PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart was in Pago Pago for the launching of the American Samoa quarter.

The coin is part of a program authorized by Congress after the 50-state quarter program proved to be so popular and profitable.
Brunhart said Thursday that the coin honoring American Samoa’s “vibrant traditional culture and rugged beauty is a welcome addition to American coinage.”
One side of the coin depicts an ava bowl, which is used in a ceremony to welcome guests and visitors. The other side bears the inscription “Samoa Muamua Le Atua,” which in Samoan means, “Samoa, God is First.”
Youngsters under 17 who attended the launching were given free quarters.
American Samoa is a U.S. territory located in the South Pacific, about 2,300 miles south of Hawaii.