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South Carolina Quarters Bring the Palmetto to the Big TimeSouth Carolina quarters, representing The Palmetto State, not surprisingly bear the image of a palmetto tree.For those unfamiliar with the palmetto, it is a palm-like tree with a historical, even dramatic, connection to the state. During the American Revolution, the British attempted to move warships into Charleston Harbor. This didn’t sit well with local patriots, who hastily constructed fortifications of sand and – palmetto logs. Installing cannon and deploying sharpshooters within these seemingly insubstantial barricades, the South Carolinians drove off the British ships on a not so glorious day for the Royal Navy. It wasn't that the British gunners were poor shots, but rather, the soft and spongy palmetto logs which, along with the sand, absorbed the shock of the naval shells. South Carolina markmanship being what it is, and relatively free from distracting damage to their fort, the homeboyz ruled, as it were. Also seen on the coins is the Carolina Wren, a symbol of hospitality, and the ever pleasant Yellow Jessamine flower. These, together with the palmetto, co-exist with an outline of the state.
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