SALEM – The new commemorative Oregon quarter will feature an image of Crater Lake, a scene recommended by the Oregon Commemorative Coin Commission, a group of 18 Oregonians, co-chaired by Governor Ted Kulongoski and Treasurer Randall Edwards.

-Crater Lake was formed more than 7,000 years ago by the collapse of Mt. Mazama.

At 1,952 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States and the fifth oldest national park. The area was granted national park status in 1902.-

“The new quarter is a pocket-size reminder of Oregon’s many national treasures,” said Edwards. “From Crater Lake National Park in the south to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge in the north, the Wallowa Mountains in the east and Oregon’s pristine western coast, Oregonians can be proud of the natural resources we share with the world.”

As the 33rd state admitted to the Union, Oregon will have its quarter produced 33rd in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program that began in 1999.

The United States Mint will release Oregon’s quarter into circulation around June 2005.

The program doesn’t cost the taxpayers any money.- –

– -In fact, it makes money. The Mint pays about 4 cents to produce each quarter. Officials estimate that 139 million people are collecting the state quarters. In the first 2 years of the program, the Mint minted 14.1 billion quarters, generating almost $3 billion in revenue.

– -Starting in 2009, after all 50 states have been honored, the Mint plans to return to the familiar eagle on the reverse of the quarter.