Finalists For the State´s Commemorative Quarter Unveiled

A drawing showing a Gold Rush miner, a redwood tree and a bear was the most popular design among Californians who participated in an internet poll on what the state´s commemorative quarter should look like. Running a close second was a scene that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood sign, palm trees and redwoods.

This afternoon state librarian Kevin Starr, Governor Davis and first lady Sharon Davis unveiled the 6 most popular designs among 20 that were picked by a committee and posted on Davis´ Web site. Starr says there was near tie for fifth place.

About 8,000 designs were submitted and about 2 million votes were cast. The governor isn´t bound by the poll results. He says he will send 3 to 5 designs to the U.S. Mint in the next couple of weeks as suggestions for the California quarter, which will be produced in early 2005.