The title of the Arizona State Quarter design is "Grand Canyon State." The coin depicts the Grand Canyon at sunrise, along with a Saguaro Cactus, which is the Arizona State Flower. The design for Arizona Quarter was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz, and engraved by U.S. Mint Medallic Sculptor Joseph Menna.
Most people aren't going to realize it (or care,) but that banner with the words "Grand Canyon State" on it is a critical element of this coin's design. The Saguaro Cactus doesn't grow in the Grand Canyon, so lest people begin to assume otherwise, the banner has been strategically placed to affirm to one and all that the cactus and the canyon are meant to be perceived separately. Actually, there is an incredible amount of minutiae that go into the design and engraving of coins that most people, even longtime coin collectors, have never thought about. For example, care must be taken to keep the high points of the obverse side of the design at different places than the high points on the reverse side of the coin, so that the metal flows properly to fill out the dies upon striking. The you have the psychological minutiae, such as employing a banner to keep people from thinking that Saguaro Cacti grow in the Grand Canyon!
Most people aren't going to realize it (or care,) but that banner with the words "Grand Canyon State" on it is a critical element of this coin's design. The Saguaro Cactus doesn't grow in the Grand Canyon, so lest people begin to assume otherwise, the banner has been strategically placed to affirm to one and all that the cactus and the canyon are meant to be perceived separately. Actually, there is an incredible amount of minutiae that go into the design and engraving of coins that most people, even longtime coin collectors, have never thought about. For example, care must be taken to keep the high points of the obverse side of the design at different places than the high points on the reverse side of the coin, so that the metal flows properly to fill out the dies upon striking. The you have the psychological minutiae, such as employing a banner to keep people from thinking that Saguaro Cacti grow in the Grand Canyon!