West Virginia Quarter

 The last state quarter of 2005 honors West Virginia. The coin's design features an image of the New River Gorge Bridge, and the date 1863, which is the year that West Virginia was admitted to the Union.

 The bridge, which was built in 1977,  is the largest steel span bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and the second highest bridge in the world, rising 876 above the New River gorge.

 "All West Virginians can be very proud of our state quarter," said West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, "which we expect will draw even more national attention to the breathtaking scenery and landscape of our wonderful state." 

 The New River Gorge Bridge is more than 3,000 feet long and carries four lanes of traffic. The bridge is closed to pedestrians except on Bridge Day, which is held on the third Saturday in October. On this day, pedestrians can walk across the bridge, marvel at the view, and even parachute (BASE jump) from the bridge. 

 More than 1,800 design concepts were submitted from around the State, and students from the Governor's School for the Arts narrowed the field to five finalists. Other designs considered included "Appalachian Warmth," "Bridge Day / New River Gorge," "River Rafters," and "Mother's Day / Anna Jarvis."

 The State Quarters Program  is a 10-year celebration of the 50 states. Each year, five states are honored with a unique quarter. The other 2005 state quarters honored California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Kansas. Next year, coins honoring Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota will be issued.