Heads Or Tales? - Connecticut quarter depicts Charter Oak - Brief Article

Flip over one of the new state quarters and you just might find a tree.

Connecticut's new coin depicts the historic Charter Oak, a Hartford white oak that played a significant role in the state's history. In 1687, when the British governor called for destruction of Connecticut's colonial charter, Captain Joseph Wadsworth hid the document in the tree's cavity. Wadsworth's actions saved the charter and earned the tree its long-held moniker.

The coin is part of the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters program, which honors each of the 50 states with a design depicting its unique history and traditions. More than 112 citizens submitted designs to Connecticut's State Coin Advisory Committee, with 19 portraying the Charter Oak.

Although an 1856 hurricane downed the original tree, Hartford residents collected acorns and propagated them. Today, AMERICAN FORESTS' Famous & Historic Trees program carries the direct offspring of the original Charter Oak.

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