That pocketful of spare change you dumped on the dresser may include a familiar scene.

The Arizona quarter was officially released this week, featuring the Grand Canyon and a saguaro cactus. It is the 48th coin issued in the state-quarter series that began in 1999. The quarters for Alaska and Hawaii – the only states younger than Arizona – come later this year.

There was a lot of debate about what should be featured on “our” quarter, and the finished design is a winner. A Mesa teacher said it “captures the whole essence of Arizona and not just a part of it.”

It’s a fitting way to show our face to the rest of the nation.

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