Mexico reported Feb. 26 that his credit union was his source of a 2008-D Oklahoma quarter dollar.
Mark Tylkowski of Nebraska reported Feb. 26 that he received a 2008-D Oklahoma quarter dollar in change at a U.S. post office.
Michael Betor of New York reported Feb. 27 that he received a 2008-P Oklahoma quarter in change at a toll booth.
Justin Reed of Tennessee reported Feb. 28 that he received four 2008-P Oklahoma quarters from a bank.
Lisa Williams of Indiana reported Feb. 29 that her father was given eight 2008-P Oklahoma quarters at the bank while cashing a check.
Circulation Reports
We did not receive any reports this week.
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