Pony Express delivered the coins, and Mark Twain gave them away. So went the launch of the first state quarter of 2006, Nevada.

On the steps of the State Capitol Building in Carson City on Jan. 31, dignitaries such as Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn, Nevada Treasurer Brian Krolicki and Acting U.S. Mint Director David Lebryk helped usher in the new quarter.

The quarters, which depict a trio of galloping wild horses, were delivered by Pony Express. Actor McAvoy Layne played Twain and assisted in handing out Nevada quarters to children who attended the launch. A quarter exchange followed the launch, at which time the public exchanged bills for $10 rolls of the quarters.

No sales figures for the new Nevada quarter were available at press time. Sales began Jan. 30.