Today, March 31, the United States Mint started selling Shenandoah National Park Quarters. Products now available include bags and rolls of the coins that commemorate the park in Virginia.
The release happens in conjunction with the launch of the new quarters into circulation via the Federal Reserve Bank’s system, but it will take time for them to appear in everyone’s pocket change. For those who do not want to wait or want more options, the U.S. Mint is offering them directly to the public in 40-coin rolls, two-roll sets, three-roll sets, and 100-coin bags with choices of quarters originating from Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco.
While these Shenandoah quarters are in circulation quality, they come directly from the Mint’s facilities and will have never circulated, meaning they will be in very good shape compared to others that you may eventually see in change. Also, the coins from the San Francisco facility are unique in that they are only struck for numismatic sales. They will not go through banking channels like quarters from Philadelphia and Denver.
Shenandoah National Park is the second site of five up for honors this year in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program from the U.S. Mint. Overall, they are the 22nd to launch since the series was introduced in 2010.
Designs and Sculpting of Shenandoah Quarters
Obverses are the same for every America the Beautiful Quarter. They feature the 1932 portrait of President George Washington by John Flanagan. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and QUARTER DOLLAR. The mint mark of S, P or D is also shown.
On the reverse of the Shenandoah quarter is a hiker atop Little Stony Man summit inside the park in the Skyland Area. The image was designed and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions are SHENANDOAH, VIRGINIA, 2014, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Phebe hiked to Little Stony Man where she took the photos she used to create her quarter design. Last year, Mike and Darrin Unser of CoinNews visited Philadelphia to see how U.S. Mint artists sculpt. They were fortunate to spend some time talking with Phebe and see her in action. Here are a two more photos they took while visiting with her:
Numismatic Bags and Rolls – Prices and Options
The table below shows new U.S. Mint product releases featuring 2014 Shenandoah quarters.
| Product | U.S. Mint Facility | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40-coin roll | San Francisco | $18.95 |
| Two-roll Set | 40 Philadelphia & 40 Denver coins | $32.95 |
| Three-roll Set | San Francisco, Philadelphia, & Denver | $46.95 |
| 100-coin bag | San Francisco | $34.95 |
| 100-coin bag | Philadelphia | $34.95 |
| 100-coin bag | Denver | $34.95 |
Where to Order Shenandoah Quarters
Orders are being accepted by United States Mint via their product page online or by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A $4.95 standard shipping and handling charge applies to all domestic orders. No household ordering limits or mintage limits apply. Consumer demand will dictate final mintages.
Quarter Launch Ceremonial Release, Coin Exchange and Coin Forum
Described in more detail in this previous coin news article, the U.S. Mint and the National Park Service will host the official Shenandoah National Park Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange on Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Skyline High School in Front Royal, VA, at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The events are free to the public. The coin exchange will immediately follow the ceremony.
In addition, the U.S. Mint will conduct a free public coin forum the night before the ceremony. All attendees are welcome to ask U.S. Mint officials questions about U.S. coinage. It will be held the Rappahannock County Library, 4 Library Road, Washington, VA at 5:30 p.m.
About America the Beautiful Quarters
In 2010, the Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program debuted. Much like the 50-state quarter series from a few years ago, each state, territory, and the District of Columbia will be represented. Only national parks and other national sites will be featured on the reverse of the coins. With five new coins appearing each year, the program will last until at least 2021.
The parks on the 2014-dated America the Beautiful Quarters in the order of their release are as follows: Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Arches National Park in Utah, Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, and Everglades National Park in Florida.
Shenandoah National Park is located 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its breathtaking scenery and well-traveled hiking trails. A 105-mile road, called Skyline Drive, meanders through the entire length of the park.
To keep up to date on the series, visit this site’s section of news about quarters.