50 State Quarters Rated: 2006

Nevada
I assume that the Mint decided that slot machines were per se inappropriate for inclusion on a coin. That decision drastically reduced the amount of subject matter Nevada could put on its quarter. Given the limitation, though, they did a great job. My only problem with an otherwise well-conceived scene (that reminds us there is more to Nevada than Vegas) is that the sagebrush on the sides makes the picture just a little bit too busy.
Rating: 20¢

Nebraska
The picture on the back of this quarter is aesthetically pleasing and recognizes both Nebraska's most famous natural landmark as well as its historical heritage as a stopping place on the Oregon Trail. Nebraska might not have all that much to offer as a state, but it truly made the most of what it has.
Rating: 25¢

Colorado
This quarter is really disappointing. First of all, I can't quite get past the ridiculous slogan at the bottom, which is redundant (in Spanish, colorado means colored or colorful). While it features Longs Peak, one of Colorado's fourteeners (14,000-foot mountains), this quarter really should have focused on quantity rather than quality, since Colorado is famous for having so many of those mountains. Showing hikers or skiers would also be a well-deserved nod to Colorado's reputation as a outdoor sports paradise.
Rating: 5¢

North Dakota
While North Dakota loses points by reusing Kansas' bison theme, at least the state managed to fill up the quarter better. In addition to the bison grazing, you have actual scenery, in the form of badlands (which, contrary to popular belief, exist in both Dakotas, not just South Dakota). You also have a stylized sun in the background. This quarter makes me think that North Dakota is actually a pretty state worth seeing, not just the monotonous prairie I usually depict.
Rating: 20¢

South Dakota
It's a no-brainer to put Mount Rushmore on the back of the South Dakota quarter. However, I think it would be fine if Mount Rushmore were there alone. Instead, it gets drowned out by the pheasant and the wheat surrounding it. Mount Rushmore ends up being deprived of the majesty it deserves.
Rating: 10¢