WASHINGTON – On the 118^th anniversary of Wyoming statehood, U.S. Senator John Barrasso , R-Wyo., announced the introduction of a quarter dollar coin series celebrating America ’s national parks. The first coin will depict Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park.

“As the nation’s first national park, it is only fitting that Yellowstone, as a part of Wyoming ’s unique heritage, is commemorated on the first quarter,” Barrasso said. “I believe these coins will increase awareness and promote efforts to preserve America ’s national treasures for generations to come.”

“Millions of people experience the pristine wilderness and rugged beauty of areas like Yellowstone National Park , the Grand Tetons, and Devil’s Tower National Monument every year. The people of Wyoming are rightly proud of the many places that display our state’s unique heritage and natural beauty.”

The Treasury will issue a coin commemorating a national park or site for each state, the District of Columbia , and U.S. Territories beginning in 2010.

The “ America ’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008,” S. 3214, is modeled after the 50 State Quarter Program. As of May of 2008, the Treasury Department received over $3.5 billion in extra revenue based on the popularity of the 50 States Quarter Program.