
The America the Beautiful Quarters series, launched in 2010, features 56 unique quarter designs honoring national parks and sites across the U.S., ending in 2021.
1.1 Background and History of the Series
The America the Beautiful Quarters series was introduced in 2010 as part of a U.S. Mint initiative to celebrate the nation’s natural and historical heritage. The program, authorized by Congress, aimed to honor 56 national parks and sites across the United States and its territories. Each quarter features a unique design representing a specific location, with the reverse side depicting iconic imagery. The series ran until 2021, with five new quarters released annually. This program followed the success of earlier commemorative quarter initiatives and sought to foster pride in America’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures.
1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Quarters
The America the Beautiful Quarters series was designed to promote national pride by showcasing iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Each quarter highlights a unique site, fostering awareness of cultural and environmental heritage. The program also aimed to stimulate interest in numismatics, making coin collecting accessible to the public. By circulating these quarters, the U.S. Mint hoped to inspire travel, education, and appreciation for the nation’s diverse beauty. This initiative not only celebrated history but also supported conservation efforts through public engagement with these treasured sites.
1;3 Overview of the 56 Quarters in the Series
The America the Beautiful Quarters series includes 56 distinct designs, each representing a national site from the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Released between 2010 and 2021, the quarters celebrate diverse natural and historical landmarks, such as Hot Springs National Park and Mount Rushmore. Five new quarters were issued annually, showcasing iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Everglades. This comprehensive collection highlights the nation’s rich environmental and cultural heritage, offering a visual journey across America’s most cherished sites.
Design Elements of the America the Beautiful Quarters
The series features unique designs on the reverse, depicting national parks and monuments, while the obverse showcases a standard image of the Statue of Liberty.
2.1 The Obverse (Heads Side) Design
The obverse of the America the Beautiful Quarters features a restored version of the 1932 John Flanagan design, depicting George Washington. Introduced in 2010, it includes the inscriptions United States of America, Quarter Dollar, and Liberty. The design maintains a classic aesthetic while complementing the modern reverse designs. This consistency ensures visual cohesion across the series, with the obverse remaining unchanged throughout the program’s 12-year run.
2.2 The Reverse (Tails Side) Design
The reverse of the America the Beautiful Quarters showcases unique designs representing national parks, forests, and historic sites across the U;S. Each quarter highlights a specific location, featuring landmarks, wildlife, or cultural elements. Designs were crafted by U.S. Mint artists and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury. The imagery reflects the natural and historical significance of each site, with inscriptions including the location name and state or territory. This side varies for each quarter, celebrating America’s diverse heritage and natural beauty.
2.3 Unique Features of Each Quarter’s Design
Each America the Beautiful Quarter features a distinct reverse design, highlighting a unique natural or historical site. The designs incorporate iconic imagery such as landscapes, wildlife, or cultural symbols, making each quarter visually distinct. For example, the Grand Canyon quarter depicts the canyon’s layers, while the Mount Rushmore design showcases the presidential monument. These designs are meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of each location, with intricate details that set them apart from one another, celebrating America’s rich and diverse heritage.
2.4 The Role of the U.S. Mint in Design Selection
The U.S. Mint played a pivotal role in selecting designs for the America the Beautiful Quarters, collaborating with artists, stakeholders, and federal agencies. Designs were chosen through a rigorous review process, ensuring accuracy and relevance to each site. The Mint’s expertise in numismatic art ensured that each quarter’s design was both aesthetically pleasing and historically meaningful, reflecting the cultural and natural significance of the featured locations. This collaborative effort contributed to the series’ success and public appeal.
Key Dates and Milestones in the Series
The series began in April 2010 with the release of the Hot Springs quarter and concluded in 2021 with the Tuskegee Airmen quarter.
3.1 Launch of the First Quarter in 2010
The America the Beautiful Quarters series debuted on April 19, 2010, with the release of the Hot Springs National Park quarter. Designed by Don Everhart, it featured the park’s historic baths and the Arlington Hotel. This launch marked the beginning of a 12-year program showcasing 56 national sites. The first quarter set the tone for the series, celebrating natural and historical heritage. Its release coincided with growing interest in commemorative coins, making it a significant event for collectors and numismatists alike.
3.2 Completion of the Series in 2021
In 2021, the America the Beautiful Quarters series concluded with the release of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site quarter. This final design honored the legacy of African-American pilots during World War II. The series successfully showcased 56 national parks and historic sites, offering a visual journey across America’s diverse landscapes. The completion marked a milestone for the U.S. Mint, celebrating over a decade of cultural and historical preservation through numismatic art.
3.3 Notable Releases and Anniversaries
The series included notable releases such as the 2021 Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site quarter, commemorating African-American aviation history. The 2010 Hot Springs National Park quarter marked the program’s debut. Anniversaries like the 11th anniversary of the series’ launch in 2021 highlighted its enduring popularity. These releases not only celebrated natural and historical sites but also showcased the U.S. Mint’s commitment to numismatic art and cultural preservation, making the series a beloved collection for enthusiasts nationwide.
The List of America the Beautiful Quarters
The America the Beautiful Quarters series includes 56 unique designs from 2010 to 2021, each representing a national park or site. A PDF list provides details on each quarter’s design and release year, aiding collectors in completing their sets.
4.1 Quarters Released in 2010
The America the Beautiful Quarters series began in 2010, introducing the first five designs. These included the Hot Springs National Park quarter from Arkansas, Yellowstone National Park from Wyoming, Yosemite National Park from California, Grand Canyon National Park from Arizona, and Mount Hood National Forest from Oregon. Each quarter featured a unique reverse design showcasing iconic natural and historical sites. The obverse retained the familiar image of George Washington. These 2010 quarters marked the start of a 12-year program, sparking widespread interest among collectors.
4.2 Quarters Released in 2011
In 2011, the series continued with five new quarters. The first was the Gettysburg National Military Park quarter from Pennsylvania, honoring the historic battlefield. Next was Glacier National Park in Montana, featuring its stunning mountain landscape. The Olympic National Park quarter from Washington highlighted its diverse ecosystems. Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi commemorated the Civil War site. Finally, Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma showcased its natural springs. Each design celebrated unique aspects of America’s natural and historical heritage.
4.3 Quarters Released in 2012
In 2012, five new quarters were released. The first was El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, featuring a tropical rainforest. Next was Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, highlighting ancient Puebloan ruins. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park followed, depicting Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The Denali National Park and Preserve quarter from Alaska showcased Mount Denali and wildlife. Lastly, the Acadia National Park quarter from Maine featured the rugged coastline. Each design reflected unique natural and cultural landmarks across America.
4.4 Quarters Released in 2013
In 2013, the series continued with five new quarters. The White Mountain National Forest quarter from New Hampshire featured Mount Washington with flowers and a trail. Ohio’s Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial showcased the monument with waves and the USS Lawrence. Nevada’s Great Basin National Park highlighted a bristlecone pine tree. Maryland’s Fort McHenry depicted the iconic flag and fireworks scene. Lastly, South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore National Memorial quarter featured the presidential sculpture with the sun rising.
4.5 Quarters Released in 2014
The 2014 America the Beautiful Quarters honored five unique sites. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park quarter from Tennessee featured a historic log cabin and tree. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia depicted a white-tailed deer grazing. Arsenal Island from Iowa highlighted a Bald Eagle flying over the Mississippi River. Cumberland Gap in Kentucky showed a horseback rider near the gap. Lastly, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park featured Kīlauea Volcano with lava flowing into the ocean.
4.6 Quarters Released in 2015
The 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters celebrated five national sites. The Homestead National Monument of America quarter from Nebraska featured a sodding scene. Saratoga National Historical Park in New York depicted a scene from the Revolutionary War. Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina showed a car on the parkway. Kings Canyon National Park in California featured the General Grant Grove. Lastly, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota highlighted the iconic presidential monument.
4.7 Quarters Released in 2016
The 2016 America the Beautiful Quarters highlighted five national sites. The Illinois quarter featured Shawnee National Forest, showcasing Camel Rock. Kentucky honored Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, depicting a horseback rider. West Virginia celebrated Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, with John Brown’s Fort. North Dakota highlighted Theodore Roosevelt National Park, showing a bison. Lastly, South Carolina featured Fort Moultrie, commemorating the Revolutionary War.
4.8 Quarters Released in 2017
In 2017, five unique America the Beautiful Quarters were released. The Effigy Mounds National Monument quarter from Iowa featured an earthen bird mound. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter from Washington, D.C., showcased his historic home. Missouri’s Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarter depicted a canoe on the Current River. New Jersey’s Ellis Island quarter highlighted the iconic immigration station. Finally, Indiana’s George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter featured the memorial to the Revolutionary War hero.
4.9 Quarters Released in 2018
In 2018, five America the Beautiful Quarters were issued. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter from Michigan featured a kayak near sandstone cliffs. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarter from Wisconsin depicted a kayaker near the Devils Island sea caves. The Voyageurs National Park quarter from Minnesota showed a canoe and the northern lights. The Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter from Georgia highlighted a horse on the beach. Lastly, the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter from Rhode Island featured a black-crowned night-heron in flight.
4.10 Quarters Released in 2019
In 2019, five America the Beautiful Quarters were released. The Lowell National Historical Park quarter from Massachusetts featured a mill girl at work. The American Memorial Park quarter from the Northern Mariana Islands depicted a young Chamorro scout. The War in the Pacific National Historical Park quarter from Guam showed a scene of American forces landing. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park quarter from Texas highlighted mission architecture. Lastly, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarter from Idaho featured a drift boat on the Salmon River.
4.11 Quarters Released in 2020
In 2020, five America the Beautiful Quarters were issued. The National Park of American Samoa quarter featured a Samoan fruit bat and a juvenile sea turtle. The Weir Farm National Historic Site quarter from Connecticut depicted artist J. Alden Weir painting outdoors. The Salt River Bay National Historical Park quarter from the U.S. Virgin Islands showed a fouga sailing canoe. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park quarter from Vermont highlighted land stewardship. Lastly, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve quarter from Kansas featured a greater prairie chicken.
4.12 Quarters Released in 2021
In 2021, the final year of the series, five quarters were released. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site quarter from Alabama featured a pilot and an aircraft. The General Grant National Memorial quarter from Mississippi depicted Grant writing his memoirs. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park quarter from North Carolina and Tennessee showed a black bear and a log cabin. The Weir Farm National Historic Site quarter from Connecticut highlighted artist J. Alden Weir; The Salt River Bay National Historical Park quarter from the U.S. Virgin Islands featured a fouga sailing canoe.
Collecting the America the Beautiful Quarters
Collecting the America the Beautiful quarters is a popular hobby, offering a unique way to explore U.S. history and natural beauty. Starting a collection involves acquiring all 56 designs, considering mint marks and condition. Collectors often prioritize rarity and quality, using albums or folders for organization and displaying their sets proudly.
5.1 Tips for Starting a Collection
Starting a collection of America the Beautiful quarters begins with a checklist of all 56 designs. Use albums or folders to organize and protect your coins. Prioritize mint condition to maintain value. Research the release timeline (2010–2021) to track your progress. Consider focusing on specific states or parks to personalize your collection. Join collector communities for tips and resources. Utilize official U.S. Mint guides for authenticity and detailed information. Happy collecting!
5.2 The Appeal of the Series to Collectors
The America the Beautiful Quarters series captivates collectors with its diverse designs, showcasing 56 unique national parks and sites. The series’ educational value, highlighting U.S. natural and historical treasures, adds depth. Collectors appreciate the artistic detail and historical significance of each quarter. The limited release (2010–2021) creates a sense of completion, making it accessible for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The variety ensures a engaging challenge to gather every design, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to America’s heritage.
5.3 Challenges in Completing the Set
Completing the America the Beautiful Quarters set presents several challenges. The series spans 56 designs, requiring significant time and effort to collect all. Availability can fluctuate, especially for older releases, and certain quarters may be harder to find. Additionally, some designs have lower mintage numbers, increasing rarity. Collectors must also account for variations, such as the “W” mint mark quarters released in 2021, adding complexity to the set. Patience and dedication are essential for overcoming these obstacles and achieving a complete collection. The pursuit can be rewarding but demands persistence and thorough research.
5.4 Resources for Collectors
Collectors of the America the Beautiful Quarters can utilize various resources to aid their pursuit. The U.S. Mint offers official publications and design guides, providing detailed information on each quarter. Collector guides and catalogs, such as the Red Book, list values and historical context. Online communities and forums, like CoinTalk or Reddit’s r/coins, connect enthusiasts for trading and advice. Additionally, digital tools and apps help track collections and set reminders for new releases. These resources empower collectors to make informed decisions and enhance their collecting experience.
The Legacy of the America the Beautiful Quarters
The America the Beautiful Quarters legacy includes promoting national parks, fostering numismatic interest, and educating the public about U.S. geography and history through its designs.
6.1 Impact on Numismatic Collecting
The America the Beautiful Quarters significantly boosted numismatic collecting. Issued from 2010 to 2021, the 56-coin series inspired collectors with its diverse designs, showcasing national parks and monuments. The program attracted both seasoned collectors and newcomers, revitalizing interest in coin collecting. Its success led to increased demand for commemorative coins, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts and educators. The series also highlighted the U.S. Mint’s ability to create visually striking coins, leaving a lasting legacy in American numismatics.
6.2 Cultural and Historical Significance
The America the Beautiful Quarters series holds profound cultural and historical significance by celebrating the nation’s diverse natural and historical landmarks. Each quarter represents a unique site, fostering pride in America’s heritage and promoting environmental awareness. The series educates the public about lesser-known national treasures, preserving their legacy for future generations. By honoring these sites, the coins became symbols of national identity, bridging the gap between numismatics and cultural preservation. They inspire appreciation for America’s natural beauty and historical richness, making them timeless collectibles.
6.3 Future of the Series and Similar Initiatives
The America the Beautiful Quarters series concluded in 2021, but its legacy opens doors for future initiatives. The U.S. Mint may consider similar programs, such as coins commemorating national monuments or iconic American figures. These initiatives could further promote cultural awareness and historical preservation. Future series might incorporate advanced design techniques, offering fresh perspectives on American heritage. Such programs would continue to inspire collectors and educators, fostering a deeper connection to the nation’s history and natural treasures through numismatics.
The America the Beautiful Quarters series successfully celebrated the nation’s diverse natural and historical heritage, inspiring collectors and educators alike with its educational and cultural significance.
7.1 Final Thoughts on the Series
The America the Beautiful Quarters series stands as a testament to the nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of artistry and historical significance. By featuring 56 distinct designs, the series not only educated the public about iconic sites but also fostered a deeper appreciation for conservation and history. Its popularity among collectors and educators alike underscores its enduring legacy.
The series concludes its 11-year journey, leaving behind a collection that inspires future generations to explore and cherish America’s landmarks. Its impact on numismatics and cultural awareness remains unparalleled, ensuring its place in the annals of U.S. coinage history.
7.2 Encouragement to Explore and Collect
Embark on a journey to explore the America the Beautiful Quarters, a series that beautifully captures the nation’s natural and cultural treasures. Collecting these quarters offers a fun and educational experience, allowing you to learn about iconic sites across the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this series provides a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. The availability of a comprehensive list in PDF format makes it easier to track and complete your collection, ensuring every quarter tells a story of America’s heritage.
Take the first step today and discover the thrill of collecting these stunning coins. With a detailed PDF guide, you can effortlessly navigate the series, making your collecting journey both enjoyable and rewarding. Let these quarters inspire you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of America’s landmarks.
References and Resources
Official U.S. Mint publications, collector guides, and online communities provide detailed information and resources for the America the Beautiful Quarters series, including comprehensive lists and collector tools.
8.1 Official U.S. Mint Publications
The United States Mint offers official publications, including annual reports, collector guides, and design catalogs, which provide detailed information on the America the Beautiful Quarters series. These resources include high-resolution images, design descriptions, and historical context, making them invaluable for collectors and researchers. The Mint also publishes guidelines for using quarter designs in educational and promotional materials, ensuring accurate representation of the series. These official materials are accessible online and serve as authoritative references for enthusiasts of the America the Beautiful Quarters program.
8.2 Collector Guides and Catalogs
Collector guides and catalogs provide comprehensive lists and details about the America the Beautiful Quarters series. These resources include mintage numbers, design descriptions, and historical context, helping collectors identify and organize their collections. Many guides offer tips for completing the set and highlight rare or unique variations; Catalogs often feature high-quality images and specifications, making them essential tools for both novice and experienced collectors. They are widely available online and in print, catering to the growing community of America the Beautiful Quarters enthusiasts.
8.3 Online Communities and Forums
Online communities and forums dedicated to the America the Beautiful Quarters series serve as vibrant hubs for collectors. Platforms like Reddit’s coin collecting communities and specialized forums offer spaces to discuss the series, share knowledge, and showcase collections. These forums often feature detailed discussions about designs, rarity, and collecting tips. Collectors can also trade coins, learn about market trends, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Active participation in these communities fosters a sense of belonging and provides valuable resources for both newcomers and seasoned collectors.