Ozark Riverways Quarter Launch Ceremony Highlights

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On Monday, June 5, quarters honoring Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri were officially introduced to the public.

coin pour
Representative Paul Fitzwater, Congressman Jason Smith, National Park Service Deputy Regional Director Patty Trap, United States Mint Plant Senior Advisor Michele Satchell, and Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson participate in the ceremonial coin pour during the launch of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarter in Eminence, MO, June 5, 2017. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Around 1,600 people went to the launch ceremony that was held at the site featured on the quarter and hosted by representatives from the United States Mint and National Park Service. Attendees included more than 700 schoolchildren who received an Ozark Riverways quarter for free.

Ozark Riverways Quarter crowd
A crowd of about 1,600 people witnesses the June 5, 2017, ceremonial launch. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

kids and free quarters
Kids proudly hold their new Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarters. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

U.S. Mint Senior Advisor Michele Satchell shared the stage with former NASA astronaut Tom Akers, who served as master of ceremonies of the event.

Michele Satchell
Michele Satchell, Senior Advisor, Office of Director, United States Mint, addresses the crowd gathered at the ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
Former NASA Astronaut Tom Akers
Former NASA Astronaut Tom Akers served as Master of Ceremonies. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

"Vital to the community here a century ago, the mill stands as a tribute to our ability to harness the power of the environment and reminds us of a way of life heavily shaped by the remote and rugged landscape in which it endured," Satchell told onlookers.

The Baker Family, an award-winning bluegrass band from South Central Missouri, entertained the crowd. The quarter’s designer Ron Sanders, an artist in the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, was also on hand.

The Baker Family
The Baker Family entertains the audience before ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
Artist Ron Sanders
Artist Ron Sanders is recognized for his design of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarter. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Other speakers included Congressman Jason Smith; Patricia Trap, Deputy Regional Director for the National Park Service; Paul Fitzwater, Missouri State Representative, who represented Governor Eric Greitens; Larry Johnson, Superintendent of Ozark National Scenic Riverways; David Stokely, District Director, SW and South Central Missouri, who represented Senator Claire McCaskill; and Caroline Yielding, Field Representative for Southeast Missouri, who represented Senator Roy Blunt.

First-day quarters presentation
Michele Satchell, Senior Advisor, Office of Director, United States Mint, presents Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarters struck on the first day of production to National Park Service Deputy Regional Director Patty Trap and Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Security Bank of the Ozarks sponsored a coin exchange that followed the ceremony. The local bank exchanged about $26,000 in P-mint mark quarters.

quarter exchange
Rolls of Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarters are exchanged following the launch ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Another highlight for 72 collectors and local enthusiasts was a coin forum held on the evening before the ceremony where attendees listed to and asked questions of Mint officials.

Ozark Riverways quarters also started entering circulation on Monday. While the ceremony kicked off, the U.S. Mint released Ozark Riverways quarters in rolls and bags. Available options include coins struck at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints at prices that range from $18.95 to $46.95. (See photos of the quarter.)

Photos of 2017 Ozark National Scenic Riverways Quarters
CoinNews photos of 2017 Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarters

The U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program was introduced in 2010 and will commemorate 56 national parks and other sites through 2021. The Ozark Riverways quarter is the 38th released and third of the five for 2017.

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