America the Beautiful quarters

America the Beautiful quarters. They are a series of 56 quarter dollar coins issued by the United States Mint from 2010 to 2021. The program honored a national park or other national site in each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Each coin features a unique reverse design depicting a natural or historic landmark.

Background and authorization

The program was authorized by the America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008, which was passed by the 110th United States Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. This legislation followed the highly successful 50 State quarters program, which concluded in 2008. The Secretary of the Treasury was tasked with selecting sites in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the chief executive of each state or territory. The National Park Service and the United States Forest Service were primary sources for the chosen locations, which included national parks, forests, monuments, and recreation areas.

Design and specifications

The obverse of each coin features a restored version of the familiar 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan. The reverse designs are unique and were created through a multi-step process involving the United States Mint's artistic staff, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, and the Commission of Fine Arts. Each design depicts a specific site, such as the Old Faithful geyser for Yellowstone National Park or the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in Ohio. The coins have a standard diameter of 24.26 millimeters, a clad composition of copper and nickel, and a reeded edge. Special San Francisco strikes in .999 fine silver were also produced for collectors.

Release schedule and mintages

Five new quarter designs were released each year in the order the honored site was first established as a national park or site. The schedule began in 2010 with Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and concluded in 2021 with Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama. Coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the Denver Mint, and for proof sets at the San Francisco Mint. Annual mintages for circulation coins varied widely, from several hundred million for popular designs to under 200 million for others. The lowest mintage circulation coin from the Philadelphia Mint was the 2019 War in the Pacific National Historical Park quarter for Guam.

Collecting and public reception

The series was actively collected by the public, with many pursuing coins through coin roll hunting or purchasing annual proof sets and silver bullion coins from the United States Mint. Publications like Coin World and organizations such as the American Numismatic Association provided extensive coverage and educational resources. While not as ubiquitously popular as the preceding 50 State quarters, the program maintained steady interest and was praised for highlighting lesser-known natural treasures like Great Basin National Park in Nevada and Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. Some criticism focused on design consistency and the perceived obscurity of certain selected sites.

Related programs and legacy

The America the Beautiful quarters program directly inspired subsequent circulating coin programs, including the American Women quarters which began in 2022. The program's legacy includes the popular associated America the Beautiful silver bullion coins, which are five-ounce .999 fine silver versions of the quarter designs produced at the West Point Mint. These large bullion coins, authorized by the same 2008 act, became a significant product for precious metals investors and collectors. The program also forged a lasting numismatic link between American currency and the nation's protected public lands, from Yosemite National Park to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Category:Coins of the United States Category:2010 introductions Category:2021 disestablishments in the United States