50 State Quarters Rated: 2005

California
If ever a state needed a collage of different images, it would be California. Since it is such a large and diverse state, it would best be represented with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood sign, and maybe a grapevine or a Joshua tree or a giant sequoia. The picture of John Muir and Half Dome gives recognition to the natural wonders in the Sierras but it gives short shrift to the rest of this gigantic state.
Rating: 15¢

Minnesota
Similar to Arkansas, this quarter depicts a relaxing scene with waterfowl ripe for the picking that could be anywhere in the Eastern United States. It's a pleasant thing to look at, for sure. Where Minnesota excels is in including a picture of the state, so that we know exactly where are. Normally, I prefer full-size state outlines instead of minature silhouettes, but in order to preserve the scene on the rest of the quarter, it fits in just fine.
Rating: 20¢

Oregon
Crater Lake, while I have yet to see it in person (hopefully soon!), is an impressive natural feature in Oregon. But in this picture, it just looks kind of dead, which makes sense, since Crater Lake is really the remnants of an extinct volcano.I much prefer the scene of the Oregon coast by the Pacific Ocean on the Lewis & Clark nickel, which conveys a much better sense of optimism and celebration.
Rating: 10¢

Kansas
I absolutely hate this incredibly boring quarter. You have a bison, a few sunflowers, and a ton of empty space all around it. Only the sunflowers suggests that the image belongs to Kansas, since it's the Sunflower State. There's no state nickname, no state motto, and no state outline. I would have suggested a picture of Kansas' state capitol, which is about the only widely recognizable thing in the entire state.
Rating: 0¢

West Virginia
Eh. The New River Gorge Bridge is an impressive bridge, especially when people go BASE jumping off of it on Bridge Day. The hills and river show West Virgina's natural beauty, which, as I can attest, is worth checking out. It is a nice scene, but the quarter doesn't tell me much else. I'd love some indication of coal country or hillbillies with most of their teeth missing.
Rating: 15¢