One side of the Washington County America 250 commemorative coin with the dates 1776 and 2026, along with the date Washington County was established, 1788. (Photo provided by Shannon Beacham)

MARIETTA — The local group organizing the America 250 celebration in Washington County released a limited-edition commemorative coin to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of the nation.

There are 250 coins produced and available for purchase at $22 per coin. The coins are being sold at a first-come-first-served basis.

The coin features General Rufus Putnam, the founder of Marietta, on one side of the coin. The other side features the America 250 Ohio emblem with the dates 1776 and 2026. The coin also includes a reference to the establishment of Washington County in 1788.

“Not only is this commemorative coin something to treasure from this once-in-a-lifetime celebration,” said Teresa Judson who is the Washington County recorder and head of the Washington County America 250 committee. “But the proceeds from the sales of this coin will help fund some of the exciting events planned throughout the county this year.”

Along with the coin, the committee is putting together events which can be found on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com and mariettaohio.org/america-250/ .

One side of the Washington County America 250 commemorative coin features General Rufus Putnam and the date the Northwest Territory was established.(Photo provided by Shannon Beacham)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com