Washington State is one step closer to having a commemorative quarter, as the Washington State Quarter Advisory Commission (SQAC) and the U.S. Mint have released three final designs to the public. In December, SQAC met and reviewed design drafts to narrow the field, ultimately selecting designs from three of the five narratives: a salmon, Mount Rainier and an apple within an outline of Washington State; a salmon breaching the water with Mount Rainier as a backdrop; and a Northwest Native American stylized orca.

The Fine Arts Commission in D.C. reviewed them yesterday. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee plans to review the designs Jan. 24. In the Spring, SQAC will present the final designs on the state quarter Web site http://www.governor.wa.gov/quarter, inviting Washington citizens to participate in a public opinion poll to assist SQAC in making its final recommendation to the Governor.