State's first lady resubmits design of quarter to Mint

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri first lady Lori Hauser Holden on Friday resubmitted one of the state's quarter designs to the U.S. Mint after the original artist expressed concerns about the Mint's interpretation of the design.

"While we understand the Mint retains full discretion over the design concepts, we also want to insure that the Office of the First Lady communicates Missouri's concerns throughout this process," Holden said.

The artist, Paul Jackson of Columbia, expressed anger over the Mint's reworking of his original design, showing explorers Lewis and Clark paddling a canoe. In the distant background is the St. Louis Arch, symbolizing Missouri's role in westward expansion.

When Jackson's image came back from the Mint, a third person had been added to the canoe -- one writer tagged them "Larry, Moe and Curly" -- with the nose of the canoe more prominent and the rear appearing submerged. The Arch's curves were also changed, while greenery along the river bank was eliminated.

In April, Jackson described the changes as "sabotage."

The Mint will determine whether more of the original design can be incorporated into the final design that will be voted on by Missourians. The final voting is scheduled for May 28, but any changes to the design would delay that date.