FREEPORT (AP) – Chocolate lovers will be able to have their coins and eat them too thanks to a local candy company.

Wilbur’s of Maine worked for a year to get permission from the U.S. Mint to create a chocolate likeness of Maine’s quarter.

The launch coincides with the production of the newly minted Maine quarters, which are scheduled to go into circulation next month.

“When I heard that the coins (were) coming out, I just said ‘Ahh!’ this is a natural,” said Catherine Carty-Wilbur, co-owner of the candy company.

The candy version of the coin featuring the Pemaquid lighthouse and a three-masted schooner will be bigger than the real thing, she said.

It’ll be closer in size to a silver dollar, but it won’t cost that much, she said. The candy quarter will cost 40 cents.

AP-ES-05-15-03 0937EDT