New Quarter Honors Sunflower State 

 The fourth state quarter of 2005 celebrates Kansas, the Sunflower State. The coin's design features two of Kansas' symbols: the buffalo, which was adopted as the state animal in 1955, and the sunflower, which has been the state flower since 1903. They represent Kansas' rich history, natural beauty, and bright future, and they feature prominently in the history of the territory. Both the buffalo and the sunflower were found in abundance throughout Kansas when it became a state in 1861. 
 Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius lead the celebration of the launch of the state quarter last month at the state fair. 
 Other designs which were considered for the Kansas state quarter include an image of the statue that sits atop the State Capitol – an American Indian archer aiming his bow toward the North Star, an image of a sunflower with wheat, and a design that featured a single sunflower. The Department of Treasury approved the "Buffalo and Sunflower" design on July 13, 2004.
 State quarters honoring California, Minnesota, and Oregon were issued earlier this year. The 5th state quarter of 2005 will celebrate West Virginia.