Following up on the wild success of America's 1999-2008 Statehood Quarter program and one-year D.C. and U.S. Territories quarters program, the U.S. Mint introduced the National Park Quarter series in 2010. Featuring unique new reverse designs that celebrate the majesty of our nation's most beautiful and historic locations, these coins give us a glimpse into the interesting sites around the country.
These commemorative quarters were issued at a rate of 5 different designs each year (with one final design released in 2021). A unique reverse design was released for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the 5 U.S. territories. Each national park or historic site was selected for its natural and historical significance.
Unique reverses every 10 weeks
The 56 different state, district and territory designs are featured on the reverse side of the quarters and are representative of the unique character and environment of the national park or historic site. Like the Statehood quarters program, the National Park quarters are minted and issued at a rate of five new designs per year, in approximately ten-week intervals. The coins are released in the order that the locations were first designated as national sites. Once the scheduled ten-week period of production is over for each issue, no more quarters of that design will be minted for circulation.
Obverse features the "father of our country"
The obverse side of each quarter continues to feature a smaller restoration of the original Washington quarter portrait, modeled from designer John Flanagan's 1932 plaster. It honors George Washington – Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and first U.S. President. The mint mark is located on the obverse, along with the inscriptions united states of america, liberty, in god we trust and quarter dollar.
Mints and Mint Marks
Coin struck for general circulation bear a Philadelphia "P" mint mark or a Denver "D" mint mark signifying where the coins were produced. Special-issue Proof quarters bear the "S" mint mark of San Francisco and are available in both clad and 90% silver versions.
Beginning in 2012, the San Francisco Mint also began issuing low-mintage Uncirculated quarters. These were the first of their kind since 1954, and were struck in limited quantities for collectors (not released for circulation).
Then, in 2019, the U.S. Mint announced that 2 million of each quarter design that year (honoring Lowell National Historical Park, American Memorial Park, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) would feature the "W" mint mark of the West Point facility! While West Point had issued quarters in the past, they – like the quarters from the Philadelphia facility – bore a "P" mint mark, making it impossible to tell the two apart.
A wide range of collecting opportunities
With a total of 56 different designs, this series opens up wide-ranging opportunities for collectors! Whether you prefer Uncirculated issues, Proofs, coins enhanced in rich color or those presented in custom holders, this series has it all!
