Nebraska's quarter is ready for use. The commemorative coin was officially put into circulation at ceremonies on Friday.

The official launch of the state's quarter was part pep rally, sales push and jubilant celebration, all geared to generate enthusiasm for the new coin featuring a covered wagon heading out of the state past Chimney Rock.

Not everyone was buying it.

"It's good," said 11-year-old Hasan Tran of Lincoln when asked what he thought of the new quarter. "But I wanted Standing Bear."

A design featuring the American Indian chief was passed over -- along with one depicting the Sower statue and the state Capitol -- in favor of Chimney Rock.

The chosen design, picked by Governor Dave Heineman, is "stunning" and "beautiful," said David Lebryk, acting director of the U.S. Mint.

"All of them are quite extraordinary," he said of the five quarters being released this year. But he said Nebraska's was "an eye stopper."

The coin will be minted for 10 weeks and go into general circulation starting Friday. Between 750 million and 800 million will be made, Lebryk said.