Two America the Beautiful Quarters proof sets launched this month — the clad set on Feb. 3 for $14.95 and the silver set this past Friday for $31.95. This article offers a short photo overview of the earlier released clad proof set.
Nearly everyone likes proof coins, making sets of them popular. Struck at the United States Mint in San Francisco, they’re more attractive than regular circulating coins minted in Denver and Philadelphia. Proof finishes present sharp frosted designs that pop against their mirror-like backgrounds.
Both silver and clad sets of 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters feature five collector proof quality coins with designs commemorating 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, and Saratoga National Historical Park in New York. Below are two photos showing the reverse or tails side of this year’s quarters which bear designs emblematic of these sites. As proofs, the Mint packages them inside a lens case for protection.
The background color in lenses of clad coins are brown, like above, while those holding silver coins are black. This helps in differentiating the two types.
These next two photos show obverse or heads side of the proof quarters with their portrait of George Washington.
Finally, the back of the certificate of authenticity card offers specifications of the quarters. This next photo shows it.
Proof sets of varying types, including those with more than quarters, are available from the United States Mint right here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Why does the 2010 America the Beautiful quarters proof set packaging have a blue background verses 2011-2015 which have brown package backing?