It is also refered to as two bits because two bits of a divided Spanish silver piece made up 1/4th of that coin.
The current coin is the Washington Quarter (showing George Washington), replacing the Standing Liberty Type, minted from 1916-1930. The present coin, designed by John Flannagan, has been issued since 1932.
It is Cupro-Nickel (8.33% Ni and the balance Cu), weighs 5.670 g, diameter 24.26 mm, width 1.75 mm with a reeded edge. It costs 4.29 cents to produce each coin.
The quarter has been in use since 1796.
Approximately every 10 weeks, since 1999, a new state quarter has been released by the US Mint. Each quarter's reverse celebrates one of the 50 states with a design honoring its unique history, traditions, and symbols. The quarters are released in the same order that the states joined the union.
As of this writing, the following states' quarters have been issued:
Release Date State Statehood Date Number of coins minted