It's a foundational part of America's heritage, both culturally and politically. I believe it was the first such compact of self-government in the American colonies. The bust on the dime is a personification of Liberty, which was featured on nearly all US coinage up until the twentieth century.
Yes the Liberty question was rhetorical. The image is more like a cleaning woman. But the other thing is a stretch at best. There were tons of important things going on in 1776 that could have been used instead.
It's not the sort of classical style of Liberty, but I don't mind it. I'm just glad that she's back and I wish they would keep the design for more than just a year. The Mayflower Compact quarter is, fittingly, just the first in a series celebrating America's history and heritage. I think there will be three or four others, including a Revolutionary War commemorative design.
Well, for the 5 quarters this year, by your logic, only 2 qualify for 1776, the Revolutionary War Quarter and the Declaration of Independence Quarter The Mayflower Compact Quarter, U.S. Constitution Quarter (1787) and the Gettysburg Address Quarter (1863) would not. But, all 4 are foundations of our country
I don't even collect nickels, but I found this in a coin shop in the dollar jar. I still think it's very nice, even though I have no interest in the series. Pardon my usual terrible photography.