It may not be something avid coin collectors are looking for, but the popular America the Beautiful quarters, which depict the splendor of our nation’s National Parks and Historic places, remains a fun way for the general public to get to know the country in which they live.
With its first release in 2010, the program has been a real hit amongst children and adults across the nation for almost a decade. Showcasing some of the country’s most popular, and even somewhat obscure, historic sites and National parks, the America the Beautiful program was designed to help increase awareness of the wonderful areas the United States has to offer both its citizens and tourists.
Featuring 56 unique designs, with five being released each year between 2010 and 2021, the program prides itself on showcasing the best our nation has to offer. Arkansas was granted the first release in April 2010, highlighting Hot Springs National Park. Alabama will feature the last quarter in the series, highlighting the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Each coin is released in the order in which the national park or historic site was officially established.
How the Designs Were Chosen
Every state, territory and the District of Columbia will be featured within the series. Some will highlight a national park on their quarter, while others will feature a historic site that they are proud of.
Of course, figuring out what site to promote and which design to use hasn’t always been easy. While the front of the coin must feature the original portrait of George Washington as depicted on the 1932 Washington Quarter, the reverse (or back) side of the coin is up to the state or province, as long as it fits the general guidelines outlined in the America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008. According to the rules set by Congress, the coins must depict the natural or historical significance of the state, District of Columbia or Territory.
Designs may not feature any person, business, civic, religious sports or organizations of the area. Instead, only depictions of a natural resource, park or historic site may be rendered. Outlines or maps of the host’s jurisdiction are also prohibited.
All designs were subject to approval by the state governor and the Secretary of the Treasury at the time, Timothy Geithner.
Silver Bullion Added
In addition to the standard quarters released through the program, the United States Mint were also offered the opportunity to release a limited number of Silver Bullion coin for each design to help spur interest in the program by serious collectors.
These five ounce, .999 fine silver bullion coins are three inches in diameter and have a nominal face value of 25 cents. These are the first five ounce, three inch, .999 fine silver bullion coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
Learn More
While these unique quarters are not worth much (other than their face value), they certainly have made an impact on the Numismatic world, creating more interest in the hobby amongst a new generation. If you are interested in learning more about these particular quarters, or other coins, stop in to speak with the coin dealers at Roswell Gold, Silver and Coins.