Atop an outline of the state, the Massachusetts quarter shows a star over Boston, the state's capital.  It also has the state's nickname ("The Bay State") and the famous minuteman statue.  Year round, this statue stands guard at the 900-acre Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts.

During the American Revolutionary War, many citizens were on call to fight when needed.  These soldiers were called "minutemen" because they could be ready for battle at a minute's notice.  Who had the idea to use a minuteman on the Massachusetts quarter?  Two kids—a sixth and seventh grader!  In fact, only kids could submit quarter designs in the 1998 contest held by Governor Paul Cellucci.