Last week, we spent time reflecting on the things in our lives we are grateful for, especially those that start with the letter P. Today, we warmly invite you to join us again in this uplifting practice. Think of something that begins with the letter Q that brings you joy or comfort. Sharing our gratitude can create a lovely sense of community and support, and your contributions can truly inspire others. Thank you for being part of this journey of appreciation and reflection.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Quarters. In this spirit, I invite you to share something you’re grateful for that starts with the letter Q. What brings you joy or comfort?
🪙 A Quarter to Discover: 8+ Fun Facts About the Mighty 25-Cent Coin
They jingle in your pocket, roll under the couch, and star in vending machine drama. But quarters aren’t just coin-shaped conveniences; they’re miniature history lessons, artwork displays, and math puzzles all in one!
Let’s zoom in on the 25-cent star of U.S. currency!
🏛️ 1. Quarters Were First Minted in 1796
The U.S. Mint began making quarters over 200 years ago, and the earliest versions featured Lady Liberty, no presidents in sight! Today, most quarters showcase George Washington, the first U.S. president.
🔄 2. Quarters Used to Be Made of Silver
Before 1965, quarters were 90% silver. However, silver became too expensive, so the Mint switched to a mixture of copper and nickel. If you find an old silver one—cha-ching-it might be worth more than 25 cents!
🧠 3. Quarters Help Teach Math
From counting change to budgeting ice cream money, quarters are perfect for learning math:
- 4 quarters = $1
- 2 quarters = 50¢
- 1 quarter = 25¢—just right for gumballs and arcade games!
🎨 4. Quarters Are Mini Works of Art
Since 1999, the U.S. has released state-themed quarters, each with a unique design on the back. From Georgia peaches to Wyoming cowboys, these coins tell stories about every corner of America.
🦅 5. Every Quarter Has a Bald Eagle or Shield
The obverse side (the front) usually shows George Washington, but the reverse varies:
- Classic quarters show a bald eagle.
- Modern ones often show a shield or special design depending on the series.
🎖️ 6. Quarters Honor Veterans
Many quarters in the America the Beautiful series feature sites tied to U.S. military history, including battlefields and national memorials. The Gettysburg quarter, for example, pays tribute to Civil War soldiers, and designs like these help honor veterans and their legacies.
🏞️ 7. Some Quarters Feature Parks and Landmarks
The America the Beautiful series also highlights U.S. national parks and monuments:
- Yellowstone
- Everglades
- Mount Rushmore
- The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (featuring WWII pilots who made history!)
These coins turn your pocket change into a mini road trip!
🕵️ 8. Mint Marks Tell You Where a Quarter Was Made
Look closely near Washington’s ponytail; see a tiny letter?
- “P” = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
These mint marks reveal which U.S. city stamped your coin into existence!
🐿️ Bonus Coin Trivia
- A group of quarters can be called a “roll”, typically worth $10 or 40 coins.
- The ridges around the edge? Called reeding, it helps prevent coin shaving and makes it harder to counterfeit.
- The most extensive quarter collection ever assembled included over 50,000 coins!
There are countless reasons to feel thankful! Expressing gratitude is incredibly beneficial for both your well-being and the happiness of those around you. Let's make it a priority to be grateful and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives!
Next week, we’re excited to embark on a delightful celebration of all things that start with the letter R! Let’s come together to express our gratitude for everything from cozy comforts to intriguing curiosities. I can’t wait to embrace and appreciate the wonderful treasures that this charming letter brings us!
Get your worksheet here:
💰 Q Is for Quarter: “Quarter Quest of Thanks”
Let kids explore quarters as tiny treasures full of stories, and turn coin collecting into a gratitude-powered scavenger hunt!
🪙 What You’ll Need:
- A few real quarters (especially state or commemorative ones if available)
- Paper magnifying sheets or printable quarter outlines
- Crayons, pencils, markers
- A “Quarter Quest” reflection sheet (optional: to record discoveries and thankful thoughts)
🔍 Activity Instructions:
Part 1: Inspect & Discover
Give each child a real quarter to examine. Ask them to look closely:
- What symbols or people do they see?
- What year was it made?
- Is it part of the State Quarters series or something special?
Talk about how each coin represents a story, of history, geography, art, or everyday life.
Part 2: Create a Gratitude Coin
On a paper circle (or printable coin outline), have kids design their own “thank-you quarter.”
Prompts:
- Who would you put on your gratitude coin?
(e.g., Grandma, a teacher, the dog who always listens) - What scene or symbol would show what you're thankful for?
(e.g., a tree, a book, a heart)
- Who would you put on your gratitude coin?
Add a border with pretend text like “Kindness State” or “United Feelings of Friendship.”
Display on a board titled: “Our Quarter Collection of Thanks!”
🧠 Bonus Ideas:
- Add a math twist: Count how many quarters make a dollar and what generous things you could buy or donate with a few coins.
- Explore the U.S. Mint or coin history, great for adding STEM + gratitude.
- Ask: If gratitude were a currency, what would you spend it on today?
Books about quarters/money:
1. The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Williams
2. The History of Money: by Martin Jenkins
3. The Berenstain Bears' Dollars and Sense by Stan Berenstain
4. Money for Beginners by Eddie Reynolds
As parents, we take the extra step to choose books that are perfect for our little ones before diving into storytime together. It's all about making those reading moments fun and safe for our children!
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