What better way to celebrate the new millennium than featuring the bust of Queen Charlotte Sophia, for whom the city was named, on the Year 2000 Charlotte Coin?

Charlotte Sophia (1744-1818) was the wife of King George III of England. Mecklenburg County was named in honor of Queen Charlotte's homeland, Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany.

On November 7, 1768, "Charlotte Town" was incorporated. Even though the residents disagreed with British laws, they hoped to win favor with King George III by naming the town for his wife Queen Charlotte. Queen Charlotte is the great-great-great-great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's current monarch.

The Charlotte Coin and Park! Center City Validation program have made visiting Charlotte's Center City area more convenient and less expensive. The universal $1 Charlotte Coin is redeemable at parking lots and garages participating in the Park! Center City program. In addition, the coin is accepted in the City's onstreet parking meters and may be used for rides on CATS buses and the Charlotte Trolley.

Bi-metal tokens are available at a cost of $1. To purchase a bi-metal edition of the 2000 Charlotte Coin in a commemorative gift casing, visit the Park It! office at 229 S. Brevard Street or charge by phone by calling Park It! at 704-375-3177.