It was a launch of a different sort for the John F. Kennedy Space Center.
Thousands of Florida residents and visitors were joined by national and state officials on Wednesday
to celebrate the release of the Sunshine State’s new commemorative quarter.
Florida Governor Jeb Bush, U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and
NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe welcomed visitors at the unveiling ceremony.
Florida's coin design features a Space Shuttle, a Spanish galleon and two sabal palm trees,
with the motto "Gateway to Discovery."
Children attending the ceremony received a free quarter from the Kennedy Space Center Federal Credit Union,
while adults bought rolls of quarters for face value.
The Florida quarter is the second to be issued in 2004,and the 27th quarter in the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program.