2008 Five-Piece Silver Proof State Quarters Set PF70 UC

These coins have a quality (GRADE) rating of Proof 70 out of 70. This quality (GRADE) rating is determined on the Sheldon scale, on which points are deducted from 70 for each flaw or imperfection on a coin's surface. A 70 is thus the highest grade a coin can achieve, with no flaws visible to the unaided eye. NGC guarantees the quality and authenticity of each coin. About NGC:Numismatic Guarantee Corporation, abbreviated as "NGC", is a third party grading service that certifies and grades coins. They are considered a third party service because they are not directly controlled by any coin dealers. NGC is one of the most popular and well respected independent coin grading companies.Background Story:In January 1999, America began a historically compelling 10-year celebration of the 50 states. The 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act provides for the redesign of the reverse side of George Washington quarters with designs emblematic of each of the 50 states. With five designs produced each year, the states will be honored in the order of their admission to the United States.The Oklahoma quarter features an image of the state bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher. The bird is soaring over the state wildflower, the Indian Blanket, backed by a field of similar wildflowers. The coin design also bears the inscriptions "Oklahoma" and "1907." The Indian Blanket (or Gaillardia) symbolizes the state's rich Native American heritage and its long grass prairies abundant in wildlife. The state's name is derived from the Choctaw words "okla" and "homma, " meaning "red" and "people." The New Mexico quarter features a Zia sun symbol over a topographical outline of the state with the inscription "Land of Enchantment." The coin also bears the inscriptions "New Mexico" and "1912." The great influence of Native American cultures can be found throughout New Mexico. The Zia Pueblo believe the sun symbol represents the g