Final designs for the 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters have been released by the United States Mint.
2015 marks the sixth year in the series of America the Beautiful Quarters and America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Coins. The coins pertain to the twenty-sixth through the thirtieth issues and honor:
- Homestead National Monument of America in Nebraska
- Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana
- Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware
- Saratoga National Historical Park in New York
It has been the U.S. Mint’s tradition to release quarters in different months throughout the year. The corresponding 2015 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins and the 2015 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coins will share the same designs as the quarters, but their release dates are less predictable.
As indicated in the name, America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Coins have 5 troy ounces of 99.9% pure silver. Their diameters are 3.00 inches, and they have a thickness of 0.165 inches (4.19 mm). Bullion versions, intended for investors, are distributed through authorized purchasers for a few dollars per ounce over spot. The U.S. Mint sells uncirculated versions directly to the public at a premium with prices for this year’s coins now at $154.95 each.
Reverse Images of 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters and Coin Designs
Below are line art images with brief descriptions for all five designs that will be seen on the reverse side of the quarters and five ounce silver coins.
Homestead National Monument of America (Nebraska)
On the reverse of the Homestead National Monument quarter and five ounce silver coins, the corn stalks, log home, and outdoor water pump represent three survival fundamentals common to homesteaders: food, shelter, and water. Inscriptions around the design are HOMESTEAD, NEBRASKA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Ronald D. Sanders designed the reverse. U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz will be the sculptor.
Kisatchie National Forest (Louisiana)
Reverses of Kisatchie National Forest quarters and five ounce silver coins feature a wild turkey flying just over blue stem grass. Long leaf pine trees line the background. Inscriptions are KISATCHIE, LOUISIANA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Credit goes to AIP artist Susan Gamble for the design, and the sculpting will be by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina)
Blue Ridge Parkway coins display a curved road hugging the side of a mountain as it enters a tunnel. The North Carolina state flower populates the foreground. Around the design are inscriptions of BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, NORTH CAROLINA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Designing the reverse was AIP artist Frank Morris with sculpting going to U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Delaware)
For Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge quarters and five ounce silver coins, a great blue heron is shown in the foreground and a great egret appears in the background. They populate the refuge’s tidal salt marsh. Inscriptions encircle the design with BOMBAY HOOK, DELAWARE, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The reverse was the work of AIP artist Joel Iskowitz. It will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
Saratoga National Historical Park (New York)
Saratoga National Historical Park coins offer a close-up of the moment British General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword to American General Horatio Gates, representing a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Outside inscriptions include SARATOGA, NEW YORK, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Next to the sword are inscriptions BRITISH SURRENDER 1777.
This reverse was drawn by AIP artist Barbara Fox. U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon is the designated sculptor.
Edges and Obverse Designs on ATB Quarters and 5 Oz Silver Coin
America the Beautiful coinage share the same obverse design, a portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. This image has been featured on quarter-dollar coins since 1932. The portrait underwent digital enhancements in 2010 to bring out more of the beauty of the original model.
Obverse inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR.
Edges differ between the two sizes of coins. For the quarters, a familiar reeded edge like the dime is utilized. For the three-inch, five-ounce coins, the edge is smooth with an inscribed 999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE to represent the fineness of metal and weight.
America the Beautiful Quarters
In 2010, the U.S. Mint debuted the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, which originated from Congress’ America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008, Public Law 110-456.
Five new designs per year represent a national park or other national site in each state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Sites and design themes were selected and announced in 2009, and over 11 years, releases for each one will occur in chronological order according to the date which each one was first designated a national site. The last coin, #56, will launch in 2021.