It's hard to believe that it's been 11 years since I wrote a column about the first coin being issued in the 50 State Quarters Series. Back then, there was understandable skepticism about the success of the decade-long issuance of new coins. After all, we're arguably one of the most intractable countries when it comes to changing designs on coins. Think about it. We haven't changed the basic Lincoln penny design in 100 years. But, since that first quarter over 100 million people have collected them.

The final coin of the 50 State Quarters issued just a week ago honors Hawaii — the last state admitted to the Union. Given today's education system (pay close attention to "Jaywalking" on "The Tonight Show," and you'll understand), many may not know Hawaii was and is the 50th state.

Even subliminal suggestion hasn't worked such as in the name of the classic TV show "Hawaii Five-O." The fact is, there is no such police division. The name refers to it being the 50th state — as in 5-0. I'm sure that slipped by many.

As much as Jack Lord might look great on a coin, I suppose selecting a commercial broadcast image to be featured would be inappropriate. Given the boundless natural wonders found in Hawaii choosing any one could be equally difficult. From idyllic lagoons to and distinctive indigenous wildlife Hawaii boasts a unique landscape found in no other state. In that regard, when the combined islands are measured from east to west, it's also the largest state in breadth. Granted, there's a lot of water in between. And, thanks to its volcanoes it's also the only state getting bigger every day.

Unlike other, more "seasoned" states, Hawaii is too young to have any crazy laws that might have been amusing if depicted on the quarter. For instance, in California it's illegal to eat oranges in a bathtub. I'd actually pay to see that on a coin. But, Hawaii may have a few worth noting.

Allegedly, it's illegal to own a mongoose without a permit. I can see that. Also, supposedly it's against the law to appear in public wearing only swimming trunks. What? C'mon ... it's Hawaii! That's pretty much all anyone wears. Or, anywhere in the state it's illegal to put coins in one's ears. Considering that image could appear on a quarter it could be the most appropriate of all.

In lieu of any controversial pictures the state wisely opted to show Hawaiian monarch King Kamehameha surveying the eight islands along with the State motto, "UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO" meaning, "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." The word "Aloha" doesn't appear on the coin, but perhaps should have considering that in addition to meaning "hello" it's also used for "goodbye." With this the last state coin being issued that would have been most fitting.

The new and final state quarter is now available at banks and will soon be circulating in retail registers. They can also be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint in rolls and bags.

For those longing for the series to continue there is a ray of hope. After the district of Washington, D.C., complained that they had been left out of the series, legislators caved and agreed to issue more quarters in 2009 to honor D.C., as well the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. So there's more to come. As always, I'll keep you posted.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the Hawaii state quarter has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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