Two bits for an apple

Quick: Name the symbols that most clearly represent the state of Washington. We'd pick salmon and Mount Rainier.

For that reason, the most appealing design for Washington's new 25-cent piece is the one featuring Mount Rainier in the background and a large salmon jumping in the foreground.

The design would be better if an apple were included, showcasing another defining home-grown beauty, the Washington apple. But stylistically, of three finalists selected by a special advisory commission, this is the most attractive quarter. Washington is a place of spectacular beauty and this design captures the grandeur.

Salmon swim in both Eastern and Western Washington; Rainier is visible from parts of both sides of the state.

Though pleasant-looking and appealing, the orca design does not offer enough of the varied treasures of Washington.

The design featuring a map of the state with a salmon, Rainier and apples is more geographically equitable but too cluttered. The most attractive coins in the series of new quarters are the ones with clear, simple, artwork.

A Seattle Times readers' poll shows the coin with the state outline and the one with the mountain and salmon about equal in popularity, with the orca significantly behind.

This spring, final designs will be presented to the public for an online poll to help the commission make a final recommendation to Gov. Christine Gregoire; she has final say.

The governor should select the coin featuring the salmon and Mount Rainier. She can be confident it fairly represents the natural treasures of our great state.