Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah quarter is hot off the press

Reader comments
Utah quarter is hot off the press

John | 1:27 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

The dozens of Utahns mentioned, were happy to get an all expense paid trip to Denver. The other million and a half of us, could not possibly care less.

The fact that a new quarter excites anyone, speaks volumes for where we are headed.

MTB | 2:02 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Good choice, Utah can be proud!

Q | 2:21 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

This is a unique honor that Utah holds. The joining of the railroad really was one of the most crucial points in the industrialization and growth of the US economy at that time. Unfortunately, I believe that the majority of the country is going to look at the coin and wonder why there are two trains on Utah's coin? I'd be shocked if even 10% of the population knew the answer to the question: 'In what state was the first transcontinental railroad completed?' Further, if you've never made the drive out to Promontory, don't bother, it isn't worth it. Just a dessert and a little visitor center. All that being said, I still think it is the perfect design and moment of history to capture on the Utah coin. It represents the history of both Utah and the USA and is much more desirable for a coin than some National Park monument. We can be proud of our coin.

Comments continue below

rvalens2 | 2:34 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

All Utahns should be proud of the design on their state quarter. It is beautiful and reflects upon an important event in the State's history. Idaho's design, on the other hand, is just plain ugly and looks like a 3rd grader designed it and I'm from Idaho.

Concept is nice | 2:46 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

While the event is historical and significant, it wasn't necessarily accomplished by Utahns or even desired by Utahns at the time. It was more due to the many lives and hours of labor of those "plucky" immigrants forced to take on such dangerous work to provide for their families. It is too bad we couldn't have captured something more indigenous, like say, fry sauce ...

Bob Cunningham | 3:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

There must have been many events in Utah's history that would have been appropriate for depiction on the quarter. I can't think of one less appropriate. The meeting of the rails happened to occur in Utah. So what? I would have voted for a picture of a pioneer pushing a handcart.

Scott | 4:40 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I was very disappointed in the three coins that were voted among. But of the three choices this was the best. I am surprised that Delicate Arch did not make it on one of the final three. The State uses that arch for just about everything else. But at least it is better than Idaho's coin.

Toad | 4:41 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

The Utah quarter is only worth $.11 after state taxes.

l | 6:48 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Perhaps a quarter could be given to Governor Huntsman, along with a history of how that event happened, such as that Brigham Young presided over the ceremony and that it took place in Salt Lake City. No wait, that was the history the governor was teaching at their little reenactment earlier this year, even though that's not how it happened.

Anon | 7:26 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Wasn't this supposed to be a beehive or something?

Train Fan | 7:57 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Great choice for our coin. I think it will be one of the favorites of the 50. I don't worry that people may not know the meaning or history. I'm sure come website will be clicks away to teach them about it. There have been other state coins that left me scratching my head. At least we're not like New Hampshire - after the old man's disfigurement they say the quarter is only worth $0.20 :) Thank goodness the beehive didn't win - that would be much more confusing than trains.

I, like 'Q' from 2:21 p.m. | 8:18 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

have enjoyed the yummy "dessert" served at the Golden Spike National Historic Site: that "and a little visitor center"

Sour Grapes | 8:36 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Wow, how $.25 can bring out the cynical and crusty side of people. Probably should have gone with crowd favorites like fry sauce, jello with carrot slices (couldn't get the green tint), or Warren Jeffs' (my ever-so distant relative) mug shot. I would've preferred a Stockton-to-Malone highlight or the tornado that ripped through downtown; both themes ravaged the former Delta Center. Let's all have a good cry about the design, complain to Deseret News and anyone else within earshot, and put those shiny coins in the vending machine for a Coke...er...Caffeine Free Coke.

Wesley | 9:24 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Nothing wrong with a little meaningless news. And learning some history is never a bad idea. I wasn't all that impressed with our three choices either but this design works for me. If you go to Promontory Point, go on the day of the annual re-enactment.

Best Choice? | 10:02 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I have traveled this State from one side to the other and can think of several better choices. Although this was a prominent event, I always associate the settlement of Utah with the Pioneers. I would love to see the Salt Lake Temple or Brigham Young on the quarter. I can imagine the stir that would cause. I just laugh thinking about it. People are too afraid to vote for Romney...I wonder if they would want to use that quarter?

RCantrell | 10:12 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Responding to "John | 1:27 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007"... The legislators paid their own way.

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3 photos

Mike Terry, Deseret Morning News

Utah Lt. Gov. Gary R. Herbert speaks at the United States Mint in Denver, Colorado for the Utah Quarter Strike Ceremony. Production on the quarter began last week at the mint with the ceremonial first strike done by Herbert today.

Gallery (3 photos)