Issued Date: May 20, 2002

Description: The 2002 Louisiana state quarter, the 18th in the U.S. Mint's series, honors the state's heritage with a reverse design featuring a brown pelican (state bird), a jazz trumpet with musical notes, and an outline of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase territory. Released on May 20, 2002, it commemorates Louisiana's admission to the Union on April 30, 1812.

Key Design Elements:

Louisiana Purchase Outline: Highlights the 1803 land acquisition that doubled the size of the U.S..

Pelican: The official state bird, the brown pelican, is depicted, representing the "Pelican State" nickname.

Trumpet and Notes: Symbolizes the birth of jazz in New Orleans and the state's rich musical heritage.

Inscriptions: The coin includes "Louisiana," "1812," "2002," "Louisiana Purchase," and "E Pluribus Unum".

Technical Specifications:

Reverse Designer/Sculptor: John Mercanti.

Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad).

Minted: Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints.

The obverse features the standard 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan.