Earlier today, Jan. 11, the United States Mint released its newest product for coin collectors, the 2016 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set for $14.95.
This product is the first opportunity to get all five 2016-dated quarters featuring unique artwork that commemorate the following national sites:
- Shawnee National Forest in Illinois
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
- Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument) in South Carolina
Emblematic designs of these sites appear on the respective quarter’s reverses (tails side) while the familiar portrait of George Washington appear on the other sides.
Proof Coin Finish
Quarters of the set are in proof finish, the highest Mint quality. They feature frosty designs, mirror-like backgrounds, and they are struck more than once in coining presses so they show more detail.
Produced at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco and carrying their "S" mint mark, they’re simply more attractive than regular circulating coins minted in Denver and Philadelphia.
The coins are placed in a protective lens, as seen above, to preserve their quality. This lens is then packaged in an illustrated box along with a certificate of authenticity.
Ordering
Order 2016 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Sets via this U.S. Mint’s product page or call the toll-free number at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
Update: The U.S. Mint suspended sales of the set due to a printing error on the packaging (incorrect image of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park). Sales are expected to resume in the April timeframe.
Update 2: The set was relaunched with updated packaging on Feb. 23.
There are no mintage limits, product limits, or household order limits. Production will be determined based on demand. If figures for recent sets are an indication, at least 100,000 will sell.
Photos of 2016 Proof Quarters
CoinNews visited the San Francisco Mint to watch 2016-dated proof coins produced and packaged. We will talk more about their new packaging system in an upcoming article. Earlier, we ran image-centric articles on this year’s quarters and included names of the different artists and U.S. Mint sculptors that had a major role in creating them. For those articles, see:
- Photos of 2016 Shawnee quarters
- Photos of 2016 Cumberland Gap quarters
- Photos of 2016 Harpers Ferry quarters
- Photos of 2016 Theodore Roosevelt National Park quarters
- Photos of the 2016 Fort Moultrie Quarters
Next Two Quarter Products
One more America the Beautiful Quarter product will debut this month. A 90% silver version of this set launches on Jan. 25 for $31.95.
A few of days later, on Feb. 1, the United States Mint will release circulating-quality Shawnee National Forest quarters in rolls and bags at prices ranging from $18.95 to $46.95. The second through fifth quarters enter circulation in April, June, August and November.
Will there be a later change up to 99% silver later in the year, or is this it for 2016?
What they have nothing better in Texas then to worry about mint TM? Better hurry, the mint will withdraw from sale in Dec. 2018….
I was just browsing the Mink’s website, it seems the 2016 Proof quarters set (16AP) has been moved to the TBD category. Maybe the Mint will put it back for sale in the morning ……
Nope they didn’t …. what a mess .. the Mint needs a total overhaul from top to bottom … start at the top .. the Mint Director designate seems to be AWOL
Tinto – As Johnny Carson’s sidekick Ed McMahon used to say to Johnny’s comments, “Yes, you are right Sir!” Your comments are right on point Tinto. The new U.S. Mint Principal Deputy Director (I nicknamed him “Deputy Dawg”) is from the U.S. government’s Small Business Administration & I think he brought his small mind with him when he transferred to the U.S. Mint from what I hear on the numismatic grapevine! What a mess he is creating in an already rudderless ship called the U.S.S. Mint cargo ship full of precious booty. He seems to be not only AWOL but… Read more »
NumisDudeTX – that is very disappointing to hear. He is a former Marine Officer and for that reason a lone I had high hopes for some positive change and focused direction. From my bystander perspective, there just doesn’t seem to be much ownership, and certainly very little presence. I respected Mr. Peterson because he was considerably involved and seemed to have a far more reaching level of engagement and presence, whom I met outside of the mint on 27 March 2014 when the BHoFs sold out at the HQ kiosk.., very affable, honest, and easy to talk to. The year,… Read more »